Influence of socio-cultural factors on students participation in secondary school education in Pokot Central district, Kenya

Abstract

The government of Kenya has always endeavored to improve students access and in the education system. The major purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of socio-cultural factors on students' participation in secondary school education in Pokot Central District. The socio-cultural factors investigated include; circumcision practices, moranhood, values inculcated during child rearing practices, social roles, early marriages and pregnancy.

The study employed descriptive survey design. The target population was all the fourteen headteachers, thirty five class teachers and one thousand six hundred students in Pokot Central District. The sample size involved ten schools, ten headteachers, twenty class teachers and one hundred and sixty students. The instruments used were mainly questionnaires and interview guide. The study found out that the socio-cultural factors had the greatest impact on students education. In relation to the findings it is concluded that socio-cultural factors such as circumcision practices and early marriages were the major cause of low participation of students in secondary education particularly the girl child.

In view of the findings, it is recommended that the government should provide necessary infrastructure and water to curb cattle rustling practices; that parents and communities should be sensitized on the need for their children to acquire education and particularly for girl child. They should stop circumcision practices on girls and early marriages: that the government through the Teachers Service Commission should employ more female teachers in the school to act as role models to the girls hence encouraging them to study; that the government to assist build more schools to enhance access.

Since the study was carried out in on district and on only socio-cultural factors, the researcher suggests that further studies should be conducted on school related factors and their effects on students' participation, and effects of economic factors on students education. Lastly there is need to carryout a similar research in other ASAL districts in order to establish how socio-cultural factors affect the participation of students in education in the region.