Living Conditions

Slum clearance on March 14, 2011

The Kambi Suswa slum area of Moi's Bridge was demolished by the city council saying it was a hideout for thugs and criminals. This created an emergency situation. 250 adults and 650 children had nowhere but the streets to sleep. 94 of the children were from the Waymarks Education Center.

This was an unexpected action which took the local community by surprise. Accommodations were found through the generosity of local church members who took in many of the children. Shelter had to be rented for the remainder of the children. Aid2Africa, with loving support of UK Churches were able provided blankets and mattresses.

The James Murray Children's Home

There were other problems that emerged. A small number of the girls were found to be in dwellings where they were mistreated. After discussion it was decided to provide a Children's Home. This new facility will provide emergency accommodations for up to 15 children and two adult caretakers.

Construction of the Children's Home has already begun, see pictures below. The facility is named after it's benefactor.

The Slum Will Be Back

It is inevitable that the slum will grow back soon. There is no other alternative for these people if they remain in Moi's Bridge.

The children from the slum live in extreme poverty. Everything you can imagine is inadequate, no water, no bathrooms, no heat, little protection from the weather.... But there are rats and other disease carrying parasites. Just look at the actual pictures from Moi'sBridge and imaging yourself living there.

Slum Housing

No electricity, plumbing, or air-conditioning. It is also especially dangerous at night in this community.

The Children

Life is very difficult for these children. We are hoping a better education will offer them some opportunities in their lives.

Grass Huts

There is also a shanty town. I don't have pictures but those houses are made of anything people can find.

Slum Housing

Here you can see Peter and his wife Edwina. They are volunteers from Aid2Africa a UK charity we are working with to help these children. They visited the school in fall 2009. With their help we have an accurate assessment of the needs and the progress of aid projects.

Living Conditions Projects

PROJECT: Children’s Home Completion

The Kambi Suswa slum demolition is just one example of emergency situations that occur from time to time leaving children without food and shelter.

In 2011 a decision was made to build a Children’s home for the purpose of proving immediate care for vulnerable and orphaned children. This would be done on the school property. Fortunately a benefactor donated the funds needed to construct the first building for girls.

The next phase is to build a similar structure for young boys. This project must also include furnishings, beds, mattresses, blankets, tables, chairs, etc. Electricity must be installed because the government will not approve a Children’s home without security lighting.

PROJECT: Water Pump and Tank

In this rural setting not many people have access to fresh clean water. This is a great health hazard. Aid2Africa recently completed a well on the school property. What remains is to provide a pump and a storage tank.

PROJECT: Urinal Pits

Aid2Africa recently funded the completion of toilets on the school property. In order to address the increase in children attending the school and the longevity of the toilets plans exist to construct two urinal pits.

PROJECT: Children’s Uniforms and Clothing

Each year the school takes in more children, and they invariably need clothing. Also, children grow rapidly and even though often clothes can be handed down there is a annual need. The school uniform is the only clothing many of these children have. This includes, a shirt or pants or shorts, a shirt, a sweater or jacket, and a pair of shoes.

Each year funds are needed for school uniforms. Many children have few if any items of clothing other than their school uniforms. Some of the children have caretakers who cannot afford to buy clothes and also fail to provide regular food.