Learner Participation in Public Primary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya: The Combined influence of School Feeding Programme Strategies

Primary pupils are eligible for a comprehensive health package, nutrient-dense services, and high-quality school meals through the School Feeding Program strategies (SFP). The goal of this paper was to determine how school meal program strategies influenced learner participation in public primary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of offering nutritious meals, nutrition education, regular mealtimes for learners, and smallholder farmers' participation on learning in public primary schools in Makueni County, Kenya.  The study was anchored on theory of Change.  Pragmatism Paradigm guided the study. Descriptive survey design and correlation research design were applied. Target population was 875 people and entailed: County and Sub County Education Officers, Chairpersons- Board of Management, Head teachers, Teachers and learners. Using Yamanes’ formula, 275 sample size was drawn where stratified, purposive sampling, the ideal sample size was chosen using simple random methods. A closed-ended and open-ended questionnaire, as well as an interview guide, were employed to gather research information. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, data that was both quantitative and qualitative was examined. To demonstrate how the study variables were correlated, several linear regression models were used. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) was employed to determine the degree of association amongst independent variable and dependent variable. Frequency tables with correlations, regressions, means, standard deviation, and percentages were applied to present the data. The results of the study, were as follows: There is no significant association among Provision of nutrition Meals and learner participation in public primary schools was rejected(P-value<0.05) from learners view but was not rejected (P-value > 0.05) as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons BOM, there is no significant correlation among nutrition education and learner participation in public primary schools was rejected (P-value < 0.05) from learners  view but was not rejected (P-value > 0.05) as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons BOM view, there is no significant association between provision of meals in school days and learner participation in public primary schools was rejected (P-value < 0.05) from learners view but was not rejected (P-value > 0.05) as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons BOM view, there is no significant relationship between smallholder farmer engagement and learner participation in public primary schools was not rejected(P-value > .05) from learners view but was rejected (P-value < 0.05)  as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons BOM views. The study concluded there were significant associations between school feeding programme strategies and learner participation in public primary schools in the territory of the study. Key words: School feeding programme strategies, Learner participation, Public primary schools