Factors influencing dropout among boys in public primary schools in Dagoretti division, Nairobi County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out factors influencing dropout among boys in public primary schools in Dagoretti District, Nairobi, Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to determine the influence of pupil's peer pressure, to establish the effect of family stability, to determine the influence of school leadership and to establish the influence of overcrowded classrooms, on the dropout rates among boys in public primary schools. The study might be significant to Ministry of Education planners in developing sustainable interventions to keep the boy child in school, based on the various factors that affect their dropout rates.

The study was conducted in public primary schools in Dagoretti District using descriptive survey. The study sample comprised of 24 head teachers, 72 teachers, 126 boys who had dropped out of school and 148 boys in class eight, the year 2012. Reliability of the instrument was determined by piloting instruments in the neighbouring Langata district and validity was enhanced by requesting experts in the area of research methods to examine the instruments for content validity. Qualitative and quantitative data was analysed and presented in tables of frequencies, percentages and figures.

Key findings revealed that; broken families, poverty in 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 boys in school. Attachment to negative peer groups, involvement in income generating activities, low self-motivation and lack of interest in education were identified by teachers as being the major factors influencing dropout. The boys who had dropped out of school identified involvement in bad company, separation of father and mother and income generating activities as the major factors that influence dropout. Similarly, the boys still in school singled out drug abuse, bad company, income generating activities and health related problems as the major contributors to boys' dropouts.

From the study, it is recommended that the government should introduce and enforce parental laws to ensure children do not fall victim to abuse, public primary schools should enhance co-curricular activities so the pupils can develop their talents. The government should conduct awareness campaigns to ensure parents and pupils fully appreciate the importance of basic education.