EFFECT OF CULTURAL PRACTICES ON ENROLMENT AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS IN PUBLIC DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KWALE COUNTY, KENYA
EFFECT OF CULTURAL PRACTICES ON ENROLMENT AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS IN PUBLIC DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KWALE COUNTY, KENYA
King`ondu Lillian Wanza - Masters of Education Student, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Daniel Mange Mbirithi - Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Enrolment and retention of learners has emerged as a critical issue in Kenyan schools being subjected to debate and reforms, the most recent being 100% transition from primary to secondary schools since 2017. Despite efforts to comply with the regulation, enrollment and retention continues to be low. This research sought to establish the effect of cultural practices on enrolment and retention of students in public day secondary schools in Kinango Sub County, Kwale. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the cultural practices effect on enrolment and retention was employed. Qualitative analysis was via content analysis on the data collected to provide insights on patterns in cultural practices. Quantitative analysis was through descriptive statistics quantifying the measurable enrolment and retention data in percentages and frequencies. It covered a population of 21-day public schools, 261 teachers, 21 principals, 21 PA chairpersons and 5,057 students.10% of significant population and 20% of the small population provided the sample size. Therefore,4 principals,4 PAs,26 teachers and 506 students were the sample size which totalled up to 540 respondents. The research employed a descriptive survey using interviews on principals and PAs and questionnaires on teachers and students to collect enrolment and retention data. Sampling was achieved by frequencies and percentages analytical statistics. Tables, charts, and graphs were utilized to illustrate the data. Through intervening measures, this research conceptualized these practices as independent variables to show improved enrolment and retention. In regard to ethical practices, a research permit was granted by NACOSTI while MOE Kinago Sub County also provided permission for the researcher to carry out the investigation within the locality upon request. The study found out that initiation according to 65% respondents and early marriage affected enrolment and retention due to the challenging family responsibilities installed upon the affected learners and change of behaviour that discouraged participation in education, 39% of respondents family were polygamous, 25% monogamous while 36% other types of family setting. Economic activity limited the income generated in families making them unable to cater for the sake of their children’s needs both at home and more so in school. The researcher concluded that the four cultural practices affected enrolment and retention. This study recommended sensitization, practice of a variety of economic activities and guiding and counselling as well as legal action against perpetrators of forced marriage to enhance enrolment and retention of the students in Kinango Sub County.
