Paul Obuya, a 30-year-old primary school teacher at Damacrest School in Kiambu County has been living in one of the classrooms since April when his landlord kicked him out of his house.
Obuya, a father of three had to sell most of the things in his house to settle his landlord’s debt.
He sold them for Ksh10,000 and later moved into one of the classes together with his three kids and wife. He would soon be joined by five other teachers who could not raise rent.
Together, they have been living in classroom located on the five-storey complex that houses the administration block and staffroom.
“We were no longer able to pay house rent or meet other basic needs. Our director housed us in classrooms. She allowed me to stay in one of the classrooms, which I have made my home,” he told the Star.
Obuya is a salaried teacher at the private institution with a monthly pay of Ksh25,000. His house rent took up Ksh7,000.
He is grateful that the school is paying him a small amount of money for e-learning which he has conducting since the pandemic struck.
Besides, he has been accommodated.
Damacrest’s director Florence Wamakima explained that she was touched by their plight and all she could do for them was provide shelter.
Wamakima who is an educator courtesy of the Catholic Church which schooled her at the Precious Blood High School.
“I am a ‘hustler’. I was born and raised in Kawangware by a single parent. We were among the first ones to sell sukumawiki near Nakumatt Prestige along Ngong Road. My mother couldn’t afford school fees,” Wamakima narrated.
“I know what it means to be poor. I was born and raised in Gatina,” she added.
Damacrest Schools have 177 teachers and 800 pupils.