Poverty and hunger in Kilifi derailing education in Ganze, MP Kenneth Tungule warns

Ganze, one of the least developed areas in Kilifi County, continues to face widespread food insecurity, poor access to essential services, and low school retention rates.
Many schoolchildren in Ganze, Kilifi County, are struggling to excel in their studies due to poverty and hunger, according to area MP Kenneth Tungule.
Tungule noted that although many learners in the constituency have strong academic potential, their progress is being held back by difficult living conditions, particularly financial challenges at home.
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“Poverty is the main reason our children are not thriving in school. I went to the same schools here myself, and I can confirm these children are bright. The challenge lies in the tough conditions they face daily,” he said.
He urged the national government to roll out more targeted development projects in Ganze to address the root causes of poverty, emphasising that better livelihoods would enable children to concentrate on their education without persistent challenges.
Tungule also pointed to the ongoing electricity connection programme in the area, noting that it is expected to stimulate local economic growth.
Over 2,000 households are set to benefit from the government-sponsored project, which he said comes at no cost to residents.
“This will support small businesses and enhance the local economy,” he added.
Ganze, one of the least developed areas in Kilifi County, continues to face widespread food insecurity, poor access to essential services, and low school retention rates.
Local leaders have repeatedly called on authorities to tackle the deep-rooted inequalities driving the region’s persistent underdevelopment.
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