Impact of child labour on pupils’ participation in primary education in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County, Kenya
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Date
2018-02
Authors
Njeri, Muriuki Felister
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The subject on child labour has attracted global concern and calls for public attention.
The interest is spurred on by consideration of child labour as a constitutional right issue,
its connection to education and significance in the prosperity and progression of the
economy. The new economic freedom among pupils particularly in Kirinyaga Central
has raised the pervasiveness of child labour and this has serious implications on the
participation of children in schools. Such children often fall out of the education system.
The study sought to investigate the impact of child labour on pupils’ participation in
primary education in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County, Kirinyaga County.The objectives
of the study were to identify the causes of child labour in Kirinyaga Central Sub-
County, review how child labour influences pupils’ attendance, instruction and
academic performance in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County. The study was guided by
economic theory which argue that there is a relationship between schooling and labour
market outcome for individuals. The theory was used to explain the deleterious effects
of child employment on education. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The
target population seventy three primary schools in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County.
Fourteen primary schools were sampled. Simple random sampling was employed to
select fourteen public primary schools to represent all the primary schools in the Sub-
County. The sample size for the study was 382 respondents. Questionnaires with closeended
and open-ended items were used to collect data from pupils and class teachers
while interview schedules were used for the head teachers. Piloting of the instruments
was carried out in two schools within the sample to ascertain reliability. Validity of the
instruments was ascertained through consultation with seasonal researchers. Data was
analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Statistical Packages for Social
Sciences (SPSS) was used to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative
data was summarized and analyzed thematically. Data was presented through tables and
narratives. Study findings revealed that pupils are economically active within the
household and from without the household. There is also much economic freedom
among pupils which has adverse effects on pupil participation in learning. This research
recommended more focus on child labour through adoption of a consultative approach
in which all stakeholders would be involved in promoting children’s participation in
education.
Description
A research thesis submitted in fulfilment of the degree of master of education of Kenyatta University in the school of education, department of educational foundations. February, 2018