The Status of Child Labour and Academic Performance of Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Nakuru West, Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, child labour is a persistent problem with statistics indicating high prevalence especially among children aged 5-14 years. These ages represent schoolgoing children and their involvement in child labour influences their academic performance. It is against this basis that this study sought to investigate the extent to which child labour influences academic performance of pupils in public primary schools in Nakuru West Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were to establish the level of deprivation experienced by child labourers at the work place, to identify the types of work that child labourers are engaged in, and to identify the difficulties child labourers experience at their place of work, and how these affect academic performance. This study used descriptive research design because it allows the researcher to gather information, make a summary of the information, present and interpret it for purposes of description of the situation. Stratified random sampling, and purposive sampling were used in the study in selecting the sample population for the collection of quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The sample population comprised 149 respondents made up of 3 head teacher, 6 class teachers, 138 pupils of public primary schools, the area education officer and children officer. Both questionnaires and semi-structured interview guide were used to collect data. Piloting of the research instruments was done in two schools which were not included in the study. Content validity of the instruments was determined by employing the expertise of my supervisors and lecturers at the department. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was done. The study revealed that many children attend jobs for their survival since they do not get support from their parents while health condition of the parents is a determining factor. Majority of the respondents’ relatives are aware that their children are working and paid for work outside their family. Number of children work outside the family mainly in cleaning houses and fetching water though majority are not allowed to cook food in others people’s houses. Children labourers in the study area suffer physical injuries and do experience fatigue while working. To a significant extent majority of the children labourers’ attendance to school was affected by labour; those that attend they do not get time to study nor do their homework while to a significant extent they are accused of indiscipline. Furthermore, the majority of working children in the targeted area experience work related sickness while work under unsafe conditions. Furthermore, majority of the respondents are frequently given too much work by their employees and paid poorly. The study recommends that government agencies should enforce the relevant acts that touch on children rights so that it protects them from issues of child labour, while head teachers. Head teachers and teachers should conduct guidance and counselling sessions to affected children in order to help them cope with stress and fatigue related to children labour and should also sensitize and create awareness to parents of affected children on the need to provide quality education to their children. School management committees should create good and considerate learning environment for the affected children in order to maximize their learning performance. The study findings have provided insight and knowledge that is of benefit to stakeholders in the education sector on how child labour affects academic performance and the possible solutions to the problem. It has also added knowledge that would benefit students and researchers interested in the issue of the study.