Miles to Learn: The Influence of Long Distance to School on Attendance, Enrollment and Retention in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the impact of long distances to school on pupil participation in public primary schools in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya, with a particular focus on enrollment, attendance, retention, and dropout rates. The study also explored how the School Feeding Programme (SFP) serves as a mitigating factor for these challenges. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined qualitative data from interviews with head teachers and parents, as well as quantitative data from surveys and school attendance records. The findings indicated that long distances to school are a significant barrier to enrollment, with many children unable to attend due to the physical strain and fatigue caused by long walks. The study revealed that long distances also contributed to high absenteeism, as children are often too exhausted to attend school regularly, especially when food is not provided. Furthermore, the study highlighted that distance exacerbates dropout rates, as children from remote areas are more likely to leave school due to the demands of the long commute and lack of food at home. However, the research also demonstrated that the introduction of the SFP has had a profound positive impact on educational participation. The provision of meals at school not only increased enrollment but also improved attendance and retention, as children are motivated to attend school for the promise of food. The study concluded that while long distances remain a significant challenge, the SFP plays a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of distance by improving student health, reducing absenteeism, and encouraging consistent attendance and retention. The research emphasises the importance of addressing logistical barriers to the successful implementation of school feeding programs in remote areas to further enhance educational outcomes