Socio-Economic Factors That Influence Dropout among Boys in Secondary School in Muthambi Division

Abstract

A number of challenges including but not limited to declining completion rates, repetition and drop out in secondary education in Kenya has possibly led to wastage. This is likely to impact on the attainment of Education for All (EF A) goals. The purpose of this study was to establish the Socio- Economic factors that influence dropout among boys in public secondary schools in Muthambi Division, Maara District. Descriptive survey research design was used to gather information about the subject. The study was carried out in the 10 secondary schools within the division. The target population was 10 head teachers and 40 class teachers, 10 households' heads and 10 boys dropout selected through simple random sampling. The main data collection instrument was questionnaires, which were administered on the principals and class teachers. Document analysis was done to corroborate the information provided by the head teachers and class teachers on the number of the school dropouts. The findings from the study indicate that boys drop out in all the schools in the division. Some of the causes of dropout in schools include school fees, peer pressure, some disliked school among others. The recommendations given to curb the problem include: strengthening guidance and counseling in schools, parents should be more responsible, schools should provide programmes to support the boy child. Teachers and parents should work harder to make the learning environment more conducive in school and home.