Education is a fundamental right for every child, serving as a key to unlocking their potential and achieving their dreams. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate modern challenges and improve their livelihoods. Education is not just a personal asset but a global goal, recognized as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
However, this ideal remains out of reach for many children in climate-change-stricken areas. In Kenya’s ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) regions, frequent droughts and floods have created harsh conditions for education. These areas face severe challenges, including high dropout rates, dusty and inadequate learning environments, and malnutrition due to poverty and poor food production. According to Save the Children in 2022, more than 2 million children did not attend their third term classes due to the drought that affected the country at that time. Fatigue from long water-fetching trips, insecurity, and a shortage of teachers further complicate the situation. Teenage pregnancies also exacerbate educational disruptions.
Alarmingly, 90% of the over 2 million Kenyan children who have never been to school live in the ASALs. This highlights a critical gap in educational access that needs urgent attention. Statistical data further reveals that students in these regions often perform poorly in final exams compared to their counterparts in more stable areas. For instance, according to the 2023 FLANA report, Mandera County tops the list of counties with the highest number of children out of school at 27.2%, followed by Marsabit at 24.9%, Turkana at 22.6%, and Samburu, West Pokot, and Tana River Counties.
To address these issues, it is crucial for all stakeholders – government bodies, NGOs, and local communities – to collaborate and invest in these regions. The Ministry of ASALs and county governments must allocate more resources and make targeted efforts to enhance living conditions and educational opportunities. Additionally, NACONEK (National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya) needs to be adequately resourced to effectively implement its mandate in addressing the educational challenges faced in these areas. NGOs like Waso Green Movement are leading the charge in Isiolo County, working to make the area greener and more habitable.
Join us for upcoming sessions where we will explore solutions and advocate for better educational conditions in these vulnerable regions. Together, we can ensure every child has a future as bright as those in more favorable environments.
By Boniface Harrison
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