The Role of Student Related Issues in Girls’ School Dropout in Garissa Township

Abstract

Efforts are being made to promote access to education among the learners across the gender so as to ensure Education for all. However, there has been concern related to the girls dropping out of schools. Many countries continue to experience growing increase of dropout rate among the girls in public schools. This study investigated the way student related issues on girls dropping out from public secondary schools in Garissa Township, Garissa County. Target population for this study was the five public secondary schools for girls in Garissa Township Sub County, where unit of analysis was 5 heads of guidance and counseling, 5 Principals and 3169 girls. Using purposive sampling, the study selected all the five principals and all the five heads of guidance and guidance of girl’s public secondary schools in Garissa Township Sub County as respondents. Meanwhile using simple random method, the study selected 10% (317) of the targeted girls as respondents. Questionnaire and interview schedules were be used to collect data. Reliability of the questionnaire was conducted by the use of Cronbach's alpha at 0.7 threshold whereas validity was through expert opinions. Quantitative data was analysed to produce descriptive statistics while Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis was used to test for association. These results were presented using frequency tables. Qualitative data was analyzed verbatim. The study found that student related issues had statistically significant influence on girls dropping out from public secondary schools in Garissa Township (r=0.510; p<0.01). The study recommended that schools implement structured mentorship programs. 'Efforts are being made to provide valuable insights for implementing specific interventions and policies aimed at addressing student related issues and decreasing the incidence of females dropping out of public secondary schools.