Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo on Monday led a high-level government intervention in Kitui West Constituency, flagging off the distribution of emergency food supplies to 45 secondary schools as part of the national response to the ongoing drought affecting the region.
Speaking at Kauwi Mixed Secondary School, where the programme was officially launched, Cheptumo said the initiative is designed to cushion learners from the harsh effects of prolonged dry conditions that have disrupted livelihoods and threatened school attendance across parts of Kitui County. She noted that hunger remains one of the leading drivers of absenteeism and dropout in drought-prone areas, making targeted school-based interventions critical.
The emergency support programme, which will reach more than 5,500 learners in Kitui West and Matinyani sub-counties, combines food assistance with education support and mentorship, in line with the government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s wellbeing and ensuring continuity of learning during humanitarian crises.
Beyond food relief, the Cabinet Secretary also presided over the launch of the Kitui County Children’s Assembly, a platform aimed at strengthening child participation in governance and amplifying children’s voices in decisions that affect their lives. Cheptumo said meaningful inclusion of children in governance structures is essential to building a society that respects their rights, dignity, and protection.
As part of the visit, the CS conducted mentorship engagements in several secondary schools across Kitui West Sub-County, where she encouraged learners to remain resilient, focused, and hopeful despite the socio-economic challenges brought about by climate change.
The mentorship sessions focused on academic discipline, personal development, and the importance of staying in school even in difficult times.
Cheptumo was accompanied by Principal Secretary Carren Agengo, Kitui West MP Hon. Edith Nyenze, the Governor’s representative CECM Dr. Stephen Mbaya, and both national and county government officials led by Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui, alongside representatives from the Child Welfare Society of Kenya.
The leaders emphasized the importance of coordinated action between the national and county governments to protect learners in vulnerable communities.
The Emergency Education Support and Mentorship Programme, Cheptumo said, reaffirms the government’s pledge to ensure food and nutrition security, enhance school retention, and protect the dignity of children living in drought-affected areas.
“As a government, our responsibility is to make sure that no child is left behind, especially during times of crisis,” she said, adding that education remains a critical pillar of long-term resilience for communities facing recurring climate shocks.
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