The Prevalence of Truancy on Gender Basis among Primary School Pupils in Hamisi Sub-County, Vihiga County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the prevalence of truancy on gender basis among primary school pupils in Hamisi Sub-County, Kenya. The study population consisted of 4561 Class Seven pupils from 108 primary schools, 108 head teachers, 108 school counselors and 1 Sub-County Quality Assurance Standards Officer (SQASO). Descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study. Stratified sampling was used to put schools into stratus (boarding public, day public and private). Cluster sampling was used to select 32 primary schools, 32 school counselors, 32 head teachers and 295 pupils. Focus Group Discussion was used to gather information from respondents. Test-retest method was used to establish the reliability of research instruments. A correlation co-efficient of 0.792 was deemed adequate. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Chi-square was used to determine the influence of truancy on gender basis. Findings revealed that the males truant more than the females. It was recommended that parents/guardians to work together with the teachers, and the local administration to look for better ways to eradicate truancy. All stakeholders are also advised to look at the problems facing the boy child and address them urgently to enable him attend school regularly.