Publication: Analysis of socio-cultural practices on girl-child Performance in Kenya certificate of primary education Examination: the case of Navakholo sub- county, Kenya
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2015-08
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of socio cultural practices on girl child
KCPE performance in primary schools in Navakholo Sub-County. Poor KCPE performance is
a hindrance to placement of girls in National Schools, quality extra County schools and by
extension, admission for good professional careers. It is still not clear why there is a gender
disparity in KCPE performance in primary schools in Navakholo sub-county yet boys and
girls learn under the same environment. Specifically, the study sought to assess KCPE
performance trends for the girl child over the past five years; analyze influence of socio-
cultural practices on girl child KCPE performance; to determine the challenges for the
performance of the girl child in KCPE performance in Navakholo Sub-County and, to
establish strategies that could be used to enhance girl child KCPE performance. The study
was grounded in the Social Cultural and Product Input Function theories. The study used a
mixed method approach and adopted descriptive survey design. Stratified random sampling
was used to select 360 standard eight girl pupils; purposive sampling was used to select 15
Key informants including Education officers, Teachers, administrators and other selected
stakeholders. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were used in the
study. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 360 standard eight pupils randomly
selected from different primary Schools; interview guides were used to collect data from 15
Key informants and 6 Focus Groups. Observation check lists and document analysis were also
used to collect additional data on schools performances in KCPE. The validity and reliability
of the instruments was determined by piloting of the instruments; an alpha Cronbanch
threshold value of 0.7 was used to ascertain validity and reliability of the instruments. For the
qualitative data, findings across the key variables was verified to ascertain the validity.
Quantitative data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Squire tests with
the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) computer software programme.
Qualitative data obtained was analyzed using content analysis and Spearman’s rank order
correlations. Analyzed data has been presented in form of figures, tables, charts, graphs and
narratives. Trends in Girl child KCPE performance revealed that there is poor performance
particularly in mathematics and Science and there is need for an intervention. The study
established that stereotypic gender role dispositions are the major socio cultural practices that
lead to girls’ underperformance in KCPE. Among the challenges faced by girls was parents’
failure to buy certain basic items. The major strategies suggested pointed at breaking the
cultural prejudice in the communities to overcome the challenges faced by girls for better
academic achievement. The study recommends that parents be encouraged to minimize
domestic chores for girls, so that they can concentrate on their studies and the Ministry of
Education should increase Free Primary Education Funds to cater for basic needs of girls
adequately so that they concentrate on their studies.
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Education, Planning