Socio-cultural Factors Influencing Girl Child Transition Into Secondary School in Bomet Central Sub - County, Bomet County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing this low transition rate of the girl child into secondary school in Bomet County. The research objectives were to determine the extent to which female genital cutting, early marriages and preference for the boy child influence girl child transition rate to secondary school in the study area. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from sampled participants. Findings from the study indicate that girl child transition into secondary school is influenced by the belief that after female genital cutting, girls are ready for marriage and that early marriage among girls is triggered by the belief that they should get married immediately after puberty. In addition, the belief that educating a girl child is a waste of resources was found to be common in the study area. The study also revealed that the tradition of boy child being given preference in education was prevalent and has greatly influenced girl child transition into secondary school. It can, therefore be concluded that socio- cultural factors impose fundamental challenges to tile advancement of girl child in education in Bomet County. In particular, FGC, early marriages and the preference for the boy child have a negative effect in the advancement of girls in the education sphere. From the study it is recommended the government work closely with civil society groups and NGOs to advocate against the practice of socio-cultural practices and create awareness to the entire community about the negative effects of the practices.