Garissa pupils drop out of school as drought bites

Garissa pupils drop out of school as drought bites

Hundreds of learners in Garissa County have dropped out of school ahead of this year’s national examinations due to the prolonged drought that continues to ravage the northern Kenya region.

A spot check conducted by Citizen Digital reveals that enrollment in a number of schools has dropped significantly during the drought period began in October 2016.

Records at Dihle Nur Primary School show that the number of enrolled pupils has reduced from 230 in October 2016 to 124 in October 2017.

The school’s Head teacher, Mr Abdikadir Jirma, says that as it stands eight out of 15 Kenya Certificate of Primary School (KCPE) candidates are either studying on their own or have dropped out of school completely.

“The situation is not good most students have been forced to migrate with their parents in search of water and pasture. Currently 8 out of 15 KCPE students are not in session, the school is being forced to solicit for water from parents in order to cook food for the remaining children,” says Mr Jirma.

Acknowledging the situation, National Drought Management Authority coordinator for Garissa County, Mr Abdinoor Dubow said that most of the learners have been left with no choice but to migrate with their parents in search of water and pasture for their livestock.

“The drought has affected learning but the national government with support from county and international partners is closely monitoring the situation and we are doing everything possible to mitigate the ongoing drought including water tracking which we have been doing since 2016,” said Mr Dubow.

He stated that Fafi, Lagdera and Balambala Sub Counties have been the most affected.

Hassan Ismail of Woman Kind Kenya, a non-governmental organization that deals with climate change, has asked the government to find permanent solutions to people affected by the dry spell saying there is urgent need for the government to find a resolution.

“These children who don’t even have enough teachers are out of school to look for water elsewhere and they are expected to do same national examinations with the rest of the country, the government must wake up and find ways to keep children in school,” Mr Ismail expressed.

The locals are now calling on the government to intervene to mitigate effects of the drought that has resulted in the deaths of livestock in the area.

 

Tags:

Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) Garissa County drought Geylab Primary School students in Garissa County study on Friday October 14 2017 most of the pupils have dropped out of school ahead of KCPE due to the drought affecting the region National Drought Management Authority coordinator for Garissa County Mr Abdinoor Dubow

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories