Education activities remained disrupted across Thika in Kiambu County on Monday, May 18, 2026, as the ongoing nationwide protests over high fuel prices continued to keep most learners away from school.

A spot check by People Daily Digital in several learning institutions revealed deserted classrooms, with many schools failing to resume normal operations as parents and transport operators remained uncertain over the prevailing situation.

At St Johns High Visioned Academy, no learners or teachers were present during the visit, highlighting the extent to which the protests have affected the education sector.

Private school owners in the area now fear that prolonged disruptions could interfere with the implementation of the second-term academic calendar.

Fuel crisis hits education

Speaking to journalists in Thika town, Thika Sub-County Private Schools Association Chairperson Rose Kirika accused the government of failing to address the rising fuel costs, saying the crisis was hurting all sectors of the economy, including education.

“We contribute significantly to the economy, and most school buses begin picking learners as early as 4am. The fuel crisis has heavily affected the education sector and we urge the government to move swiftly and address the issue,” Kirika said.

She warned that continued delays in resolving the standoff could worsen the country’s economic situation and further derail learning activities.

“We will be greatly affected if the ongoing strike is not addressed soon. Second-term learning activities could face more delays because nothing is happening across many sectors. Schools have not closed because of a directive from the Ministry of Education but because parents are uncertain about the outcome of the protests,” she added.

The ongoing demonstrations have continued to disrupt transport and business operations in several parts of the country, with concerns growing over the impact on education, trade, and daily livelihoods.