| dc.description.abstract | This was a cross sectional exploratory study on socio-economic factors leading to girl- child drop out from public mixed day secondary schools in Kisumu West district. Specifically, the study sought to find the social and economic factors leading to drop out. The study was guided by social exclusion theory developed by the British Social
Exclusion Unit study (2003). The study purposively sampled 20 drop outs from public mixed secondary schools in Kisumu west district. Similarly, purposive sampling was used to identify key informants and case narrative informants. Data collection was conducted through case narratives, in- depth interviews and key informant interviews. Data was analyzed thematically and verbatim approach amplifying the informants' voices used to strengthen thematic arguments.
The study findings indicate that social contributors cut across early marriage, lack of mentorship by teachers and parents, teenage pregnancies, poor performance, distance to
school and bereavement that transfer responsibility to the girl-child. Economically, poverty was established to be major cause of girl-child drop-out. The study concludes that social and economic factors have a mutually reinforcing and/or feed off mechanism that leads to high drop out of the girls. The study recommends government support of the district initiatives that focus on the plight of top performing girls without economic backings. This will help motivate and create opportunity for girl-child growth and that schools should initiate and network on motivational talks are organized for girls' schools within the district to boost their self confidence and interest in the academics. This will ensure that girls improve their performance in school and are motivated across the board. | en_US |
