Influence of Early Marriages on Students’ Progression in Public Secondary Schools in Ndhiwa Sub-County, Homabay County, Kenya

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Students’ progression in secondary schools is key to the realization of educational objectives. However, in Ndhiwa Sub-county, the situation is different due to low students’ progression rates. Many students drop out of secondary schools just a few years after enrollment due to a number of socio-economic dynamics such as early marriages. Purpose of the Study: Thus, the purpose of this was to study to assess the influence of early marriages on students’ progression in public secondary schools in Ndhiwa Sub-county, Homabay County, Kenya. Methodology: This research adopted mixed methodology and applied concurrent triangulation research design. Target population was 1263 respondents which comprised 65 principals, 678 secondary school teachers and 520 parents’ representatives from which 305 respondents were sampled using Yamane’s Formula. Stratified sampling was applied to create five strata based on the number of zones in Ndhiwa Sub-county. From each zone, five principals and five parents’ representatives were sampled purposively. However, from each zone, simple random sampling was applied to select 51 teachers. This procedure realized a sample size of 25 principals, 25 parents’ representatives and 255 teachers. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically based on the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially using multiple linear regression model in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23) and presented using tables. Findings: The study established that students’ progression has been low with many students who get enrolled in Form I not able to complete their secondary education. This is attributed to cases of early marriages as a socio-economic dynamic. Recommendations: The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Chiefs and Public Benefits Organizations (PBOs) should continue with their sensitization efforts to eradicate incidences of early marriages among school-going children.