Factors influencing school drop-out rates among primary schools in Kinamba location of Laikipia County, Kenya

Abstract

Primary school dropout is a serious issue resulting from various causes. The underlying causes of dropout remains obscured and that is why this study investigated factors influencing school drop-out rates among primary schools in Kinamba location of Laikipia County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to explore how family background leads to primary school dropout in Kinamba location; to examine how learner’s personal characteristics influences dropping out of primary school; to establish how communal factors influences leaner’s decision to drop out of primary school; and to investigate how school based factors in primary schools influence the rate of school dropout cases. The study was conducted in 30 primary schools in Kinamba location, Laikipia county using descriptive survey. The study sample comprised of 30 head teachers, 60 teachers, 90 class eight pupils and 90 parents whose children attend school or have dropped out of school. Reliability of the instrument was determined by piloting instruments in the neighbouring Sipili location and validity was enhanced by requesting experts in the area of research methods to examine the instruments validity through test-retest method. Qualitative and quantitative data was analysed and presented in tables of frequencies, percentages and figures. Key findings revealed that; broken families, poverty at households and poor supervision by parents, level of education of parents, loss of parent and households having low value for education negatively affected retention of pupils in school. Attachment to negative peer groups, involvement in income generating activities, low self-motivation and lack of interest in education were identified as being the major factors influencing dropout rates. From the study, it is recommended that the government should introduce and enforce parental laws to ensure children remain in school as well as enhance co-curricular activities so the pupils can develop their talents.