Climate Change and Education in Turkana, Kenya
Education Development Trust
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Abstract: This report explores how climate change affects education in Kenya’s Turkana County, one of the most vulnerable Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) regions. Based on interviews and focus group discussions with learners, out-of-school youth, teachers, headteachers, and community members, the study examines both the direct and indirect impacts of climate shocks—such as drought, floods, heat, and social unrest—on schooling. It reveals that extreme weather events damage infrastructure, disrupt attendance, and exacerbate hunger and migration, thereby reducing learning outcomes. The report identifies gaps in climate education and highlights the need for more contextually relevant content, greater learner participation in resilience strategies, and infrastructure and policy reforms to buffer schools from climate shocks. Recommendations include strengthening school feeding programs, offering low-cost boarding options, enhancing curriculum design, and positioning schools as climate knowledge hubs for communities.