Food crisis might force closure of 10 schools
Pupils scoop food from a sufuria during feeding time at a school. The EU has provided the National Drought Management Agency with Sh570 million for its drought crisis preparedness and response fund, the agency said in a press statement.. PHOTO/JARED NYATAYA
What you need to know:
- Attendance declines after parents move elsewhere moved elsewhere with their children in search of food and water.
Lack of food and water may force officials to close more than 10 primary schools in drought-ravaged Baringo North sub-county.
A spot check by the Nation at Bartabwa, Saimo-Soi and Barwessa wards on Thursday showed low attendance in many schools as most parents had moved elsewhere with their children in search of food and water.
Chepkewel, Moinonin, Loruk, Ng’aratuko, Kosile, Kagir, Yatia and Kamenjo schools are among the affected institutions.
At Kagir Primary School in Saimo-Soi ward, only 131 pupils were in class, down from 229.
Some pupils have not reported for class this term.
Headteacher Petro Chirchir told the Nation that although the school was under the government school-feeding programme, its resources were overstretched.
INSECURITY
“Children from neighbouring villages flock to the school during lunch time as they have no food in their homes, putting a strain on the little we have. We may close in a week if the situation continues like this,” said Mr Chirchir.
He added: “The only borehole available is no longer in use as solar panels for powering the pump were stolen by some armed bandits.”
The school was closed throughout the first term in 2013 due to insecurity. One pupil died in an attack by bandits.
The bandits also broke into the school store and staff room and made away with books and food.
The attendance at Tuluk Boarding Primary School in Bartabwa ward stands at 360.
Most parents say they cannot afford school fees.
“Many parents have been requesting that I pay their children’s fees until the situation improves. Is it possible to pay for more than 100 pupils?” asked Mr Zachayo Cherutich, the headteacher.
