DROUGHT crisis forces Baringo learners out of school

Learners Forced to Drop Out

A visit to several schools  reveals an alarming situation.Many classrooms remain nearly empty, with only a handful of students struggling to concentrate on their lessons. Some children are too weak to walk long distances to school, while others have joined their families in migrating to areas with better water and pasture for livestock.

"We used to have over 200 pupils, but now we hardly get 50 in attendance," says Margaret , a headteacher at a primary school in the local. "Most of our learners have either moved away with their families or are simply too hungry to sit through lessons."

According to local education officials, at least 110 schools in the region have reported a sharp decline in student numbers. In South, over 100 learning institutions are struggling to keep their doors open as families flee to areas with more water and food.

Hunger and Water Shortages Affect Learning

For those who remain in school, learning is a daily battle against hunger. Many students go for days without proper meals, making it difficult for them to concentrate in class. Schools that previously relied on government and donor-funded feeding programs are now running out of food supplies, leaving learners with no option but to stay home.

"Sometimes I come to school without eating anything," says 10-year-old , a student in North. "By midday, I feel too weak to continue with lessons, and I just want to sleep."

The water crisis has also taken a toll on education. In many schools, students have to walk several kilometers to fetch water before lessons begin. Some spend hours at drying rivers, waiting for water to seep through the cracked ground. Others miss school altogether to help their parents search for water for household use and livestock.

Impact on Girls' Education

The drought has disproportionately affected girls, who face additional challenges such as increased domestic responsibilities and early marriages. With families struggling to put food on the table, some parents are marrying off their daughters in exchange for dowry as a survival strategy.

"Some girls have dropped out because they are being married off," says a local administrator  "Parents believe this is the only way to secure their survival during these tough times."

Government and Humanitarian Interventions

In response to the crisis, the National Drought Management Authority  and other humanitarian organizations have stepped in to provide temporary relief. Water trucking services have been deployed to some schools, and food aid is being distributed to the most affected families. However, these efforts are not enough to address the long-term challenges facing learners in the region.

"Short-term interventions like food aid are helpful, but we need sustainable solutions," says Peter Komen, a local education officer. "We need a permanent school feeding program, improved water supply systems, and policies that ensure children stay in school even during drought seasons."

        

Call for Urgent Action

With the drought showing no signs of easing, education stakeholders are calling on the government and development partners to scale up interventions. They are urging for the expansion of school feeding programs, drilling of boreholes, and provision of emergency relief to prevent further school dropouts.

"We cannot afford to lose a generation of learners to drought," says Komen. "Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and we must do everything possible to keep our children in school."

As the crisis deepens, the future of thousands of learners in Baringo remains uncertain. Without urgent intervention, the drought could leave a lasting impact on education in the region, robbing children of their right to learn and build a better future.