More than 48,000 students in West Pokot County need educational support to further their studies in secondary schools and universities and are at risk of failing to advance in their education journies according to the Department of Education.
The situation has been aggravated by poverty and drought conditions that hinder pastoralists from raising their livestock.
The Education Department in West Pokot County estimates that more than 48,000 students need financial assistance to continue with their education.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has said that although they are launching a scholarship worth Ksh.600 million for the students, they still need more funds to meet the needs of the large number of students.
Kapachin said: “Kwa sababu umaskini bado iko nyingi na unaona sehemu kubwa ya West Pokot ni sehemu kame na watu wake bado wanatembea na mifugo wao kutafutia malisho kama nyasi kwa hivo inafanya watoto wengi wabaki nyumbani.”
Many areas in West Pokot County rely on livestock economically. However, recently, the drought has caused distress to pastoralists. This situation has affected parents who are eager to send their children to school to fight illiteracy in this area, as they rely on selling livestock to pay school fees.
“Inahitaji uuze kama mbuzi kumi, kumi na tano ambayo kama huna mtoto nakaa nyumani” a resident Simon Kukat said.
“Saa hii kama mimi niko na watoto wanne na wanahitaji fees,” another James Kedomuk lamented.
Additionally, Kachapin stated that his government has invested over Ksh.500 billion to help change the image of West Pokot County. He further urged chiefs and their deputies to ensure that students enrol in schools.
“Tuna launch pesa nyingi milioni mia sita ambayo tunalaunch kama kaunti ili isaidie watoto wetu, unajua west pokot kwa mda mrefu walibaki nyuma kwa masomo na maendeleo yote ndio unaona west pokot umewekwa kwa kikundi ya marginalised counties,” he asserted.
According to the Kenya Demographic Health Service (KDHS) report of 2023, 67 per cent of the residents are illiterate. However, this number may decrease if students take advantage of the scholarship program, and if parents understand the importance of education.
