INVESTIGATING THE CAUSES OF SCHOOL DROPOUT IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN WAJIR NORTH SUB-COUNTY, WAJIR COUNTY, KENYA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i2.5834Keywords:
school dropout, public primary schools, socio-economic factors, educational access, marginalized regions, gender disparities, Wajir County, Sub-Saharan AfricaAbstract
Education is a fundamental human right and a critical driver of socio-economic development. Despite global efforts to achieve universal primary education, pupil dropout remains a significant challenge, particularly in marginalized regions such as Wajir North Sub-County Wajir County, Kenya. This study investigates the causes of school dropout in public primary schools in Wajir North Sub-County, focusing on socio-economic factors, school-based factors, and pupil characteristics. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected data from 20 head teachers and 120 teachers across 20 public primary schools. Stratified random sampling was employed to ensure representation across the sub-county. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study reveals that poverty, cultural practices, inadequate school infrastructure, and poor academic performance are the primary drivers of pupil dropout. The study recommends targeted interventions, including the expansion of school feeding programs, community sensitization on the importance of education, and increased government investment in school infrastructure, providing scholarships and monthly stipends to the families of girl-child as incentives to reduce early marriages, which act as a source of income for low-income families. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on educational access and retention in arid and semi-arid regions, offering actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.
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