Nutritious school meals have been implemented in several African countries to address malnutrition among adolescents. Nairobi, Kenya has seen such initiatives aimed at promoting growth and development of its youth. A mixed methods approach was employed, including a randomized controlled trial (RCT) supplemented by qualitative interviews. The study collected data from to across 10 schools in Nairobi. Data analysis revealed that adolescents who received the school meals had a statistically significant increase in height and weight compared to those not receiving the meals, with an average growth rate of 5% over one year. The findings support the effectiveness of the Nutritious School Meals Programme in enhancing adolescent health outcomes. However, further research is needed to explore long-term effects and sustainability. Programme administrators should consider expanding coverage to additional schools, while policymakers could integrate nutritional education into school curricula to complement meal programmes. Nutritious School Meals, Adolescent Growth, Nairobi, Kenya, Mixed Methods Study
Nyaga Ochieng Nyago (Tue,) studied this question.