Effect of School Feeding Programme on Pastoralists’ Pupils’ Participation in Regular and Mobile Primary Schools in Turkana County, Kenya

Abstract

Kenya’s Turkana County, being an arid area, is faced with numerous challenges that hinder education programs especially among school going pupils. Therefore, the study sought to establish the effectiveness of the government interventions measures on pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in regular and mobile primary schools in Turkana County. Based on the study, this paper explores the effectiveness of the school feeding programme in promoting access to education among pupils from pastoralist communities in the County. The study utilized both descriptive survey as well as mixed methods. It utilised a sample of 75 head teachers, 225 teachers, 375 pupils, 85 parents, 3 education officers (1 from each sub-county), 1 County Director of Education and 1 County Commissioner. For data collection, the study employed questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions. Quantitative data was coded and keyed into the computer using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). In order to test the effectiveness of the government intervention, regression test an (inferential statistics) was applied. The analysed data was presented using tables. The qualitative data from interview schedules and focused group discussion was organized into major themes as per the research objectives. The results were presented thematically using extensive description and direct quotations. Hypotheses were analysed using regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that the feeding programme influenced many pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in both regular and mobile primary schools. The study recommends that the government should make efforts to ensure that food is supplied to schools in in time. There is also need to enrich the nutritional quality of the food supplied to schools. This paper highlights the major contribution of school feeding interventions in increasing access to quality education among marginalised communities. It will inform future policies aimed at such interventions by governments and education stakeholders.