NAIROBI, Kenya – The World Bank’s private investment arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has again refused to directly compensate individuals who suffered sexual, physical, and financial harm at Bridge International Academies, a chain of schools it funded in Kenya.
This decision comes despite demands from the affected individuals and pressure from civil society advocates, U.S. senators, and an internal watchdog.
On Thursday, the World Bank Group’s Executive Board will vote on the IFC’s plan to address harms related to its $13.5 million investment in Bridge International Academies. This follows a lengthy investigation that concluded in December.
The Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) found significant failures in school safety and labor practices at Bridge schools in Kenya, according to a leaked summary of its draft report.
The CAO recommended that the IFC collaborate with Bridge to compensate the affected individuals. However, the IFC’s proposal declines to do so, according to sources familiar with the case.
Civil society groups are strongly criticizing the IFC’s response.
“The truth is that the IFC knew about these problems. They failed to act when they became aware of the problems,” said Angelo Gavrielatos, campaign manager at Education International. “That is reckless and complicit behavior. It’s long overdue that they establish a remedy and contribute to that remedy for those who have been harmed.”
The IFC declined to comment specifically on the plan, stating only that its policy is to publicize its action plans following board approval.
Investigation Findings
Since 2018, the CAO has investigated multiple complaints against Bridge International Academies, which opened in Kenya in 2009, for issues including school safety and sexual abuse.
Reporting by The Intercept and CAO’s probes revealed that students, parents, and teachers in Kenya were harmed due to Bridge’s misconduct and the IFC’s failure to supervise its investment. Bridge did not respond to requests for comment.
The CAO’s investigations uncovered that over 100 Bridge students suffered potentially preventable injuries, and at least two student fatalities occurred during the IFC’s investment.
The CAO recommended that the IFC work with Bridge to develop fair compensation processes.
However, the IFC’s proposed management action plan (MAP), set for World Bank board approval on June 13, does not include direct compensation for the victims.
Call for Direct Compensation
Experts argue that direct compensation is crucial. “The best way for the IFC to make amends is to give money directly to survivors, acknowledging their suffering and giving them autonomy,” said David Pred, executive director of Inclusive Development International.
There is a global precedent for providing compensation to abuse survivors, including a 2017 World Bank report on sexual misconduct during a Bank-funded project in Uganda.
Survivors Speak Out
Emily, a Kenyan woman who filed a complaint about sexual assault at a Bridge school, emphasizes the importance of acknowledgment.
“I didn’t consider myself; I considered my father. He was always at the police station,” said Emily. “He wanted me to go through this process and get justice, not only for myself but for others.”
The IFC’s approach to compensation has faced backlash before. After the CAO’s investigation into child sexual abuse at Bridge schools, the IFC proposed a collective response program instead of direct payments.
Civil society organizations condemned this plan, urging the World Bank board to reject it. However, the board approved the plan.
Ongoing Efforts
World Bank President Ajay Banga has expressed regrets over the IFC’s handling of the Bridge investment.
In a recent fireside chat, Banga referred to Bridge as a stain on the World Bank’s reputation, emphasizing the need to investigate and address the issues openly.
Despite the challenges, survivors like Emily continue to seek justice and support.
“The more we meet, the more I learn new things,” said Emily, who has become a leader among other survivors, encouraging them to report their experiences. “We have a voice,” she declared.
Emily remains determined to honor her father’s memory and pursue her dream of becoming a counselor, helping other survivors heal. “But for that, I need money for school,” she said.
The World Bank Group has not responded to requests for comment.
