INFLUENCE OF PRINCIPALS’ INVOLVEMENT OF STAKEHOLDERS ON GIRLS’ EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAROK EAST SUB-COUNTY, NAROK COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Principals play an important role in ensuring that girls participate in secondary school education. However, in Narok East Sub- County, girls’ education in public secondary schools has been a challenge despite the launch of 100.0% transition policy by the Kenya Government.
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the involvement of principals in engaging stakeholders in the education of girls in public secondary schools in Narok East Sub- County, Narok County, Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted mixed methodology and descriptive research design. Target population was 2681 respondents. The sample size was 348 respondents obtained using Yamane’s Formula. Stratified sampling was applied. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically based on the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23) and presented using tables.
Findings: The study found that the number of girls enrolled in public secondary schools has been on the increase. However, after four years upon enrollment, the number of girls who complete their secondary education is low. This is attributed to the inability of principals to effectively involve stakeholders.
Conclusion: The study shows that while there has been an increase in the enrollment of girls in public secondary schools, there is a significant dropout rate that needs to be addressed. The involvement of stakeholders like principals, teachers, and community members is crucial in improving girls' education. Schools where principals actively involve stakeholders tend to have better outcomes for female students, supporting the idea that community and institutional support can play a vital role in encouraging girls to complete their education. Therefore, for meaningful progress in girls' education, a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders is essential.
Recommendations: The study recommends that secondary school principals should continue involving relevant stakeholders as a strategy of increasing the number of girls who access secondary education. School leaders and teachers can undergo training to better support female students and foster an inclusive environment. Mentorship programs could offer additional support by pairing younger girls with older students. Strengthening Parent-Teacher Associations would allow for more open discussions about gender-specific issues in education. Collaboration with local communities can help dispel stigmas against educating girls, and governmental policy changes, like scholarships or free meals, could offer further incentives for girls to stay in school.
Keywords: Involvement of stakeholders, girls’ education, public secondary schools, Narok County, Kenya
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