Drop out factors and their impact on boys’ retention in public secondary schools in Mombasa County, Kenya
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Date
2023-06
Authors
Maungu, Evelyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta university
Abstract
It is important to investigate the impact of boys’ drop out from secondary schools, as high dropout rates of boys impact negatively on university intake and formal employment since they lack minimal credentials to access jobs and post-secondary education. School dropout is associated with unemployment and life outcomes. School dropout in boys’ public secondary schools in Mombasa County affect the boys’ lives negatively. High school dropouts are unlikely to possess the basic qualifications and abilities required to function in today's immensely complex society and technologically dependent profession. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine school dropout of boys in the County. The study was based on the following objectives: This study determined the dropout rates of boys in Mombasa County, Kenya and sought for possible solutions. This study also determined the socio-economic problems and the school-based aspects leading to drop-out rates and determined the strategies of reducing the boys drop-out rates in Mombasa County. The study adopted Maslow's (1954) Theory of Hierarchy of Needs. A descriptive survey approach which is focused on the generic statistics that emerged when information is gleaned from the respondents was adopted. The target population was 3437 comprising of 9 principals, 278 class teachers, 3146 students and 4 education officers. Simple random technique was utilized to get a sample size of 352 respondents namely 6 principals, 28 class teachers, 315 students and 3 educational officers. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. The questionnaires were administered to class masters and students while interview schedules were administered on principals and education officers. Both regression and ANOVA tests were analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programmes. The findings were displayed through descriptive statistics by utilization of frequency tables, graphs, pie charts and themes. The study results revealed a prediction that for every variation in socio-economic factors, there was 64.5% less progress in retention of boys in secondary schools in Mombasa County, every variation in teachers related factors, there was 9.6% less progress in retention. The study interestingly revealed that for every variation in resources related factors, there was 21.0%% progress in progress in retention of boys; and every variation in school leadership styles, there was 5.2% decreased progress in retention rates of boys in secondary schools in Mombasa County while for every variation in curriculum related factors, there was 32.3% progress of retention of boys. The study may benefit SMCs and BOMs who may use the findings to enable them to come up with systems to prevent and reduce dropouts. Policy makers may utilize the findings to develop policies on dropouts. Other researchers may also benefit from the findings especially those focusing on dropout phenomenon. The study recommends that Schools should organize awareness campaigns about the value of education, particularly for Boys. To minimize the effects of economic challenges on boys' education, the government should expand educational funding through CDF and bursaries. The other recommendation is that there should be strong bond and relations between students, teachers and parents so as to easily sort of many problems young boys go through daily silently both socially and academically so as to build an understanding of all the stakeholders that is teachers, students and boys’ parents.
Description
A research project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of masters of education (educational planning) in the school of education and lifelong learning of Kenyatta University June, 2023
Keywords
Drop out, boys’ retention, public secondary schools, Mombasa County, Kenya