To investigate the causes of secondary school drop outs in Mpeketoni divisionof Lamu district

Abstract

Through its historical background, Mpeketoni division is part of the Lake Kenyatta settlement scheme. It's a planned scheme and has many primary schools not comparable with the three (3) old secondary schools. It's only from year 2006 that other three new secondary schools were started. The established secondary schools thus have three to four streams. There are two (2) public secondary school and one private. The uniqueness of this area is from its diversified population from all cultural backgrounds. The intercultural interaction has brended a distinct cultural and social traditions that cannot be found anywhere else. This is basically a rural populace who economically relies on farming. There is provision of primary education to all but there has been a dire concern over the high rate of secondary school dropouts. The research wishes to explore all the factors to answer a variety of questions such as: - what are the causes of school drop outs in the division, what measures and strategies can be recommended to curb this rate of drop out. The researcher wishes to establish this to fulfill the objections which includes finding out the drop out rate, causes and establish disparities in matters of gender. The researcher collected data population sample which was a representative of the target population in the division. The instrument used for the research were the questionnaire, interview schedule and observation of the school records e.g. registers and schools returns. This was to ensure that a clear picture is represented. The analysis of the interview schedules and questionnaires was descriptive whereas data collected form the school documents and returns was tabulated. Drop out rates were given in percentages. The recommendations given was after the critical analysis of the data. This research project is intended to investigate the causes of school dropouts and seek ways and means of minimizing the drop out rate. This intention will be carried forth with by using the methods of research, design which will be much appropriate and analyse the data precisely and with intended accuracy. Interview schedule, questionnaires and examination of schools records will be used. Understandable language will be used to explain discussion all point.