Factors contributing to boys dropout in day secondary schools in Lari sub - county, Kiambu county.

Abstract

This study purposed on determining the causes of boys’ dropout in secondary schools in Lari Sub - County, Kiambu County. The study was guided by the following objectives: To determine the school based factors causing boys dropout in secondary schools; to determine social economic factors causing boys’ dropout in secondary schools; to determine the cultural factors causing boys’ dropout in secondary schools. The researcher used descriptive research design to collect information from teachers and students in the public Day secondary schools. The researcher also used questionnaires to teachers and students in public day secondary schools to determine the factors contributing to boys drop outs in secondary schools hence establishing the situation on the ground. The schools sampled included; St. Augustine Nyanduma, Kamburu and Nyamweru sec. school. A total of 150 respondents were sampled. The researcher analyzed the data collected using both qualitative and quantitative approach. The research findings established that, apart from school and home based factors that caused drop outs in secondary schools in disadvantaged Sub - Countys, there are also those factors that are neither school- based nor home-based. These are factors that have been noted to cause drop outs in secondary schools in Kiambu County. The study also revealed that most of the families had between 2 – 4 members, followed with 5-7 members, while the rest had more than 7 members. The principals indicated that the average number of members as given by the parents was 5 per family. It was also established that most of the respondents strongly agreed with the statements; boys from families of 2-4 members drop out of school, boys from families of 5 and above members do not complete Form 4, parents with 7 children and above do not pay fees for their sons and there is likelihood of boys who have all their basic needs met drop out of school before completing Form 4. In addition, the respondents agreed that most drop outs come from homes whose parents have not gone to school. The study recommends that: School should provide adequate learning resources that will cater the needs of all learners to minimize dropout. Teacher’s effectiveness in teaching should be re-evaluated and if possible in service training be offered to all teachers to improve teacher characteristics that may be lead boys dropout. Schools should come up with strategies that will help the students from poor background to ensure that such pupils do not drop out of school due to lack of fees. Government in collaboration with school administrations should teach parents on the importance of educating their students especially in secondary education.