The worsening drought in Kenya is driving the rise in the number of out-of-school children, according to a report by the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE International).

It is understood that 46 percent of the 50 schools reviewed in its survey reported persistent absenteeism with three schools reporting attendance of less than 50 percent of learners as a result of the ongoing climate shock.

Four consecutive failed rainy seasons and a climate event not seen in at least 40 years have left the Horn of Africa drought-stricken and food insecure.

About 2.5 million people in Kenya are already experiencing deep food insecurity as a result of the drought.

In a statement, CARE revealed that the worsening impact of the climate shock is taking its toll on school-age children, calling for urgent intervention.

Data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) indicates that more than 1.8 million Kenyan children between the ages of six and 18 are out of school.

‘We found that 99 percent of children who had dropped out of school between September and October 2022 did so due to the drought situation’, CARE’s Interim Country Director, Mwende Kusewa, said.

About 84 percent of those who attend class sessions have short attention spans and concentration with most students falling asleep due to hunger.

‘Learning is not taking place in schools; the children are hungry and sleeping in class or distracted and they come to school hoping to get food in the school’, Kajiado Central Sub-County Education Director, Job Kaikai, said.

It was gathered that the lack of food has had a negative impact on the lives of learners, especially in primary schools.

‘Many parents indicated that they are taking loans and prioritising purchasing food and water for their families and livestock over paying school fees’, CARE’s Start Small Education Project Manager, Pamela Agum, added.

Photo source: CARE International