Free Day Secondary Education Funding and Student Retention across Gender in Migori County, Kenya
Keywords:
Free day secondary education, student retention, gender
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made worldwide in enrolment of boys and girls both at primary and secondary levels. However studies indicate that the actual completion rates at secondary school remain low especially for girls. While the Kenyan government has put in place impressive education policy that details how gender inequality should be addressed, the implementation of the same has remained elusive. This study was anchored on systems and retention theories and sought to add knowledge and literature related to free day secondary education and student retention. The study targeted 215 public day secondary schools. The actual sample was of 19 schools, 228 students, 76 class teachers, 19 principals, 31 parents and 1 Quality Assurance and Standards Officer. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed method design using cross sectional survey for the quantitative method and a case study design for the qualitative method. Data were collected using questionnaires, interview guides, document analysis guide and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were generated through using MS Excel 2018 and SPSS version 21. Qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions were analysed thematically. The report was given in narrative form and direct quotes. The findings relieved that boys are 2.84 times more likely to be followed-up in cases of absence compared to girls. Girls seem to face challenges such as early marriages and lack of sanitary towels among others, which keep them away from school. The study recommended that the government should set aside funds to support vulnerable boys and girls in public secondary schools as an intervention for promoting equity in secondary education
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Abungu, G. M. O. (2015). Factors influencing retention rate of girls in secondary schools in
Ndhiwa Sub-County, Homa-Bay, County, Kenya. (Master’s thesis, Kenyatta University).
Adams, K. M. (2012). Systems theory: A formal construct for understanding systems. Int. J.
System of Systems Engineering, 3(3/4), 209-224.
Adan, M. A., & Orodho, J. A. (2015). Constraints of implementing free secondary education
in Mandera West Sub-County, Kenya. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(9). Retrieved
from http://www.iiste.org
Amanuel, A. T., & Nam, P. A. O. (2011). Educational planning for educational planners,
managers and student-teachers in Africa. Nairobi: CUEA Press.
Atif, A., Richards, D., & Bilgin, A. (2016). A student retention model: Empirical, theoretical and
pragmatic. Retrieved from http://www.researchgate.net
Banathy, B. H. (1991). Systems design of education: A journey to create the future. Engelwood
Cliffs : Educational Technology Publications.
Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. New
York: George Braziller, Inc.
Boeije, H. (2013). Analysis in qualitative research. New Delhi: Sage Publications.
Burke, J., & Larry, C. (2014). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative and mixed
approaches. (5th ed.). USA: Sage Publications.
Cherotich, N. V., Simatwa, E. M., & Ayodo, T. M. (2014). Impact of free secondary education
policy on gender equality in secondary school education in Kenya: A case study of Kericho
County. Educational Research, 5(3), 83-97.
Chikere, C., & Nwoka, J. (2015). The systems theory of management in modern day
Organisation: A study of Aldgate Congress Resort Limited Port Harcourt. International
Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 5(9). Retrieved from http://www.ijsrp.org
Connolly, C. (2016). Student retention literature: Tinto’s model. Retrieved from
http:www.corneliathinks.wordpress.com
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among the five
approaches. (3rd ed.). Washington DC: Sage Publication.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method
approaches. (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publication.
Creswell, J. W., & Clark, V. P. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods research.
(2nd ed.). London: Sage Publications, Inc.
Daniel, T. A. (2014). Application of a systems approach to distance education. Retrieved from
http://www.researchgate.net
Dube, A. K., & Orodho, J. A. (2014). Dismal transition, retention and performance of the
Girl-child:What are the explanatory variables in Rhamu Town, Mandera County, Kenya.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 19(7). doi: 10.9790/0837-19773746
Esteves, M. (2018). Gender equality in Education: A challenge for policy makers. International
Journal of Social Sciences, 4(2), 893-905.
Fowler, Z. (2016). Determinants of secondary school attrition and related health factors among
female youth in rural Kenya. (Undergraduate thesis, Duke University).
Ganira, K. L., Inda, A. N., Odundo, P. A., Akondo, J. O., & Ngaruiya, B. (2015). Early and
forced child marriage on girl education in Migori County, Kenya: Constraints, prospects
and policy. World Journal of Education, 5(4), 72-80.
Getenge, K. N., & Onsombi, J. N. (2016). Economic factors affecting students’ retention in
public secondary schools in Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. International
Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning, 3(2), 25-36.
Gichu, D. N., Kibaara, T., & Njagi, Z. (2017). Challenges faced by head teachers in public
secondary schools in Nyeri South Sub County, Nyeri County, Kenya. International Journal
of Humanities and Social Sciences, 6(8), 29-40.
Global Education Monitoring Report. (2018). Meeting our commitments to gender equality in
education. Paris: UNESCO.
Gura, E. O. (2015). The effects of Kenya’s subsidised secondary education programme on access
retention, equity and quality: A case of Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu County, Kenya.
(Master’s thesis, Kenyatta University).
Jama, K. H. (2015). Socio-cultural factors influencing girls’ retention rate in secondary schools
in Qardho District, Somalia. (Master’s thesis, University of Nairobi).
Kapur, R. (2019). Gender inequality in education. Retrieved from http://www.researchgate.net
Lichuma, W. (2017). Gender equality challenges in Kenya and Africa. Paper presented at the
Australian High Commission, 28th June 2017, London. Retrieved from
http://www.ngeckenya.org
Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Schools as open systems. Retrieved from
http://www.nationalforum.com
Makorani, S. H., & Muli, S. (2017). Factors affecting the retention rate of pupils in public
primary schools in Hindi Division, Lamu County, Kenya. International Journal of
Scientific Research and Innovation Technology, 4(9). Retrieved from
http://www.ijsrit.com
Matara, V. (2020). New fees structure for secondary schools in Kenya, 2018. Retrieved from
http://www.victormatara.com
Ministry of Education. (2018). National education management information system. Retrieved
from http://www.nemis.education.go.ke
Ministry of Education Science and Technology. (2017). Guidelines for the implementation of
free day secondary education. Government of Kenya.
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. (2018). Fee guidelines for public secondary
schools in Kenya. Government of Kenya.
Mohamed, A. M., Mberia, H. K., & Muturi, W. (2017). Influence of socio-cultural practices on
girl child participation in secondary schools in Garowe District, Somali. Journal of
Humanities and Social Science, 22(5), 78-85.
Mutegi, R.G., Muriithi, M. K., & Wanjala, G. (2017). Education policies in Kenya: Does free
secondary education promote equity in public secondary schools? International Journal of
Development Research, 7(11), 16696-16699.
Mwango, O. C. (2013). An evaluation of determinants of boy child participation and retention in
public secondary schools: A case of Kisumu East, Kenya. International Journal of
Engineering and Sciences, 4(3), 344-351.
Nwoko, C. (2015). Financing education in Nigeria: Opportunities for action. Retrieved from
http://www.reliefweb.int
Nzesei, M. M. (2017). How effective has education policy been at addressing gender inequality
in Kenya? International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 5(7). Retrieved from
http://www.researchgate.net
Nzina, J. W., Mulwa, D. M., & Kimiti, R. P. (2019). Socio-economic factors influencing female
students’ retention in public secondary schools in Mukaa Sub-County, Makueni County,
Kenya. International Journal of Education and Research, 7(9). Retrieved from
http://www.ijern.com
Ochieng, A. G. M. (2015). Factors influencing retention rate of girls in secondary schools in
Ndhiwa Sub-County, Homa-Bay, Kenya. (Master’s thesis, Kenyatta University).
Odumbe, A. G., Simatwa, E. M., & Ayodo, T. M. (2015). Factors influencing student academic
performance in day secondary schools in Kenya: A case study of Migori Sub-County.
Greener Journal of Educational Research, 5(3), 078-097.
Ombati, V., & Mokua, O. (2012). Gender inequality in education in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal
of Women’s Entrepreneurship, 3-4, 114-136.
Omollo, A. E., & Yambo, O, J. M. (2017). Influence of peer pressure on secondary school
dropout in Rongo sub-county, Migori County, Kenya. Journal of Education and Practice,
8(9). Retrieved from http://www.iiste.org
Onwegbuzie, A. J., & Combs, J. P. (2011). Data analysis in mixed research: A Primer.
International Journal of Education, 3(1). doi: 10.5296/ije.v3i1.618
Ostby, G., Urdal, H., & Rudolfsen (2016). What is driving gender equality in secondary
education? Evidence from 57 developing countries, 1970-2010. Educational Research
International, 18. Retrieved from http://www.dx.doi.org
Ouma, O. G. (2013). Factors affecting participation of the girl-child in secondary education in
Migori District, Migori County. (Master’s thesis, University of Nairobi).
Reisinger, S. H. (2016). Using a revised theory of student departure to understand student
athlete persistence. (PhD. Dissertation, University of Iowa).
Republic of Kenya. (2012). Sessional paper No.14. Reforming education and training in
Kenya. Nairobi: Government Press.
Saret, L. (n.d). Retaining students in classes: Putting theory into everyday practice. Retrieved
from http://www.kvcc.edu
Schoonenboom, J., & Johnson, B. (2017). How to construct a mixed method research design.
Springer. doi: 10.1007/s11577-017-0454-1
Shayan, Z. (2015). Gender inequality in education in Afghanistan: Access and barriers. Open
Journal of Philosophy, 5, 277-284.
SIDA. (2017). Gender equality in the education sector: Focusing on issues of quality of
education and completion. Retrieved from http://www.sida.se
Tinto, V. (1975). ‘Dropouts from higher education. A theoretical synthesis of recent research’.
Review of Educational Research (45), 89-125.
Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. Chicago,
IL: University of Chicago Press.
UNESCO. (1981). A systems approach to teaching and learning procedures. Paris: UNESCO
Press.
UNESCO. (2015). Education 2030: Incheon declaration and framework for action. Retrieved
from http://www.uis.unesco.org
Vanish, L. (2017). System approach to education. Retrieved from http://www.wikieducation.org
Wambua, L. M. (2013). Gender issues affecting the girl child in Kenya. International Journal of
Humanities and Social Science, 3(4). Retrieved from http://www.ijhssnet.com
Wango, G. M., Musomi, M., & Akinyi, C. (2012, May). Gender and education in Kenya and
re-alignment of education to the Constitution. ITP human rights towards gender equality:
Nairobi.
Wanjiku, M. N. (2014). Determinants of education wastage in public secondary schools in
Laikipia West District. (Master’s thesis, Kenyatta University).
World Bank. (2018). Educating girls and ending child marriage: A priority for Africa.
Retrieved from http://www.documents.worldbank.org
Yatich, E. & Pere, J. (2017). Barrier to girls’ participation in free day secondary education in
Kenya. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 4(1). Retrieved from
http://www.arjess.org
Yeba, J. S. (2015). Socio-cultural factors affecting gender inequality in higher education: The
case of doctoral students in some Cameroonian universities. Retrieved from
http://www.rocare.org
Zacharia, L. (2014). Factors causing gender inequality in education in Tanzania: A case of
Korogwe District secondary schools. (Master’s thesis, The Open University of Tanzania).
Ndhiwa Sub-County, Homa-Bay, County, Kenya. (Master’s thesis, Kenyatta University).
Adams, K. M. (2012). Systems theory: A formal construct for understanding systems. Int. J.
System of Systems Engineering, 3(3/4), 209-224.
Adan, M. A., & Orodho, J. A. (2015). Constraints of implementing free secondary education
in Mandera West Sub-County, Kenya. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(9). Retrieved
from http://www.iiste.org
Amanuel, A. T., & Nam, P. A. O. (2011). Educational planning for educational planners,
managers and student-teachers in Africa. Nairobi: CUEA Press.
Atif, A., Richards, D., & Bilgin, A. (2016). A student retention model: Empirical, theoretical and
pragmatic. Retrieved from http://www.researchgate.net
Banathy, B. H. (1991). Systems design of education: A journey to create the future. Engelwood
Cliffs : Educational Technology Publications.
Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. New
York: George Braziller, Inc.
Boeije, H. (2013). Analysis in qualitative research. New Delhi: Sage Publications.
Burke, J., & Larry, C. (2014). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative and mixed
approaches. (5th ed.). USA: Sage Publications.
Cherotich, N. V., Simatwa, E. M., & Ayodo, T. M. (2014). Impact of free secondary education
policy on gender equality in secondary school education in Kenya: A case study of Kericho
County. Educational Research, 5(3), 83-97.
Chikere, C., & Nwoka, J. (2015). The systems theory of management in modern day
Organisation: A study of Aldgate Congress Resort Limited Port Harcourt. International
Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 5(9). Retrieved from http://www.ijsrp.org
Connolly, C. (2016). Student retention literature: Tinto’s model. Retrieved from
http:www.corneliathinks.wordpress.com
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among the five
approaches. (3rd ed.). Washington DC: Sage Publication.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method
approaches. (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publication.
Creswell, J. W., & Clark, V. P. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods research.
(2nd ed.). London: Sage Publications, Inc.
Daniel, T. A. (2014). Application of a systems approach to distance education. Retrieved from
http://www.researchgate.net
Dube, A. K., & Orodho, J. A. (2014). Dismal transition, retention and performance of the
Girl-child:What are the explanatory variables in Rhamu Town, Mandera County, Kenya.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 19(7). doi: 10.9790/0837-19773746
Esteves, M. (2018). Gender equality in Education: A challenge for policy makers. International
Journal of Social Sciences, 4(2), 893-905.
Fowler, Z. (2016). Determinants of secondary school attrition and related health factors among
female youth in rural Kenya. (Undergraduate thesis, Duke University).
Ganira, K. L., Inda, A. N., Odundo, P. A., Akondo, J. O., & Ngaruiya, B. (2015). Early and
forced child marriage on girl education in Migori County, Kenya: Constraints, prospects
and policy. World Journal of Education, 5(4), 72-80.
Getenge, K. N., & Onsombi, J. N. (2016). Economic factors affecting students’ retention in
public secondary schools in Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. International
Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning, 3(2), 25-36.
Gichu, D. N., Kibaara, T., & Njagi, Z. (2017). Challenges faced by head teachers in public
secondary schools in Nyeri South Sub County, Nyeri County, Kenya. International Journal
of Humanities and Social Sciences, 6(8), 29-40.
Global Education Monitoring Report. (2018). Meeting our commitments to gender equality in
education. Paris: UNESCO.
Gura, E. O. (2015). The effects of Kenya’s subsidised secondary education programme on access
retention, equity and quality: A case of Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu County, Kenya.
(Master’s thesis, Kenyatta University).
Jama, K. H. (2015). Socio-cultural factors influencing girls’ retention rate in secondary schools
in Qardho District, Somalia. (Master’s thesis, University of Nairobi).
Kapur, R. (2019). Gender inequality in education. Retrieved from http://www.researchgate.net
Lichuma, W. (2017). Gender equality challenges in Kenya and Africa. Paper presented at the
Australian High Commission, 28th June 2017, London. Retrieved from
http://www.ngeckenya.org
Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Schools as open systems. Retrieved from
http://www.nationalforum.com
Makorani, S. H., & Muli, S. (2017). Factors affecting the retention rate of pupils in public
primary schools in Hindi Division, Lamu County, Kenya. International Journal of
Scientific Research and Innovation Technology, 4(9). Retrieved from
http://www.ijsrit.com
Matara, V. (2020). New fees structure for secondary schools in Kenya, 2018. Retrieved from
http://www.victormatara.com
Ministry of Education. (2018). National education management information system. Retrieved
from http://www.nemis.education.go.ke
Ministry of Education Science and Technology. (2017). Guidelines for the implementation of
free day secondary education. Government of Kenya.
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. (2018). Fee guidelines for public secondary
schools in Kenya. Government of Kenya.
Mohamed, A. M., Mberia, H. K., & Muturi, W. (2017). Influence of socio-cultural practices on
girl child participation in secondary schools in Garowe District, Somali. Journal of
Humanities and Social Science, 22(5), 78-85.
Mutegi, R.G., Muriithi, M. K., & Wanjala, G. (2017). Education policies in Kenya: Does free
secondary education promote equity in public secondary schools? International Journal of
Development Research, 7(11), 16696-16699.
Mwango, O. C. (2013). An evaluation of determinants of boy child participation and retention in
public secondary schools: A case of Kisumu East, Kenya. International Journal of
Engineering and Sciences, 4(3), 344-351.
Nwoko, C. (2015). Financing education in Nigeria: Opportunities for action. Retrieved from
http://www.reliefweb.int
Nzesei, M. M. (2017). How effective has education policy been at addressing gender inequality
in Kenya? International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 5(7). Retrieved from
http://www.researchgate.net
Nzina, J. W., Mulwa, D. M., & Kimiti, R. P. (2019). Socio-economic factors influencing female
students’ retention in public secondary schools in Mukaa Sub-County, Makueni County,
Kenya. International Journal of Education and Research, 7(9). Retrieved from
http://www.ijern.com
Ochieng, A. G. M. (2015). Factors influencing retention rate of girls in secondary schools in
Ndhiwa Sub-County, Homa-Bay, Kenya. (Master’s thesis, Kenyatta University).
Odumbe, A. G., Simatwa, E. M., & Ayodo, T. M. (2015). Factors influencing student academic
performance in day secondary schools in Kenya: A case study of Migori Sub-County.
Greener Journal of Educational Research, 5(3), 078-097.
Ombati, V., & Mokua, O. (2012). Gender inequality in education in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal
of Women’s Entrepreneurship, 3-4, 114-136.
Omollo, A. E., & Yambo, O, J. M. (2017). Influence of peer pressure on secondary school
dropout in Rongo sub-county, Migori County, Kenya. Journal of Education and Practice,
8(9). Retrieved from http://www.iiste.org
Onwegbuzie, A. J., & Combs, J. P. (2011). Data analysis in mixed research: A Primer.
International Journal of Education, 3(1). doi: 10.5296/ije.v3i1.618
Ostby, G., Urdal, H., & Rudolfsen (2016). What is driving gender equality in secondary
education? Evidence from 57 developing countries, 1970-2010. Educational Research
International, 18. Retrieved from http://www.dx.doi.org
Ouma, O. G. (2013). Factors affecting participation of the girl-child in secondary education in
Migori District, Migori County. (Master’s thesis, University of Nairobi).
Reisinger, S. H. (2016). Using a revised theory of student departure to understand student
athlete persistence. (PhD. Dissertation, University of Iowa).
Republic of Kenya. (2012). Sessional paper No.14. Reforming education and training in
Kenya. Nairobi: Government Press.
Saret, L. (n.d). Retaining students in classes: Putting theory into everyday practice. Retrieved
from http://www.kvcc.edu
Schoonenboom, J., & Johnson, B. (2017). How to construct a mixed method research design.
Springer. doi: 10.1007/s11577-017-0454-1
Shayan, Z. (2015). Gender inequality in education in Afghanistan: Access and barriers. Open
Journal of Philosophy, 5, 277-284.
SIDA. (2017). Gender equality in the education sector: Focusing on issues of quality of
education and completion. Retrieved from http://www.sida.se
Tinto, V. (1975). ‘Dropouts from higher education. A theoretical synthesis of recent research’.
Review of Educational Research (45), 89-125.
Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. Chicago,
IL: University of Chicago Press.
UNESCO. (1981). A systems approach to teaching and learning procedures. Paris: UNESCO
Press.
UNESCO. (2015). Education 2030: Incheon declaration and framework for action. Retrieved
from http://www.uis.unesco.org
Vanish, L. (2017). System approach to education. Retrieved from http://www.wikieducation.org
Wambua, L. M. (2013). Gender issues affecting the girl child in Kenya. International Journal of
Humanities and Social Science, 3(4). Retrieved from http://www.ijhssnet.com
Wango, G. M., Musomi, M., & Akinyi, C. (2012, May). Gender and education in Kenya and
re-alignment of education to the Constitution. ITP human rights towards gender equality:
Nairobi.
Wanjiku, M. N. (2014). Determinants of education wastage in public secondary schools in
Laikipia West District. (Master’s thesis, Kenyatta University).
World Bank. (2018). Educating girls and ending child marriage: A priority for Africa.
Retrieved from http://www.documents.worldbank.org
Yatich, E. & Pere, J. (2017). Barrier to girls’ participation in free day secondary education in
Kenya. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 4(1). Retrieved from
http://www.arjess.org
Yeba, J. S. (2015). Socio-cultural factors affecting gender inequality in higher education: The
case of doctoral students in some Cameroonian universities. Retrieved from
http://www.rocare.org
Zacharia, L. (2014). Factors causing gender inequality in education in Tanzania: A case of
Korogwe District secondary schools. (Master’s thesis, The Open University of Tanzania).
Published
2020-07-19
How to Cite
Achieng, M. S. B., & Harriet Njui. (2020). Free Day Secondary Education Funding and Student Retention across Gender in Migori County, Kenya. IJRDO- Journal of Educational Research, 5(7), 56-77. https://doi.org/10.53555/er.v5i7.3786
Section
Articles
Copyright (c) 2020 IJRDO - Journal of Educational Research (ISSN: 2456-2947)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Author(s) and co-author(s) jointly and severally represent and warrant that the Article is original with the author(s) and does not infringe any copyright or violate any other right of any third parties, and that the Article has not been published elsewhere. Author(s) agree to the terms that the IJRDO Journal will have the full right to remove the published article on any misconduct found in the published article.
