Factors affecting gender disparity in primary school education: A case study of Kajiado district, Kenya

Abstract

Gender disparity in various spheres of life is not uncommon. and has affected the social economic and political development over the years. The purpose of the study was to examine the factors that affected gender disparity in primary school education in Kajiado District of Rift Valley Province, Kenya. Three objectives and three hypotheses were formulated to guide in the study. Research objective one sought to identify the socio-economic factors that led to gender disparity in education, research objective two sought to establish the socio-cultural factors that led to gender disparity in education, research objective three sought to determine the school-based factors that led to gender disparity in schools. Research hypothesis one stated there IS no significant relationship between the socioeconomic factors and gender disparity in primary education; research hypothesis two stated that there is no significant relationship between socio-cultural factors and gender disparity in primary education and research hypothesis three stated that there is no significant relationship between school-based factors aud gender disparity in primary education. The review of the literature focused on socio-economic, socio-cultural, and political factors and how they had affected to gender disparity 1Il education especially those in the marginalised areas such as the nomadic pastoralists. Data was collected through of questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussion. The findings revealed that there exists gender disparity among primary school in Kajiado District where less girls than boys participate In education. There were socio-cultural, social-economic and school factors that had contributed to gender disparity in primary schools. There was significant relationship between socio-economic factors, socio-cultural factors and school factors and gender disparity. In the light of the research findings the researcher wishes to make the following recommendations. There is need to educate people on the need to educate girls, there is need to have models for girls especially from whom they can learn Cram, there is need put in place a law that enforces parents to take their daughters to schools, boarding school should be established to save many girls form some cultural factor that could otherwise put them out of school. Taking the limitations and delimitations of the study, the researcher makes the following suggestions for further research, the role of the community in enhancing education of girls and a study on how government policies have facilitated education of girls.