INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ON THE TRANSITION RATE OF GIRLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MANDERA EAST SUB-COUNTY KENYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to find out the Factors Influencing Transition Rate of Girls in Secondary Schools in Mandera East Sub-County, Kenya. Although a number of studies have been done on factors affecting access, performance and transition in secondary schools in other parts of the Country, no specific study had been carried out on factors influencing transition rate of girls in secondary schools in ASAL regions particularly in Mandera County, Kenya despite free secondary education. The study is based on the following objectives: to determine the factors that affect transition in secondary schools among girls within Mandera East Sub- County. To assess the perception of the girl-child and the view of the community regarding educating girls, to identify the local people’s suggestions and mitigation measures for addressing the problem and identify the key challenges that prevent girls from accessing secondary education despite free secondary education and remedies. The total population for this study was 640 respondents which consisted of 60 teachers, 400 students and 180 parents. The study was conducted in Mandera East Sub-County, Mandera County, Kenya. The study focused on four secondary schools in which 400 students were involved. The target group included a sample of 9 teachers, and 27 parents. The study used simple random sampling technique to select respondents, particularly teachers and parents. The current study has deduced that the current transition rate of the female students in Mandera East Sub-County has been increasing from Form One to Form four averaging a transition rate of 90.18 percent. The study established those early marriages and female genital mutilation are the socio-cultural factors influencing the transition rate of girls in secondary schools in Mandera East Sub-County. FGM, nomadic lifestyle, parents' level of education, poverty, distance from home to school, and harsh climatic conditions are key challenges that prevents girls’ from accessing secondary education despite free secondary education in Mandera East Sub-County. The parent's level of education; parents’ guide their daughters more often concerning education; and parent attitude influences girls’ transition to secondary education in Mandera East Sub-County. The study recommended that the local administration should monitor the transition of girls to secondary school; parents or guardians found practicing FGM on their daughters should be prosecuted; and the government and NGOs should conduct civic education to help both girls and parents understand the importance of education.