Hundreds of learners skip school as hunger bites Ukambani region

Pupils at Nkiluthu Primary School in Tigania West Meru County dig out roots from grass in search of food as the drought situation worsens. [Edwin Gitonga, Standard]

Hunger and starvation. These are the two ugly situations staring at learners especially among public primary schools in semi-arid Ukambani counties, driving children to stay away from schools.

The sad state of affairs has been occasioned by three consecutive seasons of failed rains with families already having exhausted their food reserves.