INFLUENCE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE ON STUDENT RETENTION IN CLIMATE-SMART SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMMES IN KAUMA SUB-COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY, KENYA

School feeding programmes are globally recognized as effective interventions for improving learners nutrition, attendance, and retention. However, the sustainability of these programmes, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions, depends significantly on the knowledge and competencies of personnel responsible for implementation. This study examined the influence of human resource management knowledge on student retention in climate-smart school feeding programmes in Kauma Sub-County, Kilifi County, Kenya. Specifically, the study assessed the relationship between staff training, staffing adequacy, supervision, staff motivation, and knowledge building on learner retention. The study was anchored on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory and Stakeholder Theory. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 120 respondents, including head teachers, teachers, school feeding programme coordinators, School Management Committee members, and county education and programme officials. A census approach was adopted. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis in SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that human resource management knowledge had a positive and statistically significant influence on student retention (β = 0.466, p = 0.000), making it the strongest predictor among the study variables. Respondents perceived that effective supervision, continuous capacity building, and motivated staff significantly enhanced programme implementation and learner retention. However, challenges including inadequate staff training, staffing shortages, and low motivation were reported. The study concludes that strengthening human resource management through comprehensive training, supportive supervision, and staff motivation is essential for sustaining climate-smart school feeding programmes and improving student retention. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission develop continuous professional development programmes, establish minimum staffing standards, and institute staff motivation strategies to enhance human resource management knowledge in school feeding programmes.