Influence of School Feeding Programme on Pupils’ Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools in Mwatate Sub-county, Taita Taveta County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to influence the school feeding programs on the academic performance of pupils in public primary schools located in Mwatate Sub-County, Taita Taveta County, Kenya. Its objective was to establish how availability of resources for school feeding program influences academic performance in public primary schools. The study used a descriptive survey research design approach. The target population were 62 public day primary schools in Mwatate Sub County with the study respondents being all head teachers and teachers and some selected parents through a random sampling procedure. The deputies also formed the basis for the participants. There are 502 teachers across the 62 schools in Mwatate Sub-County. To ensure an equal representation a sample of 20% was selected resulting to a sample size of 12 head teachers, 12 deputy head teachers and 76 teachers. The research similarly used an interview guide to collect opinions from the head teachers. To ensure reliability of the research tools, a reliable 0.750 Cronbach’s coefficient alpha index was obtained from the piloted questionnaires. Inferential statistics such as correlations and regressions were utilized to test the study hypothesis and provide the direction and strength of the association. Conclusions and recommendations were provided thereof. A mean of 30.7, the majority of respondents believed that availability of resources for school feeding program influence academic performance in public primary schools in Mwatate Sub- County. The research recommends that ensure consistent provision of SFP, resources will make SFP compulsory in schools and in return it improves children’s enrolment, attendance and performance.