Socio – Economic Factors Affecting Retention of the Boy-Child in Secondary Schools of Mathioya, Kenya

The Government of Kenya (GoK) has continuously provided grants to secondary schools to retain all children in school. However, there have been challenges in internal efficiency in form of boy child retention in schools. The main objective was to determine the socio-economic factors influencing retention of boy child in secondary schools in Mathioya Sub - County between 2005 and 2011. A descriptive survey design was used in this study. The researchers used stratified, simple random and purposive sampling to get a sample of 9 schools, 9 principals, 180 students, 54 teachers and 36 parents, Sub-County Education Officer (D.E.O) and Sub-County Quality and Assurance Officer. The study used questionnaires for principals and teachers, interviews were conducted for parents /guardians while Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used to collect information from students. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively using frequency counts, percentages, frequency tables and bar graphs. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Despite Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE), boys continued to drop out of schools. The study recommends that the government should unite with other stakeholders to conduct aggressive campaigns to sensitize community on importance of educating all children. Most important the GoK should unsparingly deal with the militia groups like Mungiki. Keywords: Boy child, Retention, Education for All, Militia group, Social and Economic activities DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-29-10 Publication date:October 31st 201