This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On June 18, 2020, the World Bank's Compliance Adviser/Ombudsman (CAO) announced an investigation into the alleged electrocution death of a pupil at a Bridge Academies school in Nairobi's Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums.
The investigation, which began in February 2020, revolves around 'health and safety, access to information and redress at Bridge Academies.'
CAO is an independent watchdog that reviews complaints from communities affected by development projects undertaken by the World Bank's lending arms, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
Bridge International Academies, which describes itself as Africa's largest chain of low-cost schools, has received millions of shillings in funding from the IFC.
According to a complaint filed by a parent of a student enrolled at the Bridge International Academy Kwa Njenga Msq, the alleged electrocution and subsequent death of her son occurred while he was at school.
Bridge Academies has faced criticism in the past for allegedly flouting quality standards, with teachers' unions and civil society groups demanding its closure in 2016.
However, the school's management has rejected these allegations, insisting that it plays a critical role in plugging the gaps in Kenya's education sector.
