Save the pupils in ASALs from the dangers of harsh weather conditions

A boy walks in a field of carcases of this father's animals in Ijara, Garissa County. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) are known for the variable environmental conditions that result in periodic drought, hard-hit famine, floods, animal disease outbreaks, and social instability due to conflict and historical marginalisation. The ASALS make up 89 per cent of the country with approximately 38 per cent of Kenya's population.

Many learners from arid and semi-arid areas go to school every day in unsafe learning environments, with no drinking water, food, no proper toilets and no soap for washing their hands. This has brought a lot of health risks to these pupils as they can't concentrate well on their studies while some end up contracting diseases that are caused by lack of proper hygiene.