Publication:

Effects of school drop out in Kirinyaga county, Ndia Division [case study of Ndia Division]

Despite of introduction of free secondary education by the government of Kenya in 2003, drop out late is still high in Kirinyaga County, Ndia division. Although the government has attached so much importance to education through finance and policies, there is still poor performance low participation and high levels of school drop out in Ndia division. The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of school drop out in Kirinyaga County most especially in Ndia division. The main objectives of this study was to find out the causes of secondary school drop out in Ndia division in Kirinyaga county, to find out the effect of school dropout in performance, to investigate the extent of dropout of students in secondary schools in Ndia division and to establish the possible solution to curb the dropout phenomena. The study adopted and descriptive survey design. Data collected was done through questionnaires and interviews. Random sampling was used in selecting students, teachers and parents. Piloting was done in two schools in the district which was identical but was not used in the study to establish the validity and reliability of the instrument. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis procedure and presented using frequency tables and pie chart. Qualitative data were organized into the main themes relevant to the study, summarized and reported according to the main views. From the investigation the major causes of drop out included lack of interest in schooling, poverty, family break ups and HIV/AIDS infected parents or students. Based on the findings the following recommendations were made: schools to introduce guidance and counselling, parents to offer guidance to their students and Government to formulate policies the will protect them. This study benefits Educational directors, Educational planners, human rights organization, teachers and the Ministry of Education to meet the unique needs of school going students in Ndia Division in Kirinyaga County and in Kenya as a whole. This study benefits all the Educational stakeholders, it also provides the various concerned groups with its findings and recommendations geared towards promoting education in Kenya. This study will help in the formulation of curriculum that will be suitable for all students