The article highlights the struggles faced by 10-year-old Amina Adan who, like many children in northern Kenya, is forced to leave school every day to fetch water. This reflects a broader crisis in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where prolonged drought exacerbates problems already facing impoverished communities and significantly disrupts children's education. Families prioritize survival over schooling due to diminishing resources, showcasing the harsh realities of climate change.

The situation described in the piece is backed by insights from Fatuma Adan, Amina's mother, who reinforces the dire choices families are making in the face of water scarcity. With essential resources dwindling, the balancing act between providing basic necessities and pursuing education becomes increasingly precarious. This chronic drought not only threatens food security and health but also undermines the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the global community.

The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in Kenya underlines that the ongoing drought is stretching systems already under pressure beyond their limits. The crisis has deep implications for local communities, particularly children, who may face long-lasting impacts on their health and education as a result of these climate shocks. The article calls for significant attention to these issues, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to provide support and resources to these vulnerable populations to help mitigate these pressing challenges.