BOARDS OF MANAGEMENT SENSITIZATION OF PARENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMMES IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MBOONI EAST SUB- COUNTY, KENYA
BOARDS OF MANAGEMENT SENSITIZATION OF PARENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMMES IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MBOONI EAST SUB- COUNTY, KENYA
Abednego Katelo Kyau - Doctor of Education Candidate, Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Jeremiah M. Kalai - Supervisors and Professors, Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Ursulla A. Okoth - Supervisors and Professors, Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
School Feeding Programmes (SFPs) are essential interventions for improving pupil welfare, nutrition, and educational outcomes, particularly in food-insecure regions. While national frameworks in Kenya support SFPs, regional disparities persist due to uneven governance and community engagement. This study examined the influence of Boards of Management (BoMs) in sensitising parents and how such outreach affects the implementation of SFPs in public primary schools in Mbooni East Sub-County. Guided by Stakeholder Theory and a descriptive survey design, the study targeted 115 head teachers, 115 BoM chairpersons, and three NGO programme officers. A purposive sample of 40 schools implementing SFPs yielded 83 respondents. Structured questionnaires were administered to head teachers and BoM chairpersons, while semi-structured interviews captured qualitative insights from NGO representatives. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques. Specifically, Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships between parental sensitisation and SFP outcomes, while One-Way ANOVA tested for significant differences in programme effectiveness across varying levels of BoM engagement. Tables were used to illustrate which BoM practices, such as fundraising, dietary assessments, and resource mobilisation, most strongly influenced SFP implementation and to what extent. Findings revealed that 87.5% of schools reported active parental involvement, with frequent sensitisation on fundraising (85%), pupil well-being (80%), and dietary needs (75%). However, outreach on cooking materials and community resource mobilisation was less consistent. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.690, p= 0.000) and a regression coefficient (B=0.523, p=0.000) confirmed that BoM-led sensitisation significantly predicts SFP implementation effectiveness. Gaps in outreach frequency and inclusivity were evident, aligning directly with the study’s objectives. The study concludes that BoM-driven sensitisation is a foundational governance tool for sustainable SFP delivery and recommends capacity-building, structured engagement frameworks, and culturally responsive communication strategies to enhance programme viability.
