STUDENTS' PARTICIPATION IN BODA-BODA BUSINESS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON DROPOUT RATES IN PUBLIC DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN YATTA SUB-COUNTY, MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA
STUDENTS' PARTICIPATION IN BODA-BODA BUSINESS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON DROPOUT RATES IN PUBLIC DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN YATTA SUB-COUNTY, MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA
Beatrice Kananu Muthoi - Student, Masters of Education in Education Administration in the School of Education, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Daniel Mange Mbirithi - Lecturer, Department of Education Management Policy and Curriculum Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
School dropout is a growing concern in Kenya, particularly in rural areas where economic hardship compels students to seek informal employment. Among these, the boda-boda (motorcycle transport) business has emerged as a significant factor contributing to student disengagement from education. The specific significance of the boda-boda business has received less attention in prior research that have looked at the wider implications of poverty on school dropout, particularly among students in public day secondary schools who have more freedom to participate in extracurricular activities. This research therefore, investigated the influence of students' participation in the boda-boda business on dropout rates in public day secondary schools in Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County. The specific objectives include: analyze the factors influencing students to leave school for the boda-boda business and assessing the impact of family socioeconomic status on students’ participation and dropout. Guided by Tinto’s Theory of Student Integration, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach using a concurrent triangulation research design. The target population included 460 Form Four students, 150 boda-boda operators, and 10 principals. A multi-stage sampling strategy was employed: 210 Form Four students were selected through proportionate random sampling, while 8 boda-boda operators and 4 principals were purposively sampled. Data collection tools included a questionnaire for quantitative data, interviews, and focus group discussions for qualitative data. Face and Content validity together with internal consistency tests using Cronbach’s alpha were applied to test the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 26, employing frequencies and percentages while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that students' participation in the boda-boda industry significantly contributed to increased dropout rates in public day secondary schools within Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County. Factors such as economic pressures, peer influence, and attitudes towards education were identified as key drivers for students leaving school to join boda-boda activities. Many students cited the immediate financial benefits and peer encouragement as reasons for their participation, often at the expense of their academic commitments. The study also found that family socioeconomic status played a substantial role, with students from lower-income families more likely to engage in boda-boda business as an alternative livelihood. Most schools lacked targeted interventions to address the socioeconomic and social factors influencing students’ decisions to dropout. Principals acknowledged the need for more comprehensive guidance and counseling services focused on career guidance and social support. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education and local stakeholders should develop and implement targeted intervention programs, including financial assistance and peer mentoring, to reduce students' involvement in boda-boda activities and promote school retention.
