Factors Influencing Access to Primary Education in Ifo Refugee Camp in Dadaab Refugee Complex, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze key factors that influence access to primary education in northern Kenya. The study applied a descriptive survey design. The target population was 6 Education officials, 4 headteachers, 96 learners and 1 UN official. The sample comprised of 6 education officials, 4 headteachers and 90 learners. Findings of the study revealed Somali culture which was biased towards secular education prevented girls from participating in education. Findings also revealed that children did not have confidence in the education offered in the camps. Further it was revealed that children did not have confidence with the education offered in the camps. The study found out that of food and sanitary towels was a factor that is influencing access to education in the camp. The study concluded that socio - cultural factors, school based factors and family economic status influenced access to primary school education in the camp. The study lastly concluded that lack of food hindered children from accessing education. In the centers, absenteeism from class and eventually dropout was caused by poor economic well up of the parents. The study recommended that the county government should economically empower the people living in the camp so as they can let their children attend schools. The study also recommended that community in the refugee camp should be empowered on the children education so that parents do not involve their children in child labour which has been seem to have negative effect on pupils access to primary education.