Factors influencing dropouts in public primary schools in Mogotio Sub-County, Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

The major drawback in attaining Education for All (EFA) and Vision 2030 is the rising cases of school drop-out. Any factor that interferes with pupil learning not only undermines the goals of education but also hampers the growth and development of the children. Policies to improve school progression and reduce the numbers of children dropping out of school are critical if Universal Primary Education (UPE) is to be achieved. Despite the policies that Kenyan government, UNICEF and NGOS have put in place with regard to accessibility to education by all children; there are still children in the rural areas not going to school. Even those who are able to go usually perform poorly academically and even drop before they complete the primary education system. The purpose of this study therefore is to investigate the factors affecting dropout rates in Mogotio Sub County. Objectives of the study were; to find out school related factors influencing dropout rates in primary schools in Mogotio Sub County, to investigate the socio-Economic factors influencing dropout rates in primary schools in Mogotio Sub County, to identify learner related factors influencing dropout rates in primary schools in Mogotio Sub County and to establish measures put in place to reduce dropout rates in primary schools in Mogotio Sub County. The study was guided by Push- out Grounded Model by Arkifat. The study was conducted in Mogotio Sub-county, Baringo County. The target population included all the 2,459 pupils of primary schools, 919 teachers and 103 head teachers in Mogotio Sub County. Proportionate stratified sampling was adopted to stratify the pupils, teachers and Head teachers according to the location they belong. Mugenda’s rule of 10% was used to select a sample of 246 pupils, 92 teachers and 31 head teachers making a total of 369 respondents. Close ended questionnaires were used to collect data from the learners and the teachers. Head teachers were interviewed with the aid of interview guide to get in-depth information concerning pupils drop out. The questionnaires in this study were validated through application of content validity. To ensure reliability, the researcher, in close consultation with the supervisors, constructed the research instruments and pre-tested them by carrying out a pilot survey. The questionnaires were pre tested in the neighbouring Eldama ravine sub county. Ten percent of the sample was used for pre testing this comprised of 25 pupils, 10 teachers and 3 head teachers. Data collected from the study was checked and validated for accuracy and completeness at the end of each day. Quantitative data was entered using SPSS. Data was presented using pie charts, bar graphs and tables. The study findings revealed that knowledge resources were not enough in the institutions which negatively influenced drop out. Schools with limited learning facilities discourage students from attending such schools. The study concluded that the factors influencing dropout were; poor parental care, poverty, child labor, death of parents, pregnancy, peer influence and indiscipline while the factors that influenced drop out were; poor academic performance, absenteeism, indiscipline, child labor, peer influence, poverty and poor parental care. Both dropout and repetition were influenced by poverty, peer influence, indiscipline child labor and poor parental care. The study recommends there should be affirmative action aimed at encouraging pupils in ASAL to stay in school. Besides, the County and National governments should collaborate and pool resources to ensure that they coordinate feeding programs in schools and scholarships for needy students. The study will be significant to the government through the ministry of education in identifying the factors that affect dropout of pupils in primary schools hence helping them to develop policies that boost retention of learners