Relationship between selected ecological factors and enrolment of girls in rural public primary schools in Samburu County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to examine the relationship between ecological factors and the enrolment of girls in rural public primary schools in Samburu County, Kenya. Enrolment of girls in rural primary schools in the County has remained persistently low over the years despite the government’s efforts to promote it. The study employed a descriptive correlation survey design guided by the Social Conflict Theory by Oberschall. The target population of the research was 136 female teachers and 135 headteachers from rural public primary schools in Samburu County. The sample size for the study was 136 female teachers and 27 headteachers. The census method for female teachers who responded to the questionnaires was used, while the purposive sampling technique was applied for head teachers whose data was obtained using interview schedules. Result analysis by Pearson Correlation Coefficient revealed a statistically significant negative correlation of -0.429 with a p-value (Sig.) of 0.025. The significance level of 5 per cent indicates that higher ecological factors are associated with a decrease in girls' enrolment in rural public primary schools in Samburu County. The study recommended the enhancement of safety measures along with resolving water scarcity issues as well as expanding access to education in rural areas in Samburu County as a means for enhancing girls' enrolment in rural primary schools.