| dc.description.abstract | The implementation of FPE led to an increase of the enrolment rate in primary schools by 49.3% for girls in Kenya (MoEST, 2003). However the challenge faced immediately after the high enrolment rate was the retention of the girls in schools until they completed their primary level and proceeded to the secondary school level. It is within this framework that the research was conducted in Kasemeni Division, Kinango District, Coast Province.
A critical and analytical exploration was made, globally, regionally, nationally and provincially tracing the historical and current development of world trends and local trends on the implementation of UPE specifically targeting the girl child. The importance of the girl child education could not be underscored especially in third world countries. Generally, UPE was an issue of international concern and many efforts had been made towards its attainment. However its implementation at all levels remained a major challenge.
The research was conducted through the collection of primary data from the field. It sought to establish the present girl child retention rates, identify the current interventions undertaken to retain the girl child in primary schooling cycle and their impact. A sample survey was employed to cluster samples after identification of the target population. Data collection tools used included FGDs, KIIs, PIs and Observations.
Analysis of the data was done both descriptively and numerically by detailing the reports and results collected. It revealed that although the enrolment of girls increased from 234 in 2000 to 405 in 2010, there were girls dropping out of school due to poverty, early marriages, early pregnancies and lack of role models. The study recommended that the government and other stakeholders should empower community members economically. They should also enhance reproductive health education and strengthen guidance and counseling departments in schools. They should also discourage retrogressive cultural practices and enforce tough laws to curb early marriages. Girls should also be encouraged to venture into fields considered to be a preserve for men. | en_US |
