Influence of Undugu Basic Education’s Feeding Programme on Vulnerable Children’s Participation Rates in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The objective of the study was to establish the influence of Undugu basic education’s feeding programme on vulnerable children’s participation rates in Nairobi County, Kenya. This is in the light of the fact that participation in quality education and training forms the basis upon which economic, social, technological, ethical and political sustainable development of any nation is founded. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The research instruments employed for data collection were questionnaires for teachers and head teachers, interview guide for the director and focus group discussion guide for UBEP pupils. The data was collected from director, headteacher, teachers and students in UBEP programme. A census of 20 teachers, 4 headteachers and 4 directors was considered. The pupils that participated in the study were 100 of which 25 each came from Mathare, Ngomongo, Kibera and Pumwani respectively. The findings indicate that the provision of meals through the program was found to have several benefits, including increased activity and liveliness of students during learning sessions. The study findings showed a large correlation between feeding programme (r=0.750, P-value 0.000) and participation rates of vulnerable children in education. The study recommends that policymakers and practitioners prioritize and invest in school feeding programs, ensuring the availability of nutritious meals in educational institutions.