Food Insecurity Worsening School Enrollment In Kitui County

Kitui County Director of Education Dr. Isaack Khalif has called on the county government and education stakeholders to implement measures to provide food in schools. This, he says, will not only protect pupils but also boost enrolment, which has been steadily decreasing.

According to Dr. Khalif, the lack of food in schools and homes is a major contributor to the low turnout of pupils joining schools. He urged the county government to revive a program that was previously successful in providing food in schools, which encouraged education in local areas.

"The county government has done a great job in employing ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, but they are facing a challenge of low enrolment," Dr. Khalif said. "If PP1 and PP2 classes don't have enrolment, then the other classes will also be affected, and some schools may be forced to shut down."

Dr. Khalif directed all school heads and the ministry to provide food to learners, regardless of their location or situation. He emphasized that this initiative will particularly benefit schools in hard-to-reach and drought-prone areas, such as Mwingi North, Kitui South, and Kitui Rural.

"Areas like Thagicu, Kyuso, Mutomo, Ikutha, and Lower Yatta will be among the most affected," Dr. Khalif said. "However, there will be no exceptions, and all institutions are expected to provide meals to learners."

The Kitui County Ministry of Education and stakeholders have been tasked with providing meals in schools to improve performance and boost the education sector.