Thesis:

Evaluation of gender equity enhancing measures in educational outcome in Secondary schools in Meru south sub-county Tharaka Nithi county-Kenya

Gender equality in education is an emerging issue that raises a lot of concern in education systems. Gender equality in education has four dimensions: equality in access; equality in learning process; equality in educational outcomes and equality in external results. However, government policies and researches seem to be focused on improving access at the expense of other dimensions. This research therefore seeks to establish the gender equity measures that have been put in place to ensure gender equality in access; learning process; educational outcomes and in external results. The study specifically assessed the school level gender equity enhancing measures that have been put in place to enhance gender equity in secondary school education. The findings of the study would be useful to teachers, parents, students and Ministry of Education in improving gender equity in education. The study was guided by the Liberal feminist theory. The study used descriptive survey design. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions. The sample consisted of 48 schools, 48 principals, 205 teachers and 367 secondary schools students. Content validity was measured through expert opinion a pilot study carried out in order to determine the reliability of research instruments. The internal consistency of the instruments was measured using the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient at a level of 0.7. The questionnaire had Cronbach’s alpha of 0.75.Quantitative data on intervention measures wereanalyzed using descriptive statistics in accordance with the study objective while qualitative data wasanalyzed thematically as per objectives and presented in tables and charts. The teaching and learning measures, co-curricula, and school administrative and boarding and catering measures were identified. The study recommended policy guidelines to be put in place and the training of teachers on gender equity.