A dispute over an 800-pupil school in a Nairobi slum has escalated, with a forceful takeover by the Education ministry leaving learners and 44 staff in limbo.
This is after the school funders were pushed out, and no government support has been forthcoming.
Gatoto Primary School at Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums has served the local community for over 30 years, the conflict having arisen when the ministry appointed a new headteacher without consulting the school's current management. This move lead to widespread dissatisfaction among stakeholders.
The school has been run and managed by the Gatoto Integrated Development Program (GIDP) since 1994, rising from a learning centre with five untrained teachers teaching 370 students in four-roomed wooden building to one that has multiple new classrooms, a library, kitchen, an office block and new toilets.
The school now has 28 teachers and 16 support staff— all paid for and supported by the non-governmental organisation.
The conflict started last week when local leaders backed the coming of Ms Margaret Kimani, who says she was posted to the school by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), together with some five teachers.
She declined to give any further comments on the latest developments but told the Nation that the school was stable and referred any other concerns to the local education authorities.
Local chief David Ndirangu, who welcomed the new headteacher, confirmed that the school was now under government control.
“The administration is new, and things are still settling. As far as I know, the government has sent seven teachers to the school. The government cannot allocate funds for private initiatives, so the new headteacher has begun opening new accounts for the school,” he said.
Attempts to get Embakasi South sub-County Education Officer Mary Kimeu comment on the matter were futile as requests sent to her went unanswered.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang had last week promised to get the ministry standpoint and get back to us by Monday, but had not done so by Tuesday January 14.
Now, the crisis seems not just to be what happens to the over 800 pupils—who had been funded by GIDP—but what the takeover by the government, which has so far not provided any funds, means for the employees of the NGO.
An employee who wished not to be named fearing reprisal said the teachers registered with TSC held a meeting with the new headteacher and were warned against making hasty decisions of resigning.
“As of now, we don't know who will pay us, though the new management assured us. I am just wondering how and when I will get paid,” said the worker.
“Two teachers have already left without even submitting resignation letters. More are considering leaving.”
The anxiety is further heightened by the fact that five teachers sent by TSC are already teaching at the school, leaving the rest without TSC numbers worried about job security.
The employee noted significant changes that have forced teachers and learners to rely on minimal rations of food, which may soon run out.
“There is no breakfast for teachers and pupils now. We only have porridge around 10 o’clock and a small portion of githeri in the afternoon,” lamented the worker.
According to him, only 50 sacks of maize remain, which are primarily used for making porridge.
He said the unilateral decision by the government had disrupted the smooth running of the school in terms of food supply.
“The Ministry of Education never sent any formal communication about turning the school into a public institution. The school currently has more than 800 students, and the food stock will only last for two weeks. There are 50 sacks of maize and 80 sacks of beans remaining,” he said.
Mwangangi also lamented the destruction of the school's greenhouse, which had been used to grow vegetables for learners’ meals. This, he said, is now gone, with even the pigs that were being reared for income having been slaughtered.
The changes at Gatoto Community School have had ripple effects on parents and their children who were beneficiaries of educational funding under GIDP.
Ms Ruth Ndunge, a mother of six, expressed her distress over how to educate her three children currently in secondary school.
She revealed that the GIDP programme had been paying their fees after they excelled in their primary school exams.
“My children haven’t gone back to school because there’s no one to pay their fees. When you see me crying, it’s because I’m overwhelmed with worry. I tried seeking help from the local leaders from the MCA to the MP to no avail,” she said tearfully.
A signpost at Gatoto Community Primary School, Mukuru Kwa Reuben, indicating where classes are allocated.
Photo credit: Fridah Okachi| Nation Media Group
Ms Ndunge praised the previous management for its dedication, noting that GIDP had supported families during crises such as floods by providing food and other essential items.
“This programme followed up on children who performed well and ensured they continued with their education. Now, I don’t know what will happen to my kids.”
Among those affected beneficiaries is Onchuru Victor, a student at the African Leadership University based in Rwanda. He faulted the government's move to take over the school, saying it could affect his education funding.
“This is my third year at university, but now I don't know what will happen since those who were paying my fees might withdraw. The government doesn't seem to understand how this will affect students like me,” he said.
The school had changed her life, she said, by offering her free quality education. Jackline pursued a course in culinary arts after primary school due to her low-income background and treasures the skill up to date. However, she is greatly perturbed by the government's plan to take over the institution.
“Many children here can’t afford school fees elsewhere. When these children leave, who will sponsor them to complete secondary school or go to university? This school has built so many of us, and we’ve seen its benefits,” she said.
Steven Ndolo Wambua, another alumnus who graduated in 2008, also attributed Gatoto as the factor that enabled him to achieve his dream of being a professor.
He pointed out the institution's role in providing free education to children from poor families who are supported by external donors.
“Instead of forcefully grabbing the school, the government should try involving the current sponsors. This way they can ensure they preserve the sponsorship mechanism already provided,” said Wambua.
Some have gone on to achieve greater heights, further cementing the impact of Gatoto.
With the fate of Gatoto Primary School hanging in the balance, community members are still grappling with the changes.
Many hope a resolution that saves the school's legacy is reached and that support this time sustainable will be found for students and family members in need.
