ETHNICITY AND EDUCATION ACCESS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA

ERIC KAMAU MAINA; HEATHER KIPCHUMBA

doi:10.61426/rjssh.v6i1.352

ERIC KAMAU MAINA Master in Public Policy and Administration, School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
HEATHER KIPCHUMBA, PhD Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61426/rjssh.v6i1.352

Keywords: Ethnicity, Inter-ethnic crashes, Education Access

Abstract

This research examined the connection between ethnicity and education access in secondary schools within Laikipia County, Kenya. The theoretical framework was based on the tenets of Socio-identity Theory. A mixed-methods approach was utilized to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The study's target population was identified through the stratified random sampling method, which categorized participants into distinct groups, including school principals, heads of households, security personnel, and representatives from teachers' unions. The sample size was determined to be approximately 236 respondents, with data gathered via semi-structured questionnaires that featured both open-ended and Likert scale items. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and regression models for quantitative data, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The information was systematically coded and organized into themes. The results indicated that over 75% of respondents acknowledged that factors such as ethnicity adversely affect education access in secondary schools within Laikipia County, Kenya. This study concludes that ethnic clashes have indeed impacted students' ability to access education in secondary schools in Laikipia County. The research suggests that the Ministry of Education ought to extend necessary support to regions impacted by ethnic conflicts.

Author Biographies

ERIC KAMAU MAINA, Master in Public Policy and Administration, School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Master in Public Policy and Administration, School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya

HEATHER KIPCHUMBA, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

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