Factors that influence retention of primary school pupils in Maparasha, Kajiado county in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the factors that influence retention of primary school pupils in Maparasha, Kajiado County in Kenya. The objectives of this study were (i) to establish the socio-cultural factors that influence pupils’ retention in primary schools in Maparasha; (ii) to determine the socio-economic factors that influence pupils’ retention in primary schools in Maparasha; (iii) to establish the school related factors that influence primary school retention in Maparasha; and (iv) to determine the factors that affect regular schooling in primary schools in Maparasha. The key finding of this study are that, cultural practices, parent’s level of education, income level of the family and how pupils are treated in school affect retention of primary school pupils in Maparasha. The study adopted a descriptive approach the sampling methodology employed, was simple radomn sampling to identify schools that would participate in the study and systematic radomn sampling to identify sample learners for the purposes of the study. It was that cultural factors, economic factors. And school setting has a significant impact on retention of pupils in Maparasha. The study recommends that community sensitization is required to help the community change its perception of education is transformed. Also, the study recommends engaging the community in income diversification projects so as to increase household income levels and hence encourage parents and guardians to retain their children in school. It further suggests that there is need to carry out detail research involving ways to reduce school dropout rates in Kenya.