Institutional factors influencing girls' participation in secondary school education in Central Division of Garissa District-Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out institutional factors that influence girls' participation in secondary school education in secondary school education in central division of Garissa district Kenya. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The sample was therefore 360 students, 3 headteachers and 36 teachers.

Data was collected by use of questionnaires for the headteachers, teachers and students. Findings revealed that socio economic factors contributed to low participation of girls in school. For example parents were not able to pay school fees, girls did not have the basic necessities which made them not come to school. Majority of the headteachers indicated that the community practice on rites of passage such. as FGM which was very prevalent in the area had an effect on girl's participation in education.

The findings also revealed that staffing levels was another challenge faced by headteachers in promoting girl child education. The fmdings also revealed that lack of physical facilities was a factor that influenced headteachers in promoting access to girls' education. Findings also revealed that lack of female teachers affected girls' education. Girls therefore did not have role models; they did not have teachers to go for in matters that were particular to them.

Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that there is need for the government through the teachers service commission (TSC) to post more female teachers to the area to act as role models for the girls. There is need for the government through local area chiefs to discourage the marriage of girls while in school through civic education in meetings and gatherings. There is need for the government through the CDF and NGOs to give more bursaries for the girls in the area to encourage them.

Taking into consideration the limitations and delimitations of the study suggested that an investigation on the influence of gender policy on girls' participation n schools should be conducted. It was also suggested that a study on an investigation in the impact of CDF in enhancing girls' participation in schools should be conducted. There is also need to conduct a study on the effects of boarding schools on girls' participation in secondary schools in the district.