A section of parents in Kibera have urged the national government to pay the striking teachers their dues so that learning in public schools can resume.
The parents, most of them mothers, said Wednesday they are having difficulties in monitoring their children and feared that they may engage in activities that will endanger their lives.
A spot check showed that some of the idling children now play on the roads within the slum in total disregard of their safety and risk being knocked down by speeding motorbikes and matatus.
And as the government and the teachers' unions row over the salary hike, the parents also want the government to fast track the construction of the Kibera Social grounds so that their children can have a safer playground.
Ruth Akoth, a mother of two sons said she is also worried that her two sons are missing out on studies.
“I am worried because they are not getting quality education as I want them to. This teachers' strike is inconveniencing them. If only I had money, I would enroll them in a private school. Right now they would be in school,’ said Akoth.
Jennipher Morara on the other hand is trusting in God that public schools will open soon so that her child goes to school.
She said she has been forced to teach her daughter to keep her busy.
“I give her work to do and after marking, we revise and know the way forward. My daughter always performs well in class and I fear the strike will impact negatively on her studies. I don’t want her to fail her end of year examinations if they will ever sit them,’’ she said.