Kibera demolitions disrupt learning as schools brought down

The fate of hundreds of school children in Kibera slum hangs in the balance after at least four schools were brought down.

Hundreds of children now are now unable to continue with their education in the expansive informal settlement.

The demolitions have caused an uproar in several quarters with leaders demanding that those affected be compensated.

“Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have given government 7 days to ensure victims of forceful eviction in Kibera are compensated. They support the project but want the evictions to be done humanely and in accordance with the Law,” the Orange Democratic Movement said on Twitter.

The demolitions are meant to pave way for the construction of a Ksh.2billion link road cutting through Kibera.

Anxious parents raised questions as to how their kids are expected to prepare for the national examinations.

The Kibera demolitions come slightly over a month before schools are scheduled to re-open for third term, when the exams begin.

Over 30,000 Kibera residents are reported to have been rendered homeless.

While the government says it gave them ample time to move, residents maintain that they required compensation that was not forthcoming.

Though residents have registered at the local chief’s office, it is not clear whether there are funds set aside to compensate them.

The future of hundreds of pupils and their parents of Kibera however remains uncertain.