Photo: Pupils scoop food from a sufuria during feeding time at a school. More than 10 schools in Baringo North now face imminent closure because of a lack of food and water following persistent drought.
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 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 said that although the school was under the government school-feeding programme, its resources were overstretched.
“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 adding that the only borehole available was no longer in use as solar panels for powering the pump were stolen by 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 andmade away with books and food.
The attendance at Tuluk Boarding Primary School in Bartabwa ward stands at 360 as 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.
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