Influence of gender perception on academic performance of female students in Kenya secondary schools; case of Bungoma south sub-county

Abstract

Gender is a vital component of development and progress in the modern society .Gender equity and equality have been identified as indicators of development agenda in any country or society .Kenya being a fast growing economy has put into place measures to enhance gender equity and equality .However ,there are setbacks to this noble course. Bungoma South SubCounty, gender perception has tended to drag back this important recipe for development. The region and the communities in particular are still tied up in male culture that does not value female progression .This came out in the study, as disparity and inequity tended to dominate enrollment, performance and sharing of the Sub-County resources. The target population for the study was 7892 students and 289 teachers in 32 mixed schools. A sample size of 367 was used in the study. Data was collected using ,questionnaires, interviews and observation schedules. The research instruments were administered among school principals, deputy principals, head of departments( HODs), class teachers and students. A pilot study was carried out in Butere-Mumias Sub-County as way of moderating and standardize the research instruments. This helped the researcher to overcome problems that could arise in the actual study .Descriptive research method was used , as the researcher was out to collect data from a specific population, so as to determine the current status using one or two variables in the study. The reliability of the instruments was determined using test-retest method. Data collected was analyzed using frequencies and percentages and presented in tables. It was found out that, disparity still dominated, as seen in student enrollment, girls still lagged behind in enrollment and performance .Recommendation, there was need to sensitize the society on gender and, various state organs and agencies to follow up implementation of policies on gender in schools .Further research should find out ,the progress being made on gender issues and policies implementation.