Re-entry Policy and Retention of Expectant Students and Teen Mothers in Public Secondary Schools in Vihiga Sub-County, Kenya (original) (raw)

2022, International Journal of Education and Research

Vihiga Sub-county, having one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Kenya, presented a scenario that warranted an investigation with respect to the re-entry policy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the impact of the re-entry policy on the retention of expectant students and teen mothers in public secondary schools. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Target population comprised of 28 school principals, 28 teachers, and 150 students, one children's officer, one county statistics officer and one sub-county director of education. The study sampled 10 guidance and counselling teachers, 10 principals, 1 children's officer, 1 sub-county director of education, 1 county statistics officer and 50 students who were selected using purposive sampling approach. Data was collected using interview schedules, questionnaires and document analysis. A pilot study was conducted in two schools in Vihiga sub-county, which were excluded from the actual study. Qualitative data from interviews were analysed thematically and presented in form of quotations and narrations while quantitative data from questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the re-entry policy was a major positive step towards achieving retention of expectant and parenting students. However, lack of copies of the policy in schools in Vihiga sub-county substantially affected effective policy interpretation and implementation for optimal retention. The study recommended that the government should disseminate copies of the re-entry policy document in secondary schools, conduct continuous public awareness and closely monitor its enforcement. In addition, track re-integrated learners for appropriate psychosocial, financial and material support both at school and community levels.