How education is emerging as a powerful weapon in Kenya’s fight against slums and urban poverty

Kenya’s efforts to transform informal settlements are increasingly taking a broader development approach, with education emerging as one of the most important tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, improving security and creating opportunities for future generations.

Rather than focusing solely on upgrading houses, roads, drainage systems and other physical infrastructure, the government is seeking to address the social and economic conditions that sustain poverty in informal settlements. At the centre of this approach is the recognition that transforming neighbourhoods must also involve transforming the lives and future prospects of the children growing up in them.

This philosophy has been highlighted by Dr Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, who argues that sustainable slum upgrading must go beyond physical improvements to create opportunities that enable families to escape intergenerational poverty.

A major milestone in the school’s modernisation came in February, when President William Ruto commissioned and handed over a modern 16-classroom facility known as the Singapore Block. The project is an investment in the learning environment of thousands of children and shows how improved infrastructure can support the delivery of education reforms.

For learners from economically disadvantaged households, access to adequate classrooms, learning resources and qualified teachers can make a significant difference in their educational journey. Modern facilities also give teachers an environment in which to implement the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, which emphasises practical skills, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and the development of individual talents.

One of the most significant arguments in Dr Omollo’s statement is that education can help break the circumstances that reproduce poverty across generations. Children growing up in informal settlements often face multiple challenges, including household poverty, overcrowding, limited access to essential services and inadequate learning environments. These difficulties can affect school attendance, academic performance and the ability of young people to transition into higher education, technical training and employment.

Investing in education provides an opportunity to interrupt this cycle. A child who receives quality education has a better chance of acquiring the knowledge, competencies and qualifications required to participate in the economy. Through primary and junior education, followed by senior school, universities and technical and vocational education and training institutions, learners can develop pathways towards productive employment, entrepreneurship and financial independence. The broader implication is that slum upgrading should not only improve the conditions in which families currently live but also expand the opportunities available to their children.

Dr Omollo also draws attention to the relationship between education and national security, arguing that sustainable security in informal settlements requires more than policing and administrative interventions. The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration considers education an important component of long-term social stability.

Children and young people who have access to quality education, supportive teachers and realistic opportunities for advancement are better positioned to participate positively in society. Conversely, limited educational opportunities, unemployment and persistent economic exclusion can expose vulnerable young people to exploitation, criminal activities and other social risks. This does not mean that poverty automatically leads to crime. Rather, it underscores the importance of addressing the structural challenges that can increase vulnerability in disadvantaged communities.

Safer neighbourhoods require functioning public institutions, effective administration, accessible social services and opportunities for residents to improve their livelihoods. Education contributes to this process by empowering individuals and strengthening their capacity to participate in national development.

Kenya Beyond Vision 2030

The approach also connects to the broader ambition of Kenya Beyond Vision 2030, which seeks to extend the country’s development aspirations beyond physical infrastructure and economic growth. Sustainable urban transformation requires coordinated investment in housing, education, healthcare, sanitation, transport and employment opportunities.

Despite the significance of new infrastructure, the success of such investments will ultimately depend on their long-term management and the quality of education delivered. A modern classroom alone cannot guarantee improved learning outcomes. Schools also require adequate teachers, learning materials, sanitation facilities, appropriate funding and effective institutional support. For an institution serving more than 4,200 learners, continued investment must also consider enrolment growth, classroom capacity and the availability of facilities for both primary and junior education. Equally important is ensuring that children from the poorest households are not excluded by financial and social barriers.

The broader challenge for Kenya is to ensure that urban renewal programmes produce measurable improvements in education access, learning outcomes, employment opportunities and household livelihoods. The transformation of informal settlements cannot be measured only by the appearance of new buildings, improved roads or modern housing. Its lasting success will be reflected in whether children from disadvantaged communities can access quality education, acquire relevant skills, secure meaningful opportunities and build better lives than those of previous generations.

The message from Kangemi is therefore significant: ending the cycle of slum poverty requires more than changing where people live. It requires changing the opportunities available to the people who will shape the country’s future.