| dc.description.abstract | Purpose: To investigate the influence of social support factors on retention of boys in public
secondary schools in Marsabit county.
Methodology: The research design used was mixed methodology because there was an application
of both quantitative and qualitative methods when collecting data. The study was located in
Marsabit County. The target population was 8 secondary schools in Marsabit County that had
boys’ students in them. That is both boys’ secondary schools and mixed secondary schools. The
respondents were 56 class teachers, 4,559 boys’ students and 48 parents present at Board of
Management. Class teachers and parents were selected using simple random sampling method
with an application of Krejcie & Morgan table or formular to obtain 48 and 42 class teachers and
parents respectively. The sample technique that was used on students was determined using a
Kothari statistical method to obtain a sample of 94. Questionnaires and interview guides were
answered by students, teachers and parents respectively. The pre-test study was conducted in two
public secondary school in Isiolo which were Isiolo boys’ secondary school and Garbatula mixed
day secondary school whose respondents comprised of 5 class teachers, 10 students and 4 parents
at BOM. Reliability and validity were also measured. The conclusion made was that a lot of boys
failed to remain in school since they lacked motivation from the people surrounding them. That is,
most of the boys’ peers, teachers and parents did not adequately portray clear need on why they
should remain in school. The results were presented using tables and explanation.
Results: As per the questionnaire, 46(60%) strongly agreed and 17(22%) agreed that parents were
so supportive to their completion of secondary school education (Median-5). Additionally, 23(29%) strongly agreed and 39(51%) agreed that the community has always wished students well
in academic endeavors and are always present when needed (Median-4). Nevertheless, 53(69%)
strongly disagreed and 14(18%) disagreed that the school had provided conducive classes and
meals among other resources to the students (Median-2). Additionally, 39(51%) strongly disagreed
and 33(42%) agreed that the government had provided reliable and qualified teachers who were
committed to see students succeed in secondary education (Median-2).
The study interviewed teachers and parents of public secondary schools of Marsabit County. The
type of support accorded to the boys to remain in school included moral support to shape their
manners, financial support to provide schools fees; religious support to check their status with
God; and counseling support to offer advice and listening ear to the issues boys underwent through.
The ways through which social support was administered included assignments to do at home
hence keeping them busy while the parents indicated that they offered them tasks such as cleaning
houses, utensils, taking care of the cattle, assisting them in running the businesses and sending
them to library to keep them busy. Further, the motivating factors that were put in school which
attract students to remain in school included different meals; flexible curriculum hence a choice to
choose favorable 8 subjects; school uniform and books; library; entertainment days; school clubs;
and cocurricular activities such as drama, soccer, rugby, basketball, tennis and badminton | en_US |
