Factor Analysis Technique on the Causes, Occupations and Effects of Child Labour on Primary Education in Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

The International Labour Organization reports that approximates, globally 215 million children are involved in child labour. These children work under harmful conditions and circumstances that are detrimental to their physical, moral and intellectual development. In Kenya, it is estimated that the number of the working children is 3.5 million. The child labourers work in hazardous and exploitative conditions where they have no access to basic education. This study sought to identify the causes of child labour in Matungulu sub-county; establish the occupations child labourers undertake; and determine the effects of child labour in primary school education. Basic Needs Theory (Abraham Maslow) was used as the theoretical basis to explain the identified issues of child labour in relation to primary school education. The study used pair wise correlations and factor analysis techniques. The study established that child labour is positively and significantly related to peer influence and pregnancy. Child labour is predominant in activities of farm workers and fetching water. The effects of child labour were manifested before entry to school (low enrolment), during school (lack of concentration or participation in class) and at the exit of school (decline in completion). Hence, the complete cycle of education process was affected by child labour. On the causes of child labour five factors conveyed 35.1% of the total variation of the set of 18 original variables; for the child labour activities, the five factors conveyed 42.9% of the total variation of the set of 11 original variables; while for the different effects of child labour, the 10 factors conveyed 41.0% of the total variation of the set of 19 original variables. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made; first parents should be more concerned and involved in their children's education, not only by playing their role in paying school dues but also through regular visits to the schools to liaise with the teachers about the students' behaviour and performance; and second future studies in factor analysis should employ a structural equation model and path analysis diagrammatically drawn to establish the sequencing of the causes, activities and effects of child labour. This would identify the direct and indirect channels /ways.