Stakeholders in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Hope for Improved KCSE Results as School Meal Programs Boost Attendance
“In previous years, it was common to see many students from areas such as Mogotio and Keiyo South staying home because they had no food. Hunger has always been a major deterrent to learning in these areas,”
As the countdown to the national KCSE exams begins, education stakeholders in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties are expressing optimism about improved academic performance, particularly in day schools, thanks to a notable increase in student attendance. This renewed hope follows the successful implementation of school meal programs aimed at mitigating the impact of drought in the region.
During a recent event where food donations were handed over to local schools, stakeholders highlighted the challenges schools have faced in the past due to food shortages. Many students, especially in drought-prone constituencies like Mogotio in Baringo and Keiyo South in Elgeyo Marakwet, had previously been forced to stay at home in search of food, which severely impacted their education.
Julius Kayap, the Mogotio Sub-county Director of Education, underscored how these challenges affected the quality of education in the region. “In previous years, it was common to see many students from areas such as Mogotio and Keiyo South staying home because they had no food. Hunger has always been a major deterrent to learning in these areas,” said Kayap. “Since the introduction of the meal program, the number of students attending school has increased significantly. This has given us real hope for improved KCSE results this year.”
The school meal program, introduced by the Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK), has helped many families in the region who are struggling with the ongoing drought. Tafroza Shunza, a representative from CWSK, explained the importance of the initiative and how it has directly contributed to keeping children in school. “Children who are well-nourished are better equipped to focus and perform in class. Since this program began, we’ve seen remarkable changes in attendance and engagement, especially in areas hardest hit by the drought,” she said. “This gives us hope that students are now better prepared for the upcoming exams.”
Charles Chemoiwa, Principal of Sagasagik Secondary School in Baringo, shared his optimism for this year’s KCSE performance, attributing the improvement in student participation directly to the food program. “The meal program has been a game-changer for us. We’ve seen more students attending school regularly, and that consistency is essential for good performance. I’m confident that the results this year will reflect this positive change,” Chemoiwa remarked.
The effect of the meal program is particularly notable in regions that have historically struggled with student absenteeism due to food insecurity. In Keiyo South, another drought-prone constituency, the principal of Kapsowek Secondary School, Robert Chiuri, pointed out that while the food aid has made a significant impact, there is still a need for more sustained support. “The food program has helped to retain students, but the drought continues to pose a serious challenge. We call on the government, NGOs, and other well-wishers to step in and extend similar support to neighboring constituencies facing the same issues,” Chiuri appealed.
The stakeholders acknowledged the critical role that education plays in the future of the region’s youth and emphasized that sustained efforts are needed to ensure their success. They are now calling on both governmental and non-governmental organizations to continue providing aid, not just in terms of food but also in other resources that could help enhance the learning environment.
The optimism is high that with more consistent attendance, improved engagement, and the support from these initiatives, students in the affected areas will achieve better results in the upcoming KCSE exams, compared to previous years when hunger and drought heavily impacted performance.
Kayap summed up the collective sentiment of the stakeholders by saying, “We are hopeful that with the measures now in place, especially the school meal program, we will witness improved performance in KCSE this year. Our students are better prepared, and we expect them to make us proud.”
As the KCSE exams approach, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination within the education sector in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties, with stakeholders confident that the support systems in place will help the students excel despite the challenges they face.
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