Insecurity Is Hurting Education in Northern Kenya

The Constitution of Kenya, in Article 53 (1) (b) states that every child has a right to free and compulsory basic education, and Article 55 (a) the State shall take measures, including affirmative action programs, to ensure that the youth access relevant education and training. Since Kenya’s independence, northern Kenya in arid Kenya has continued to exhibit extensively lower access, participation, completion, and achievement rates. But the increasing insecurity, including from Al Shabaab, has worsened educational outcomes in Northern Kenya. The Elephant in conversation with Fatuma Ali Saman, a Kenyan educationist and women’s rights campaigner.