According to a study commissioned by Save the Children, more than 2 million children did not attend their third term classes due to the ongoing drought in the country. Moreover, the study reveals that over 3.5 million will not report back come January 2023, when schools reopen, as the hunger crisis worsens.

In 17 counties worst hit by the drought, an average of 52% of learning institutions are affected across all levels, including early childhood education and development, primary and secondary. The shortage of water in schools, lack of school meals, lack of teachers, dilapidated infrastructure and resource-based conflicts are cited as reasons for learners dropping out.

According to the September 2022 risk report published by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), about 4.3 million people are in need of emergency food assistance in Kenya.

The latest NDMA report states that over 942,000 cases of malnutrition have been reported in children aged between six and 59 months, while 134,000 cases of pregnant and lactating women are acutely malnourished and in need of treatment.