Influence of Selected Factors on Girls Completion Rate in Primary Schools in Mochongoi Division, Marigat Sub-County, Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

The trend of completion rates of the girl child in primary school in Mochongoi division necessitates an investigation into what influences the phenomenon. Without girls’ education a country’s development remains seriously hampered and gender equality cannot be realized. Mother’s education helps reduce child mortality and child malnutrition. Educating girls is therefore the key to stable, healthy families and communities. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of selected factors on girls completion rate in primary schools in Mochongoi Division, Marigat Sub-County, Baringo County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Production theory by Psacharopoulous and Woodhall. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The study employed questionnaires and interview schedule as instruments for data collection. Both teachers’ and pupils’ questionnaires had a test-retest reliability coefficient of more than 0.7. Validity of the instruments was ascertained by supervisors and lecturers in department of education, Africa Nazarene University. The study’s three formulated hypotheses were tested by use of Pearson correlation coefficient while qualitative data was thematically analysed. The study found that the girls’ completion rate correlated negatively and significantly with socio-cultural, school based and pupil-related factors though to a varying degree. Rampant FGM practices, stigmatization of girls who fail to undergo FGM, child labour, early marriages and lack of proper guidance at school are some of the leading factors that lead to low girls completion rate in primary education in Mochongoi Division. Girls are still seen as source of wealth after marriage creating impetus for early marriages leading to high dropout rates. The study recommends sustained legal measures, community awareness, and support of vulnerable groups such as building more boarding schools for both girls in order to gradually overcome the deep rooted retrogressive socio-cultural practices.