Social Economic Factors and Girl Child School Dropout in Primary Schools in Torongo Division Koibatek District, Kenya

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the social-economic factors leading to Girls child school dropout in Torongo Division, Koibatek District Kenya. Specifically the study wanted to (i) establish the relationship between school based factors and girl child school dropout in Torongo division Koibatek district Kenya, (ii) to establish the relationship between out of school factors and girl child school dropout in Torongo division Koibatek district Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey design and based on quantitative paradigm; data were collected from 136 using researchers made instruments as the main data collection tool, and analyzed using frequency counts, summary statistics and Pearson Linear Correlation Coefficient. The study revealed that both school and out of school factors lead to the dropout of the girl child from primary schools of Torongo division. From these findings appropriate conclusions and recommendations were made. Some of the recommendations are; (i) there should be professional support provided, through clearly defined policy that delegates to schools the authority for deciding school schedules needed equipment, schemes of work and preferred teaching methods, (ii) there should be no difference in administrative support given to both girls and boys schools. In both cases, the head teachers and teachers should attend management courses and attain the required experience to guide learners; (iii) the role of the parents should be emphasized further in both girls and boys. This is because the home is an extension of the school where pupils can complete their homework and get assistance in order to improve their performance and thus stay in school. The parents should be encouraged to provide a better atmosphere and care for both boys and girls at home. In this regard, this study recommends that, parents should address problems in such a way that the children do not feel discriminated.