The Nexus Between School Feeding Programme, and Academic Performance on Boy-Child Education: A Case of Nairobi’s Dishi Na Kaunti Programme, Kenya

This study purposed to investigate the nexus between school feeding programme and academic performance of the by-child, the case of Nairobi’s Dishi na Kaunti programme. The study was guided by the theory of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Descriptive research design was employed using quantitative data collection approach. The research targeted 216 public primary schools within Nairobi City County that have adopted the Dishi na Kaunti school feeding programme. Questionnaires were administered to the school head teachers who were the study participants. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics like frequency distribution and measures of central tendencies (mean and standard deviation). The level of association of variables was determined using correlation analysis, while the nature of the relationship among the study variables was determined by regression analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using statistical techniques with the help of SPSS software. The study findings revealed that the Dishi na Kaunti school feeding programme significantly improves boy-child education outcomes in Nairobi by enhancing academic performance. Overall, the programme proves effective in boosting participation and learning among boys, though sustained results require additional support and policy integration. The study recommends that to maximize impact, schools should align meal times with learning sessions to optimize alertness during lessons in language and mathematics. Policymakers should institutionalize school feeding as part of basic education and ensure sustained funding, especially in vulnerable areas. Key words: School, Feeding Programme, Academic Performance, Boy-Child, Education, “Dishi Na Kaunti” Programme