| dc.description.abstract | urpose: The purpose of this study was to assess
stakeholder’s perceptions on the influence of school
feeding programmes on pupil’s attendance and
dropout rates in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted a mixed methods
approach. The target population for this study was
Tharaka Nithi County Education Officials,
Headteachers, teachers, and parents of Grade three
pupils in public schools. The data collection
instruments included: questionnaires, interview
guide, observation checklist and focus group
discussion guide. Data were analysed using the
statistical package for social sciences (SPSS)
Version 27. Quantitative data were analysed and
presented in the form of frequencies and
percentages. The qualitative data were presented in
a narrative form in themes.
Findings: The study established that stakeholders
perceived that: school feeding programs
significantly boosted pupils' class attendance;
reduced absenteeism; and improved concentration
and academic performance, while encouraging
consistent school attendance. The schools’ feeding
programs significantly reduced pupils dropout rates,
and also enhanced academic performance. It was
concluded that school feeding programs was
perceived to significantly improve pupil attendance
and reduced dropout rates.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and
Policy: The study was anchored on Abrahams
Maslow's Hierarchy Theory of Human Motivation.
There is need for the County Government and
National Governments and NGOS to increase the
school feeding programmes in ASAL schools.
Vulnerable children in ASAL areas should be given
special attention in school feeding programmes.
School stakeholders should support the availability
of feeding programmes in all the ASAL schools. | en_US |
