An Investigation Into The Challenges Facing Boy-Child Education in Mugumo-Ini Location, Murang’a County, Kenya

Abstract

Dropout rates of boy-child from preschools have been on the increase and has concerned education stakeholders in developing countries. Thus, the main objective of the study was to investigate the challenges which influence boy-child education in Mugumo-ini Location in Murang’a County. The study used the technique of systematic review of the literature to analyze effect of school- related, economic and socio-cultural challenges as well as the challenge of absent fathers on boy- child education. The study applied mixed methods approach, that is, both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study adopted explanatory sequential design in which qualitative data helped explain or build upon initial quantitative results. The study was carried out amongst 30 preschools with a target population of 1000 from which a sample of 200 respondents were selected using The Central Limit Theorem. The study applied stratified random sampling to create 6 different strata based on the number of educational zones. From each stratum, a sample of 1 preschool was randomly selected and then the researcher applied purposive sampling to select preschool managers and teachers from each stratum since they hold responsibilities that bring them closer to the learners in order to relate their ideas and experiences to performance. The researcher then applied simple random sampling to select 31 preschool children from each zone since they are knowledgeable in boy-child education in Mugumo-ini Location. Data analysis began by identifying common themes from the respondents’ description of their experiences. Frequency counts of the responses were then obtained to generate information about the respondents and to illustrate the general trend of findings on the various variables that were under investigation. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically along the study objectives whereas the quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS version 21). The findings of the study were presented using frequency tables. The study established that there are numerous challenges which influence education of the boy-child. These challenges include; school-related, economic, and socio-cultural and absent fathers. The study thus recommends advocacy for boys’ education among communities, parents and other stakeholders. Further sensitize them against negative social-cultural practices and encourage the re-entry of boys just like girls counterpart who drop out of schools. Parents be sensitized on importance of sending children, especially the boy-child to school so that they can actively participate fully in the society. Teachers/society and stakeholders at large should mentor boy-child from harmful practices such as drug abuse, alcohol and other deviant behaviors’. There is need to reinforce legal support for affirmative action program to eliminate discriminatory practices and also ensure that positive steps are taken to increase the number of boys enrolment and retention in school