Thesis:

Analysing the effect of drought on performance of school going children in public primary schools of west pokot county Kenya

Climate change is one of the major development challenges of the 21th Century and children are particularly more vulnerable as they are psychologically and physiologically less able than adults in adapting climate-related exposure. This study aims to analyze the effect of drought on performance of school-going children in public primary schools in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study specifically: Determine the effect of proximity of water sources, socio-economic activities, school sanitary conditions, and water storage facilities on performance of school- going children in public primary schools in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study would benefit the academicians, policymakers, and community members. The Human Needs Theory of Abraham Maslow guided the study. The study adopted descriptive research design with a target population of 2224 individuals comprising 41 head teachers, 343 teachers, and 1840 pupils. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique and sample size of 335 determined using Krejcie & Morgan table (1970). The study used structured questionnaires and interview guides as the main tools of data collection. The supervisors validated the instrument. The reliability of the instrument was determined through a pilot study. Thereafter, Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.79 was obtained from the instrument. This indicated that the instrument was reliable. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables, while qualitative data was analyzed according to the themes based on research questions and the objectives and thereafter, inferences and conclusions drawn. The study concluded that proximity of water sources, socio-economic activities, school sanitary conditions, and water storage facilities influence performance of school-going children in public primary schools. It was recommended that the policy makers and community should consider proximity of water sources, socio-economic activities, school sanitary conditions, and water storage facilities when working towards improving performance of school-going children in public primary schools.