THE ROLE Of SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM IN ENHANCU~G RETIEf~TION Of LEARNERS, A CASE STUDY Of SELECTED PRIMARY Of lUNGA-UJNGA DIVISION, MSAMBWENI DISTRICT KENYA

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of the school feeding programs implemented in primary schools of Lunga-Lunga division in Msambwani district. The study was focused on the following undertakings; finding out the number of schools which had implemented the feeding program; assessing the adequacy of feeding program; investigating the educational benefits of the program and the challenges faced. Ten primary schools were used in the study; fifty teachers were randomly selected to respond to this study. All the questionnaires distributed were returned to the researcher. Findings showed that ten schools were used for the study. It was established that all the schools in Lunga-Lunga division in Msambwani District had implemented a school feeding program. This finding highlights that inspite of this ongoing food crises due to drought, at least these children are assured of a meal each day they go to school. Findings show that what is served in terms of modality is more of in school meals but it is not being well substituted with other activities yet they are very important. It was also established that the food stuffs mostly served in primary schools included Chapatti, maize meal, porridge, sukuma, wiiki, beans and arrow root. If possible the school feeding program must be integrated in the national policy. Much as there is drought, government must continue to implement its linking of school feeding program with local agricultural production. Because if this drought is over farmers should continue to benefit from the program. Parents must be sensitized about the long term benefits of enrolling children in school. This will help to make the incentive of school feeding program compatible with the rest of the household choices if the program is to attract and retain children in schools.