Food Insecurity among University Students in Kenya: An Analysis of Associated Factors

Otunga. N. Ruth; Makomere N. Julie; Koross Rachel; Kiptoo Lelei Kiboiy; Patrick M. Wangui; Emoit D. Omuse

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2023.03.007

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Article Open Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2023.03.007

Food Insecurity among University Students in Kenya: An Analysis of Associated Factors

Otunga. N. Ruth^1,*, Makomere N. Julie², Koross Rachel³, Kiptoo Lelei Kiboiy⁴, Patrick M. Wangui⁵, Emoit D. Omuse⁶

¹Department of Curriculum & Instruction, School of Education, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya.

²Department of Hotel & Hospitality Management, School of Business & Management Sciences, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya.

³Department of Social Sciences, School of Education, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya.

⁴Department of Students' Affairs, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya.

⁵Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya.

⁶Department of Curriculum & Instruction, School of Education, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya.

*Corresponding author: Otunga. N. Ruth

Published: February 24,2023

Abstract

The realities of a shrinking economy in Kenya, reduced government financial support to universities, effects of inflation and the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic have exposed university students to hardships including food insecurity. This has happened in the face of high demand for higher education and therefore mitigation measures informed by scientific findings are necessary. This study investigated the factors associated with food insecurity among students in Moi University and University of Eldoret. It was established that food insecurity among university students was prevalent. Family background, stakeholders’ support and financial responsibilities have the highest influence on food insecurity. The high cost of living, inadequate earnings from work-study programs and poor financial management skills were associated factors. It was concluded that the food insecurity compromised the academic performance of students. It was recommended that HELB financial support to needy students should be enhanced, universities need to engage bursary-giving/charitable organizations to support needy students as well as institutionalization of financial management trainings for students.

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How to cite this paper

Food Insecurity among University Students in Kenya: An Analysis of Associated Factors

How to cite this paper: Otunga. N. Ruth, Makomere N. Julie, Koross Rachel, Kiptoo Lelei Kiboiy, Patrick M. Wangui, Emoit D. Omuse. (2023) Food Insecurity among University Students in Kenya: An Analysis of Associated Factors. International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture, 7(1), 41-47.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2023.03.007

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