Background: Under-nutrition is a serious public health problem facing the under -fives worldwide and especially in developing countries and the causes are multi factorial. Almost 90% of malnourished children are from developing countries. About 60% of all deaths, occurring among children aged less than five years in developing countries, could be attributed to under-nutrition. Mothers’ level of education may influence the food choice, child care and feeding practices and the income levels which may impact on the child’s food intake and lead either to good or poor nutritional status. Aims: To assess the prevalence of under-nutrition in the under-five children and the associated maternal characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Mother – preschooler pairs (n= 208) were recruited. The population was peri- urban based and in a slum setting. Children’s anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, and MUAC) were taken. Interviewer administered questionnaire were used. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Chi square test of association and logistic regression was used to examine the effects of maternal factors on the prevalence of under-nutrition. Epi- Info version 3.4.3 analyzed anthropometric data to get z scores (SD) indices of HAZ, WHZ and WAZ. Results: Under-nutrition by stunting, underweight and wasting was (24%), (21.6%) and (5.3%) respectively. Parity was associated with stunting among the under-fives (p=0.019 OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.15-4.55). Conclusion: Maternal parity, household headship, marital status and maternal education level are significant factors associated with under-nutrition.