Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting girl child progression rates in
primary schools in west pokot Sub county of West Pokot County, Kenya. The objectives of
the study were to investigate the effects of Economic, environmental as well as cultural
factors on girl child progression rates in West Pokot Sub-County and extent of the
effectiveness of government intervention measures to curb the challenges. The study
employed the descriptive research survey design. The conceptual framework illustrated how
the effects of economic, environmental and cultural factors influenced girl child primary
school progression rates and the effect of government intervention measures. The target
population was three tac-tutors, 51 primary school headteachers, 51 primary school
management committee chairmen and 612 pupils totaling to 717. The sample was from four
divisions in the sub-county with 170 primary schools. The instrument of data collection was
the questionnaire. After return of questionnaires, there was data analysis and presentation by
use of descriptive statistics; tables, percentages and pie charts. In conclusion results showed
that the effects which were economic and cultural in nature negatively influenced girl child
progression rates more that any other factors. Government stimulus and ASAL funds had less
explicit affect as intervention measures. However, school feeding programme and FGM
campaigns and most vulnerable children programme were more effective intervention
measures in supporting girl-children education. The study recommended that the government
to put emphasis on mobile schools in ASAL areas, initiate special girl child education fund as
well as establishing more low cost boarding schools and put up more rescue centres in areas
which were more vulnerable to girl child progression rates in primary education programme.
