It’s a sunny Wednesday morning in Mukuru, Nairobi. A group of children in colorful uniforms gather outside a small, worn-out building. Their chatter is a lively mix of hope and curiosity. But behind their laughter lies a serious challenge—there simply aren’t enough public schools to go around.
For decades, Nairobi has wrestled with a severe shortage of public education facilities. With over 4 million people calling the city home, only 225 government-run primary schools are operational. It is hardly a number to match the demand that’s rapidly ballooning.
Parents in Mukuru and other informal settlements face a Hobson’s choice: to send their children to the grossly overcrowded public schools or to the so-called low-fee private institutions commonly referred to as APBET schools. Many of these makeshift schools operate without any regulation in place, which raises concern over safety and the quality of education.
“I want my children to have a better life,” says Amina, a mother of three, as she watches her youngest skip into a classroom with a leaking roof. “But finding a good school here is almost impossible.”
Government Steps In
Recognizing the dire need, President William Ruto recently announced a bold initiative to construct 3,500 new classrooms across Nairobi. It’s a plan that has sparked both optimism and skepticism among locals.
“It’s a good start,” says Peter Mwangi, a teacher at a local APBET school. “But we need more than buildings. We need books, trained teachers, and resources to support the students properly.”
The government’s commitment to infrastructure is a step forward, but the journey to accessible, quality education for all is far from over.
The Human Cost of the Education Gap
For children like James, an 8-year-old with big dreams of becoming a pilot, the current system feels like a game of chance. His school, which lacks basic amenities, relies on untrained teachers to fill the gap.
“Sometimes we don’t have lessons because the teacher doesn’t come,” James shares, his eyes downcast. “But I keep studying because I want to fly planes one day.”
It is a tale of the resilience and determination of so many young Kenyans.
Moving Forward
As Nairobi moves to confront its educational crisis, the focus must remain firmly on the children—guaranteeing that they not only have classrooms but also the wherewithal to dream and succeed. Only by joining hands together can local communities, policymakers, and educators ensure a future wherein every child, regardless of his or her background, has the opportunity to succeed.
Because, as Amina puts it, “Our children are the heart of this city. If we fail them, we fail ourselves.”
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