CS Cheptumo calls for all-of-society effort to keep children in school

Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo has called for a united national effort to ensure all learners remain in school, as the government responds to food insecurity affecting education outcomes in flood- and drought-prone areas.

The CS alongside PS Carren Ageng’o launched a pilot feeding and mentorship programme for secondary school learners in Nyando, Kisumu County.

The launch was at Lela Secondary School in Nyando. She was flanked by area MP Jared Okello and PS Carren Ageng'o.

11000 students in 39 schools will benefit.

CS Cheptumo said the intervention seeks to address the immediate challenges preventing children from attending class, including lack of food, sanitary pads, and basic school materials.

“We are here because we are responding to the emergency need of feeding children at this time, when there is a drought. But in this particular place, it is not necessarily the drought, but because of the floods which occasionally come here. And because of that, children are not able to come to school because of lack of food,” she said.

The CS said the government had supplied food, dignity kits, sanitary pads, and exercise books to ensure learners are not kept out of school due to poverty or lack of essential items.

She reaffirmed the government’s directive that all children report to school and remain in class.

Cheptumo raised concern over reports that some Grade 10 learners had not yet reported to school, insisting that no child should be left behind due to fees or uniform challenges.

She praised the local Member of Parliament for subsidising day school fees to Sh1,000 per term,  down from the standard annual Sh13,500, saying the measure removes barriers to access.

“This is an all-of-government approach and an all-of-society approach in ensuring that all children, those in junior primary, senior secondary and those exiting to university progress,” she said.

The CS urged parents to take responsibility for supporting their children’s education.

Cheptumo also emphasised the need to uphold societal values, warning that rising cases of gender-based violence pose a threat to children’s safety and development.

“Kindly stop the GBV. Stop any form of violence so that our children can learn, live well and progress in their lives,” she said.

During the visit, she presided over the launch of the Kisumu County Children’s Assembly, provided for in the Constitution, to empower children to express their views, articulate needs, and participate in decision-making processes, including budgeting.

The CS thanked President William Ruto and both national and county governments for efforts aimed at ensuring no Kenyan is left behind.