Situational analysis on retention strategies among pupils in public primary schools in Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

Education is seen as being so important to the improvement of persons. The right to basic education is legal and constitutionally assured in Kenya and other countries. Education stakeholders in collaboration with the Kenyan government have done a lot to increase access and retention in primary schools specifically in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) which still face these challenges.Thus, this study explores the strategies that enhance retention among pupils in public primary schools in Narok County. The objectives were to explore the existing strategies for enhancing retention, to examine the usefulness of the existing strategies and programs that enhance retention, to establish challenges faced by primary school teachers and pupils in the implementation of retention strategies and to come up with suggestions on strategies that can enhance retention among primary school pupils. The study adopted a qualitative approach, underpinned under the interpretivist paradigm with a multiple case study design. Interviews and Focused Group Discussions were used to generate qualitative data from the participants. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used in selecting four head teachers, four standard eight class teachers and eight pupils from class eight in each of the four selected primary schools totaling to 40 participants with 12 interviews. The data was coded then analyzed thematically guided by Tinto‘s Theory of retention. The findings revealed that School Feeding Programs, Free Primary Education, Guidance and Counseling, and Teaching and Learning resources were the main strategies found in schools. Inadequate water supply and firewood, lack of School Feeding Programs and community involvement, inadequate supply of sanitary towels, delays in disbursing School Feeding Programs and Free Primary Education funds were the main challenges for retention of pupils in primary schools. There was high enrolment, regular attendance and improved completion rates in primary schools with consistency of School Feeding programs. In conclusion, for retention of pupils in primary schools the government should implement the above strategies. The study therefore recommends that the government should implement consistence feeding programs, increase and disburse Free Primary Education and School Feeding Programs funds in time, be gender sensitive when posting teachers and sensitizing on community involvement in pupils education in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) and drought stricken areas. The findings of this study will be significant to Ministry of Education, policy makers, stakeholders, curriculum developers and learners.