Children drop out of school as hunger ravages arid counties
Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga serves porridge to pupils of Nyakinyua Primary School at Witemere in Nyeri town on October 19, 2022. Schools in arid regions of central and northern Kenya are recording high numbers of absenteeism due to famine, with learners seeking transfer to institutions with feeding programmes.
Many schools in parts of Laikipia, Meru and Isiolo counties which have not received food have reported mass dropping out, with some suspending afternoon lessons altogether.
Pupils are trekking for more than 20 kilometres to have a meal in schools that started receiving food two weeks ago.
Cases of children collapsing in school are on the increase, most being reported in Early Childhood Development Education centres.
Schools in arid regions of central and northern Kenya are recording high numbers of absenteeism due to famine, with learners seeking transfer to institutions with feeding programmes.
Many schools in parts of Laikipia, Meru and Isiolo counties which have not received food have reported mass dropping out, with some suspending afternoon lessons altogether.
