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Poverty, Hunger, and Insecurity Leave Thousands of Children Out of School in West Pokot

Poverty, Hunger, and Insecurity Leave Thousands of Children Out of School in West Pokot

Poverty, Hunger, and Insecurity Leave Thousands of Children Out of School in West Pokot

West Pokot County is facing a severe issue as thousands of children are being deprived of their right to education due to various factors such as poverty, hunger, insecurity, and harmful cultural practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) and early forced marriages.

This unfortunate situation has led to a significant number of school-aged children not attending school in the region.

One of the primary reasons for this educational crisis is the nomadic lifestyle of the pastoralist communities in the area.

The constant movement of parents in search of water and pasture for their livestock disrupts the schooling of their children.

As a result, these children are forced to carry their young siblings to the nearest settlement, known as Manyatta, to access education.

The Children’s Department in West Pokot County reported that by 2022, approximately 40,000 children were not attending school.

Despite efforts by the County Government to raise awareness about the importance of education and provide financial assistance through bursaries, the number of out-of-school children remains alarmingly high.

According to a survey conducted by Uwezo Kenya in 2014, the County had over 60,000 children out of school.

Banditry incidents have also contributed to the dropout rate, while regressive cultural practices and the restriction of education for girls perpetuate the problem.

It is particularly concerning that a survey conducted in the area revealed that many children between the ages of 8 and 13 were not receiving any formal education.

Stanley Pilkan, the Chairperson of the West Pokot Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA), emphasized the need for the government and various stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that all children have access to education.

“We want the Government to ensure that all children are in school. We need to get clear data of children in school, not in school and do a return to school campaign hence need to trace for completion rate to go up,” said Pilkan.

Pilkan called upon community leaders, religious figures, teachers, media, and local administrators to join forces and prioritize the enrollment of children in schools.

He stressed the importance of governmental support, such as paying school fees and improving school infrastructure, to facilitate the return and retention of students.

Affirmative action in education is also necessary to address the challenges faced by learners in pastoral areas, including disabilities, long distances to schools, and lack of financial means.

Pilkan urged the government and non-governmental organizations to establish schools in volatile areas along county borders in the North Rift region, which would serve as a long-term solution to the issue of banditry and cattle rustling.

Furthermore, Pilkan urged Members of Parliament in the region to utilize Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to establish schools and ensure educational opportunities for children.

He also called upon the county government to establish Early Childhood Development (ECD) and adult development centers to combat illiteracy and eradicate harmful cultural practices.

Phillip Wapopa, the West Pokot County Children Officer, highlighted the dire circumstances that force many children to run away from their homes and end up on the streets of major towns due to hunger, poverty, and instability within their households.

The government is actively identifying these vulnerable children and working towards providing them with aid and rehabilitation.

Simon Wamae, the County Education Director, emphasized the importance of collective efforts from all stakeholders to prioritize education.

He encouraged the formation of committees by local chiefs to facilitate children’s enrollment in schools and urged parents to prioritize education for their children, discouraging harmful practices.

Bernard Kimachasi, the Teachers Service Commission Director in the County, called upon residents to embrace education and urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s education, ensuring they receive knowledge and steer clear of harmful cultural practices.

Kimachasi emphasized that education is crucial for societal development and public participation.

Despite the challenges faced by the region, the government has implemented strategies to ensure that every child has access to education.

However, sustained efforts and collaboration among all stakeholders are necessary to overcome the obstacles hindering the educational development of children in West Pokot County.

Poverty, Hunger, and Insecurity Leave Thousands of Children Out of School in West Pokot

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