Effects of school feeding program on pre-primary learners’ attendance in public pre-schools in Nyali sub- county, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the influence of school feeding programs on pre-primary learners' attendance in Nyali Sub-County, Kenya. Thus, specifically the study was guided by the following objectives: to determine the effect of school feeding program policies on pre- primary learners’ attendance in public schools, to determine the effect of school feeding program demographics on pre-primary learners’ attendance in public schools, to assess the effect of school feeding program rations on pre-primary learners’ attendance in public schools, and to establish the effect of school feeding program resources availability on pre- primary learners’ attendance in public schools in Nyali sub-county. The study was anchored on the human capital theory, social exchange theory, and Maslow's hierarchy. The study was guided by descriptive research design. It focused on 12 public early childhood development centers in Nyali Sub-County. It targeted 12 head teachers, 30 teachers and 60 Parents Teachers Association (PTA) in 12 public pre-primary schools in Nyali Sub-County. The study used censures sampling method to collect data from 12 head teachers, 30 teachers and 60 Parents Teachers Association (PTA) in the 12 public pre- primary schools. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. Data was analysed using measures of central tendency and chi-square. Ethical was considered by obtaining permission for data collection and ensuring participant confidentiality. The study established that the p value (p=0.000) for school feeding program policies, p value (p=0.003) for school feeding program demographics, p value (p=0.001) for school feeding program rations and the p value (p=0.000) for school feeding program resource availability and pre-primary learners’ attendance was less than 0.05.