Muigai, Raphael Muthoni2016-04-052016-04-052015-10http://erepository.mku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2062Studies done in Kenya and all over the world have identified numerous problems experienced by pupils brought up with father absenteeism households. The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of father absenteeism on pupil’s academic achievement in Kandara Sub County Murang’a County due to many cases of illicit brewing in the area. The specific objectives were to find out how father absenteeism influences paternal involvement in school activities, pupil’s truancy, pupil’s class repetition and disruptive school behavior among early childhood learners. Of The study was guided by attachment theory of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted in this study when collecting data. Qualitative data was presented using descriptions while quantitative employed statistical methods. The study adopted triangulation research design. The target population of this study was 79 teachers, 303 pupils and 124 parents. Simple random, stratified and purposive sampling methods were adopted to give a total of 88 participants. The main instruments for data collection were questionnaires for teachers, interview schedule and observation check list collected information from parents and pupils. Piloting of the instruments was done to enhance constructive validity of the instruments. Credibility was achieved by employing simple random sampling where participants answered research questions without being manipulated. Dependability was enhanced by use of triangulation research design which involved many data collection methods. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences where descriptive statistics analyzed quantitative data while content analysis was used for quantitative data based on the research questions and objectives. It was presented using bar graphs, tables and pie charts for easy interpretation. The study concluded that father absenteeism make mothers be with the burden of bring up children. Mothers who are not in stable jobs face scarcity of resources posing a challenge to provide for the learners making them truant, engage in disruptive behaviors negatively affecting their academic achievement resulting to class repetition. The study also concluded that fathers around this region indulge in illicit brewing making them irresponsible. Study recommended that; teachers should organize school meetings and invite fathers to enlighten them on the important roles they play in children’s lives. The curriculum developers should encourage programs that may enable fathers gain knowledge on their duties and responsibilities towards children. Government to intensify its fight against illicit brews which the study has revealed a major cause of father absenteeism in the region and religious leaders to campaign against excessive alcohol intake through seminars and religious gatherings to sensitize fathers their obligation towards children.enabsenteeismhouseholdsThesis