Impediments of Adult Children's Support to Retired Primary School Teachers in Bumula Constituency of Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

Owing to various economic and social factors which impact the lives of ageing parents, intergenerational support by the adult children is no longer guaranteed. Hence, the need for adequate retirement preparation by financial savings and investment while still in employment. This paper examines some of the factors that hamper support of retired primary school teachers by their children. The study was conducted in Bumula constituency in Bungoma County, Kenya. Bumula, Kabula, Kimaeti, Siboti, Mateka, Mayanja, Napara, Mukwa, Mabusi and Khasoko were the representative location of the study in whose residents were involved. A total of 28 respondents were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. They were further interviewed using in-depth interview guide and their responses were tape-recorded. Transcription and analysis of the interview's outcome was done by use of thematic and content analysis method. Despite the high level of unemployment among youths, retired primary school teachers in Bumula received substantial economic, social and psychological support from their children. However, the study was clear on the fact that adult children's support for their retired parents was on the decline. The changing perspectives on children's support in modern society, therefore, influences how retired primary school teachers make meaning, construct and negotiate for support from their adult children. The study established that gender and marital status influenced the decision to support parents. In addition, family related factors, children-related factors; society related factors as well as economic related factors played a role in determining the support given by adult children to their parents.