School determinants and career awareness among students in public secondary schools in Meru-south Sub-county, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of school determinants on career awareness among students in public secondary schools in Meru South Sub County. Career awareness is a sign of one's level of democracy and personal freedom in determining their professional development. Uncertainty drives students towards making wrong career choices and, as a result, feel frustrated at a job they had never wished for. Despite the schools having career teachers and Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) providing career guidance, students portray unawareness on career matters. A descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. A sample size of 368 respondents comprising of 12 deans of studies, 12 guidance and counselling teachers,12 form three and 12 form four parents' representatives, 8 principals and 312 form three and four students participated in the study. The study established that school determinants had an influence on the student's career awareness, especially on career information. The subjects’ combination, school career days, and the status of the school (National, Extra-County and County) were found to have a great influence on career awareness. The schools, however, did not embark on serious career education, and the teachers failed to guide the students on careers or offer career alternatives. The schools should set mentorship days and career weeks to sensitise students on emerging issues in the career world and options available in accordance with their academic performance and achievement.