About TECDI: Cultivating Hope in Tsavo East
An Arid Land of Contrasts
Kasaala Location covers a large area in Kitui County, Kenya, situated approximately 250km SE of Nairobi (Coordinates: S-2.129411, E38.198806). It comprises four sub-locations (Nzamba, Kasaala, Ngwate, Uini) with a combined population exceeding 28,000 inhabitants (as of 2021).
The region borders the vast Tsavo East National Park (over 11,000 km²), Kenya’s largest protected area, known for its diverse wildlife. (KWS Tsavo East)
Climate: Predominantly hot, dry, arid, and semi-arid. Rainfall is bimodal but often unreliable (Long rains: April-June, Short rains: Oct-Dec).
Vegetation: Dominated by Acacia-Commiphora bushland, dotted with iconic giant baobab trees (Adansonia digitata).
Resilience in the Face of Hardship
The majority of residents are from the Kamba tribe, primarily subsistence farmers cultivating drought-resistant crops like maize, cowpeas, green grams, millet, and sorghum. Most households also keep a few livestock (goats, sheep, cows).
Challenges:
- Poverty: High levels of household poverty and illiteracy. Recurrent droughts worsen the situation.
- Land Pressure: Increasing population leads to land subdivision.
- Climate Change: Exacerbates rainfall failures and drought.
- Limited Access: Challenges in accessing investment, quality education, healthcare, credit, and jobs.
- Large Households: Many families have 5-10 members, increasing economic strain.
Breaking the Cycle Through Learning
The high poverty rate directly impacts education. Many families struggle to afford school fees, leading to low enrollment and high absenteeism, particularly for the transition to secondary school and beyond.
This perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty. Lack of education hinders development and prevents people from acquiring skills needed for better health, nutrition, income, and quality of life.
TECDI strongly believes education is the most vital long-term strategy to empower the Kasaala community and create sustainable change.