Ministry ‘forceful’ Takeover of 30 Years Slum School leaves 800 Pupils at Risk.
The ongoing conflict over Gatoto Primary School in Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums, Nairobi, has left 800 pupils and 44 staff members uncertain about their future. The dispute escalated when the Ministry of Education forcibly assumed control, sidelining the school’s long-standing funders.
The school, managed by the Gatoto Integrated Development Program (GIDP) since 1994, has been a cornerstone for the local community.
Starting as a modest learning center with five untrained teachers and 370 students, it evolved into a well-equipped institution with 28 teachers, 16 support staff, multiple classrooms, a library, a kitchen, and modern facilities—all funded by the NGO.
However, tensions arose when the government appointed a new headteacher without consulting the existing management.
The conflict began last week with the arrival of Ms. Margaret Kimani, reportedly posted by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), accompanied by five teachers. Local leaders supported the change, with Chief David Ndirangu confirming the government’s takeover.
He noted that seven teachers had been assigned by the government and that new accounts were being opened for the school.
While Ms. Kimani refrained from commenting on the developments, she referred inquiries to local education authorities. Attempts to reach Education Officer Mary Kimeu and Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang were unsuccessful, leaving many questions unanswered.
Staff and Funding Uncertainties
The school’s employees face an uncertain future. A worker revealed that TSC-registered teachers were warned against resigning, but concerns over salaries remain unresolved. The presence of five TSC-appointed teachers has exacerbated fears among non-TSC staff about job security.
“We don’t know who will pay us. Two teachers have already left without resigning formally, and more may follow,” said an unnamed staff member.
The food supply has also dwindled, with only 50 sacks of maize left, primarily used for porridge. Teachers and students now rely on minimal rations, signaling a potential crisis.
Felix Mwangangi, chairman of the school, criticized the Ministry of Education for bypassing consultations before declaring the school a public institution. He highlighted the challenges, including disrupted food supplies and the destruction of the school’s greenhouse and pig-rearing projects.
“The unilateral decision by the government has disrupted the school’s smooth operations,” he lamented. He warned that the remaining food stock—50 sacks of maize and 80 sacks of beans—would last only two weeks.
Impact on Students and Alumni
Parents and alumni have voiced concerns over the changes. Ruth Ndunge, a mother of six, shared her anguish over the loss of GIDP funding, which had been paying school fees for her children. She fears her three secondary school children might have to drop out.
“The previous management ensured children from poor backgrounds continued their education. Now, I don’t know what will happen,” she said.
Onchuru Victor, a university student in Rwanda, also expressed concern, noting that the government’s actions could jeopardize his education funding. He questioned the government’s understanding of the program’s impact.
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Former pupil Jackline Wamaitha credited the school with transforming her life through free quality education, enabling her to pursue culinary arts.
She now worries about the future of children from low-income families, asking, “Who will sponsor these children to complete secondary school or attend university?”
Steven Ndolo Wambua, another alumnus, attributed his academic success to Gatoto, which provided education to underprivileged children. He urged the government to collaborate with current sponsors rather than marginalize them.
As uncertainty looms, the community remains hopeful that a solution preserving Gatoto’s legacy will be reached. Many call for a sustainable approach to ensure continued support for students and families relying on the school’s resources.
Ministry ‘forceful’ Takeover of 30 Years Slum School leaves 800 Pupils at Risk.
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