A growing trend of schools collecting learners in the early hours of the morning has ignited public debate in Kenya, after a man confronted a school driver for picking up children at 4 a.m.
The incident, reported by Capital FM on February 19, 2026, has drawn widespread attention online and within communities. According to the man, some learners are being forced to wake as early as 3 a.m. to prepare for school — a routine he questioned for its impact on children’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Education stakeholders and child welfare advocates warn that insufficient sleep can harm children’s concentration, memory, mood, and overall development. Experts stress that school-age children require adequate rest to support learning and healthy growth.
Safety concerns have also emerged. Pre-dawn travel exposes learners to risks linked to poor visibility, driver fatigue, and extended hours on the road. Parents say the early pickups are often driven by long commuting distances and heavy urban traffic, which push schools to adjust transport schedules to ensure punctual arrival for morning classes.
While some parents acknowledge the logistical pressures schools face, many are urging a review of transport arrangements to prioritise learners’ wellbeing. The incident has renewed calls for clearer national guidelines on school transport operations, including reasonable pickup times and safety standards.
As debate continues, stakeholders are calling on schools, transport providers, and regulators to work collaboratively to balance operational efficiency with the best interests of the child.
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