Discussion Paper No. 299 of 2023 on Effects of Droughts and Floods on Schooling in Prone Areas of Kenya

Abstract

Droughts and floods affect schooling in prone areas through increased food insecurity, water scarcity, poor health, insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to schools. Although various measures have been implemented to mitigate the risks and effects of drought and floods on schooling, the challenge persists. Based on a primary survey of household for school attendance information, key informant interviews for measures being taken and secondary data and information for trends on school enrolment and dropout, this paper discusses the effects of droughts and floods on schooling, measures taken to address them, challenges, and emerging issues. The findings revealed that despite some preventive, preparedness, response, and recovery measures being taken by the government and other stakeholders, droughts and floods continue to pose serious threats, affecting learners’ health, damage to homes, schools, and other infrastructure. This leads to increased absenteeism and drop out from school, with an average of eight days of schooling missed per year, and wastage at primary school level in prone counties higher than the rest of the country by 10 per cent. The gross enrolment rate for counties prone to droughts and floods prone is lower than the rest of the country by 30 per cent, with less than 60 per cent progression to secondary level. It is important to include need for increased human and financial resources for enhanced preventive, preparedness, response and recovery programmes, increased capacity building, community sensitization and participation in related programmes. There is also a need to design and implement policy frameworks to guide activities and coordination of actors and actions for greater outcomes and reduced risk and effects of droughts and floods on schooling. This will also reduce associated emergencies and suffering among communities and reduce school absenteeism and dropout of learners in prone counties and ultimately improve schooling, education, and human capital development