Shocking reasons for school dropouts in Nyamira

Reports that there is increased primary school dropouts in Ikonge, Nyamira County is alarming.

The reasons behind the dropouts are numerous. The availability of ready market for firewood from the neighbouring Ngoina Tea Estate is the major cause.

Many primary school going children collect and sell the cheaply obtained firewood in hotels and households in Ikonge leading to the children not going to school to earn easy cash.

Negligence from some parents is another reason for school dropouts. Some of the parents do not care what their children wear or eat thus forcing the minors to abandon school to sell firewood to cater for their needs.

The move by the area administration to ban children from selling firewood is welcome.

Despite the efforts, there are some minors still seen selling firewood in the market in the evening.

To curb this child labour and exploitation, all the stakeholders in the education sector should join hands and help these children.

Negligence from careless parents should not be tolerated and schools in the area should come up with measures to eradicate child labour.