Analysis of the Effects of the Home Environment Systems on Secondary School Re-Admission among Student Mothers in Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

The challenges of motherhood coupled with the coming of new roles and identities for student mothers remain pervasive and have conspired to continue constraining girls from participating in education. The consequences of becoming pregnant are many. The study explored the extent to which student-mothers receive emotional and social support both at home and at school in adjusting and coping with their dual roles as mothers and students. The study was conducted at Marani Sub-County of Kisii County. The study employed a descriptive survey design and the target population was 779, while the sample size was 234. The stratified sampling technique was used to select the school teenage mothers, while the census method was applied for both principals and teacher counsellors since they were few. Pilot testing of the research instruments was undertaken to ascertain both validity and reliability so as to guard against the threats of ambiguities and biases. This was done by subjecting the instruments to subject matter experts as well as trying them out within field conditions. Reliability was ascertained via the test-retest method. Data were collected from respondents by the use of special designed questionnaires and interview schedules. The information obtained was analysed by the use of descriptive statistics such as counting frequencies and mean. Qualitative data for teacher counsellors were analysed using the themes method. Data were presented in tables and figures. The process by which data was analysed started with coding, scoring, and screening for errors. Then data were entered into the SPSS program, after which data exploration and cleaning were done before starting to mine information. This is because the accuracy of any conclusions depends on the accuracy of the data to yield inferences. The findings of the study indicated that the home and school environments, as well as emotional support, were influencing secondary school re-entry among student mothers in Kenya. Further, the study shows student mothers can be motivated to re-join school to improve their future life. The research therefore recommended that the government and other stakeholders need to put psychosocial systems in place for the readmission of secondary school student mothers so as to put their livelihood back on track.