Relationship between economic factors and gender disparity in enrolment of students in public mixed day secondary schools in Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

This study attempted to examine the relationship between economic factors and gender disparity in enrolment of students in mixed public day secondary schools in Kericho County, Kenya. Social Demand Theory guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 124 public mixed day secondary schools. The target population consisted of 124 principals and 9,418 students. Sampling techniques applied included purposive and systematic random sampling techniques. A sample size of the principals was determined by applying Kerlinger (1986) 30% rule, whereas for the students Cochran formula was used. The sample size consisted of 38 principals and 384 students.  Data for the study was collected by the use of questionnaires. The study revealed that there exists a statistically significant relationship between Economic Factors and Gender Disparity (r=0.768; p<0.05). From the findings, in connection with economic factors, it was established that child labour had the highest mean of 3.21 and therefore was the major factor related to gender disparity in enrollment. This was followed by parents' reluctance to pay fees due to the false notion of free education with a mean of 3.10. The study concluded that the government, through quality assurance and standards officers alongside local administration, should ensure that policies on child labour are well implemented. That child labour is not practised so that all school age going children irrespective of their gender attend school uninterrupted.