By Wacuka Maina
Every Friday morning, while classrooms fill with learners, a different routine unfolds at West Market. School-going boys spend the day washing gunias and running errands for traders in exchange of small wages. Some boys earn between 120 and 240 shillings depending on the amount of work available. The money is reportedly used to buy food, personal items, and occasionally support small household needs. However, beneath this reasoning lies a growing concern: education is being sacrificed for survival.
Investigations revealed that many boys leave home dressed in school uniform, giving parents the impression that they are attending classes. Instead, some later change clothes and report to work at the market. Traders and workers familiar with the trend explained that absenteeism has become common on Fridays because it coincides with market day.
According to Stevenson Kalabai a parent at St, Patricks primary school some learners deliberately avoid lessons scheduled on Fridays, particularly mathematics lessons and to avoid punishment, many reportedly return to school with excuses such as illness. Mr Kalabai explained that he understood very well how Missing one day of school every week translates into a major loss of learning time, especially in subjects that require consistency and continuous practice.
Mercyline Janira from Kilimani Buda CBO who Lives in Kamukunji where most students and their parents reside explains that parents remain unaware that their children are missing school. Struggling with low wages, long working hours, and the high cost of living, most leave home early and return late, trusting that their children are in class. Their absence creates a gap that many boys quietly exploit.
At West Market, traders insist they are helping rather than exploiting the children. “These boys come here hungry,” trader Francis Mbugua explained. “We give them something to do so they can earn.” Their willingness to provide work continues to sustain the cycle of absenteeism.
Caroline Samoe the market administrator confirmed that the market management is aware of the issue. She revealed that officers were once sent to remove the boys from the market, but they later returned. She blamed the traders at the market for employing underage children for their own benefits.
Following the investigation, St. Patrick’s Primary School mathematics teacher Mr. Kinyanjui expressed shock after learning that boys were skipping school to work on the market. Mr. Kinyanjui reported declining academic performance, missed lessons, and increasing disengagement among boys. He said the school would issue stern warnings and punish learners found absent on market days. He also contacted Township Primary School administration to encourage similar action.
If left unaddressed, the problem risks creating a generation trapped in low-paying work instead of classrooms and future opportunities. The market administration, trader’s ad parents need to work to break this cycle.
