Completion Rates in Secondary Schools in Kenya: Influence of School and Home Based Factors.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate factors influencing completion rates in day and boarding secondary schools in Kikuyu sub-county, Kenya. Factors that positively influence completion rates include school infrastructure, student motivation and counselling as well as improved interpersonal relationships between teachers and students. However, inadequacy of the aforesaid lead to completion rates in a negative manner. The study adopted a descriptive survey and targeted 14,000 students, 225 teachers and 25 principals. The study sampled 5 principals and deputy principals, 25 teachers and 140 students from the population. The main instruments of data collection comprised questionnaires and interview schedules. The study findings revealed that School-based factors of culture, norms and values influenced completion rates on a high scale. Besides, the study indicated that home based factors of household economic activities, and chores had a crucial role to play. The study recommended the marshalling of resources for the improvement of general infrastructure and assistance of needy students as well as offering guidance and counselling, improving student-teacher relations and continuous motivation to students. The Study findings might enhance the current body of knowledge on completion rates and will contribute in policy and legislative development wherever possible.