Factors Influencing Student retention in East Kenya Union Conference SDA Secondary Schools in East Kenya: An Empirical Study

Abstract

Student retention is a significant issue in secondary education, especially in faith-based institutions that prioritize holistic development. This study evaluated student retention in secondary schools affiliated with the SDA Church in EKUC. The study utilized a concurrent mixed methods research design and employed an exploratory strategy through a descriptive survey. The study's subjects comprised students, principals, Conferences/Field Education Directors, and chairpersons of the Board of Management (BoM). The study employed a contemporaneous mixed methods research approach, grounded in expectation theory of motivation. The target population comprised the twenty Seventh-day Adventist Church-operated secondary schools in EKUC. The unit of analysis comprised eleven secondary school principals, five education directors, eleven chairpersons of the school boards of management, and 335 pupils. The cluster sampling technique was employed to obtain the samples. The target demographic was categorized into five clusters: principals, students, education directors, and board chairpersons. Samples were collected from each of these clusters. The data gathering instruments employed were questionnaires administered to students. Interview schedules were arranged for education directors, school Board of Management chairpersons, and principals for the purpose of triangulation. An observation schedule was established. This focused on the school infrastructure and all activities occurring within the institution. The educational facilities and the conduct of teachers within the school were also documented here. The additional instrument employed was the document analysis tool utilized to gather data over a span of 8 years. Three hundred thirty-five students were mandated to complete the supplied questionnaire, while eleven principals, five educational directors, and eleven Board of Management chairpersons had interviews. The documentary analysis method was employed to obtain information on KCSE performance throughout the same eight-year period. The acquired data was evaluated utilizing descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. An study of documents regarding teacher retention was conducted. Content analysis was conducted on the responses from interviews and open-ended questions. The statistics indicate a significant number of pupils in Form 2 and 3 who either withdrew or enrolled during the year. Students were substituted as they withdrew in certain years. In conclusion, the annual turnover rates were elevated. This may impact the learning processes and pupils' academic achievement. The report advocates for schools to implement ways to ensure the availability of learning facilities for pupils. Students ought to be encouraged to persist in their education. Bursaries and sponsorships for students from disadvantaged families should be provided. Spiritual mentoring, employment initiatives, and adaptable fee payment structures should be established to assist children from disadvantaged backgrounds in continuing their education.