Factors influencing participation of students in mixed public secondary schools in Kajiado north sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Comparative estimates of secondary school participation indicate that in the developing world no more than 39 per cent of children of secondary-school age are attending secondary school. In Kenya, the Tuition Free Secondary Education (TFSE) Policy was launched at the beginning of 2008 to expand and enhance access to secondary school education in the country by ensuring that children from poor households acquire quality education and benefit from the opportunity of self-advancement and eventually become productive members of society. In a nationwide study by the Education Policy and Data Centre (EPDS) (2007), it was found that the gross enrollment rate in Kajiado County was about 22 percent for boys and 18 percent for girls, both proportions of which were lower than the national averages stated as 60.1 percent by 2009, or 57 percent for girls and 63.1 percent for boys respectively (World Bank, 2009). This study therefore sought to establish the factors that affect the participation of students in the mixed public secondary schools, considering that participation rates in the County are lower than the national average. The research utilized the descriptive survey, and used the random sampling method to select the respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews guides. The study had a response rate of 85.7%, composed of male and female head teachers, teachers and members of the Parents’ and Teachers’ Associations. It was found that various policy interventions have an effect on participation in mixed secondary schools, and on the participation of male and female students. It was also found that the gender status of the mixed schools had a significant effect on participation, just as do socioeconomic factors. The study concludes that the legal and policy interventions have a significant effect on the participation of learners in mixed public secondary schools. Policies addressing matters of school enrollment and retention such as re-entry, repetition, Tuition Free Secondary Education programme and bridging of the gender gap have a great effect on the participation rates in the mixed public secondary schools. The study also concludes that the gender status of the mixed schools has a significant effect on participation. This effect especially affects the rate of enrolment among female learners.