Factors Influencing Career Choice Decisions of Form Four Students in Kenya: A Case Study of Koibatek District.

ABSTRACT Decision-making theories hare identified age range 16 - 18 years. as being one of the critical decision periods for an adolescent. Most of the students in form four are in this age bracket. The objectives of this study were to establish the specific factors that influence the form four students decision in choice of career~ establish if factors influencing boys and girls decision on career choices differ and finally, establish whether the emergence of the latest technology of the World Wide Web computer information has an influence decision on career choices of form four student in Kenya, The target population for this study was the form four students in Kenyan government secondary schools in Koibatek District. 300 form four students from different government sponsored secondary schools in Koibatek district participated. Questionnaires designed to probe students on the factors of consideration in decision making on career choice were used for data collection. A fivepoint Likert scale was used to assess these factors in order o influence from the most influential to those that are not applicable. The data collected was analysed. tabled and percentages calculated. The data was then presen ed in graphs and charts. Comparative analysis on data collected was then done based on gender to establish the difference in the factors influencing form four Students if any. The study was anchored on developmental theories of career choice. Descriptive — qualitative approach was taken in the analysis of the data. The study established that the teachers and the principals are the most influential persons to the form four students in future career decision making. Trips to the universities and career workshops or seminars were picked on as the most influential events on decision making on future career of form four students. However, potential for high salary was picked on by the most of the respondent across Inc gender as the most influential factor during future career choice decision making. This study intends to be a resourceful reference material to guidance and counselling departments of secondary schools in Kenya. parent and students who have to make decision on their future career.