Influence of Family Headship on Students’ Dropout in Public Secondary Schools in Rongo Sub County, Kenya

Yambo, John M. Onyango
Department of Educational Administration, Planning and Economics
Kisii University, Kenya
Email: yambojm@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke

Abstract: There are certain socio-economic factors that influencing public secondary school students’ dropout. The statement of the problem showed that the sub-county had a dropout rate of 43 percent as compared to the neighboring sub-counties which some had 25, and 28 percent despite the similar government’s strategies available. Descriptive research design was used in data collection. Target population was 19480 students, 372 form 3 class teachers and 248 principals. A sample of 370 students was found using Saunders et al (2007) Table, 74 principals and 112 form 3 class teachers respectively using 30%. Validity was done by using suggestions from supervisors before setting out to collect data. Reliability used test re-test methods which yielded alpha of 0.65. Researcher used questionnaires and interview schedules for data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical and inferential techniques using the Statistical packages of social sciences (SPSS) version 23. Findings revealed that family headship was 57%, hence high dropout was a result of family headship which lead to inadequate guidance/mentorship to the students. The study concluded that 64% where students are mostly sent home, had high chances that some never returned to school and 59% did not support the learners who were coming from poor background. It was concluded that family headship highly influenced the retention of students in secondary schools. The study recommended that the collaborative efforts by the government and other education stakeholders to support the learners who cannot afford the rising financial conditions of learning and family headship burden.