By Amoto Ndiewo
Schools in Garissa and Tana River counties have experienced low turnout of learners as a result of the on-going biting drought, which the government declared a national disaster.
The drought has led to emaciated livestock who fetch in low prices.
‘The low prices affected form one intake,’ said Ole Hussein, the director of special programs in Garissa county.
Talking to Education News, Ole said that poor livestock prices and shrink livestock bodies have worsened situations in Garissa.
‘’In Garissa, 87% of pastoralists rely on livestock sales to pay school fees for their children and for maintain their daily upkeep,’’ Ole said.
Ole expressed concern about the implementation of the 100% transition policy in the two counties pointing out that parents are helpless.
‘Other than selling low priced livestock, we could also sell milk which is low in production,’’ lamented Ole.
Abdi Kotoma, a livestock trader said that at times, they can take weeks without selling a livestock, implying that the family will starve.
Katoma added that he doesn’t even know how his children will go to school.
Garissa County Executive Committee Member for education Habiba Nasib Jelle lamented that learning in the region had been greatly affected by the prevailing drought as most parents depend on their livestock for upkeep and educating their children.
Madam Habiba Aden, the Deputy Head teacher of Tetu primary school noted that the school attendance has suffered in urban schools.
