Influence of parents' socio-economic status on pupils' participation in primary school education Getembe Division, Kisii Central District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of parents socio-economic status on , pupils participation in primary school education in Getembe Division, Kisii Central District. The objectives of this study were: to establish the pupils' enrolment and retention rates in Getembe Division between 2006 and 2009 and determine the socio-economic factors contribution to low access and retention in pubic primary school education in Getembe Division. A descriptive survey design was used to collect data from 10 headteachers, 70 teachers and class seven pupils of the sampled schools.

The study used questionnaires for teachers and headteacher, pupils' focus group discussion guides and observation checklist. Interview schedules were administered to the teachers and headteachers. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively using frequency counts and percentages and presented using frequency tables Bar- graphs and pie charts. Qualitative data was analysed by arranging responses according to the research questions and objectives. The study found that socio-economic factors such as low income of the parents, lack of parents, parental discrimination on the girls, excessive freedom to participate in community ceremonies lead t low participate in school. The researchers recommendations were, effective measures to be taken to ensure low-income earners improvement participation, adoption of adult education, ensure parents have small family sizes, and do away with cultures that were the boys at the expense of the girl-child.