A study of factors that lead to low enrolment of female students in undergraduate courses in the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the factors that lead to low enrolment of female students in the undergraduate courses in the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University. Evidence from the ground indicated the existence of gender imbalances in the population of undergraduate students in the two universities. The problem is more evident in Science and Mathematics oriented courses. In order for the stakeholders in the country to respond adequately and effectively to this problem, study of this nature was very necessary.

The study was designed as ex-post facto, hence the researcher did not manipulate any perceived causal factors. The study targeted all female students in the undergraduate courses in the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University. The sample composed of 20 students from each faculty making a total of 380. However, students in some faculties like Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Upper Kabete campus were not in session. The response was good with return rate of316 out of380. This represented 83.1% which was adequate for the study.

Data was collected through the use of questionnaires for female undergraduate students. The analysis of the data revealed several factors that contribute to low enrolment and participation of female students in undergraduate courses in the universities. They are: High dropout rate of girls at lower levels of education, poor performance of girls in K.C.S.E, low enrolment of girls at primary and secondary schools, socio-cultural factors, unconducive learning environment in the institutions and : financial constraints due to high cost of education.

Finally, the study gives pertinent recommendations that will help curb the problem and critical suggestions for further research that will ensure that gender imbalances in the education .s.y..s.t.em might be appropriately solved. The recommendations are:-

• Enforcement of compulsory education for all especially at the primary level of education since the government has provided free primary education. This will ensure higher enrolment of girls in secondary, tertiary and higher levels of education. • Expansion of universities' facilities and updating the teaching-learning resources to ease the problem of congestion in halls of residence, lecture rooms and other areas leading to improved standards of living and better learning environment. • Proper implementation and follow up by the relevant government authorities of the gender responsive policies in education to check the prevailing gender disparities. • The government should employ the appropriate measures to check the high cost of education especially at secondary and university levels. • Elimination of all forms of gender stereotyping in education by developing curricula, textbooks and teaching aids and facilitating learning environment free of gender bias. • The Joint Admission Board (JAB) should lower the minimum requirements for university admission for girls by more than the current one point to give girls more chance in university education. • The government and non-governmental organisations should embark on awareness campaigns on importance of girls' education to the society especially in communities where girls are underrepresented in university education.

With the above findings, the researcher puts the challenge to all stakeholders in the field of education to act to eradicate the problem of gender imbalances in all levels of education