Influence of Head Teachers’ Communication Skills in School Feeding Programs on Pupils’ Enrolment in Public Primary Schools in North Pokot Sub -County

Author: Sarah Chebet Kiptarus, Dr. Michael Kimotho, Dr. Rose Atoni

Date: 2026

Abstract: Primary school enrolment in North Pokot Sub-County, Kenya remains persistently low, largely due to poverty, pastoralist lifestyles, and chronic food insecurity. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of Head Teachers’ Communication Skills in School Feeding Programs on Pupils’ Enrolment in Public Primary Schools in North Pokot Sub-County. Guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, the study adopted a convergent parallel design. The target population comprised 54 public primary schools, 54 head-teachers, 1,600 teachers, and 17,000 pupils. Stratified, systematic random, and purposive sampling techniques were employed, with questionnaires and in-depth interviews as the main instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA was used to test hypotheses. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and thematically categorized. Findings revealed that the F-value of 5.12 and a p-value of 0.008 indicate a statistically significant difference between communication skills and pupils’ enrolment. Consequently, the null hypothesis (H₀₁) was rejected. This implies that effective communication by headteachers, through meetings, notices, feedback mechanisms, and engagement with teachers, pupils, and parents, positively influences pupils’ attendance and enrolment. The researcher concluded that head-teachers’ communication skills significantly influence pupils’ enrolment in public primary schools within North Pokot Sub-County. Clear and timely communication with teachers, pupils, and parents reduces misunderstandings, enhances coordination, and encourages active participation, supporting consistent attendance. Based on the study’s conclusions, several actionable recommendations are proposed to strengthen the impact of headteachers’ leadership skills on school feeding programs and pupil enrolment. Enhance Communication: Establish structured channels to share timely and clear information with teachers, pupils, and parents. Combine regular staff meetings, bulletins, and assemblies with follow-up mechanisms to ensure understanding and effective implementation.

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