Moving in and Moving up: Migration and Schooling Outcomes among Children in Nairobi Slums

Kanyiva Muindi, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Evangeline N Nderu, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Ousmane Faye, Université de Liège

This paper seeks to establish whether there is a difference in various schooling outcomes among recent migrants and long term residents in two slum communities in Nairobi. Data come from two longitudinal studies; the Nairobi urban demographic and health surveillance system (NUHDSS) and the education research project that is nested on the NUHDSS. Most of the existing research is based on mobility into better environments, however, this study will be looking at a situation that is unique- mobility into a poorer physical environment and areas lacking in school infrastructure. Results indicate that although recent migrants are less likely to progress from one grade to another, they are also less likely to drop out of school compared to long term residents. These findings have implications on existing education policy which should take special consideration of migrant children, who have to adjust to various challenges including but not limited to schooling.