Divorce and child socialization: the case of Garissa County, North Eastern Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the effects divorce has on child socialization, in Garissa, North Eastern Kenya. The research had 3 specific objectives. First, it sought to establish the high divorce rate in Garissa. , Secondly, it sought to investigate the social effects of divorce on children, and thirdly, to establish the link between divorce, child socialization, and academic performance in Garissa. The study found out that, divorce affects the socialization of the child in the study area in several ways. These include: Drug and substance abuse, AIDS and STI's due to lack of parental guidance, stigmatization of children, mostly without fathers, feeling unloved by the absent parent, lack of trust in people due to the lies given by custodial parent when asked about the absent parent, school drop-out due to lack of fee and other basic needs, low grades due to absence from school or low concentration span in class, and child labor to make ends meet. The recommendations made include: Government and stakeholders strengthening existing divorce laws on children, parents being devoted to their marriages, parents agreeing on divorce terms to avoid custody tussles, and empowering pastoralists by reinforcing local conflict resolution experts.