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Abstract

This research study is an evaluation of motherhood experience in pursuit of postgraduate study in Kenya. The study has three objectives: 1) Learn more about the experiences of mothers who study at postgraduate level; 2) Analyze impact of postgraduate study on women and 3) Evaluate how mothers who study resolve tension of combining motherhood and education. Using a qualitative approach, the study gathered data through open-ended interviewing questioning from 32 female participants who reported in their role as mothers of child (ren) eighteen years old or younger enrolled for postgraduate study at University of Nairobi. These study findings reveals that postgraduate student mothers experienced conflict between various commitments like childcare, domestic, work and academic duties. However, nearly all the women reported ways in which they resolved tension that affected their studies on their families by employing positive coping strategies. Participants' success appeared to be based on being organized and making sacrifices in other areas of their lives, time-management skills, family support and by sacrificing sleep and recreating time for their families. Women in this study experienced numerous benefits as a result of their study. Individual benefits included increased selfesteem and a sense of professional identity. Children also benefitted from their mother's postgraduate education because she provided a positive educational role model, developed skills to assist her children with their own education, and positioned her to improve the financial future of her family. I.