Parental Education and Educational Wastage in Public Secondary Schools in Tigania Central Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya
Mary Kendi Kamundi, Edward P.G Kathuni & Joseph Muriungi Kirugua
Tharaka University, Kenya
Email: mkmerinda@gmail.com
Abstract: The socio-economic status of a family is a critical determinant of student retention and success in education. Among its dimensions, parental education level plays a unique role in shaping student progression, academic motivation, and overall educational outcomes. The present study addressed the problem of educational wastage, manifested through dropout, grade repetition, absenteeism and low academic performance, which continues to undermine access, equity, and quality in secondary schools. The study examined the effects of parental education level on educational wastage in public secondary schools in Tigania Central Sub-County, Meru County. A descriptive survey design was employed, guided by the Education Production Function Theory. The study sample comprised 256 participants, with piloting conducted in Tigania West Sub-County. Data collection involved questionnaires for students and teachers, interviews for principals, and secondary data from educational reports. Reliability was confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.72, while validity was ensured through expert review. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were applied, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Findings revealed that parental education level significantly influences educational wastage. Students with less educated parents faced poor academic follow-up and increased risks of dropout and repetition. Conversely, parents with higher education supported academic progress, valued learning, and acted as role models, reducing wastage. The study concluded that parental education enhances student persistence and recommended community awareness programs to sensitize parents on the long-term benefits of education.
