Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the regional, gender
and socio-economic composition of Moi University students in the 1995/96
academic year. This study is not only important in contributing to
knowledge but will also help to inform policy makers on the needs of
disadvantaged groups at the university level in Kenya.
Data for the study was collected from students, Ministry of
Education and the University administration. A questionnaire was used
to collect data from the students. It sought information on the parents
level of education, occupation and incomes. A proforma was used to
collect information from the University administration and it sought
information on the students' home district/province, enrolment per
faculty and -enrolment in a selected number of years. Descriptive
statistics namely, percentages, bargraphs, tables, Lorenz curves and its
related Ginis coefficient, coefficient of equality were used to analyse the
data. ,
From the study it Was established that female students were
drawn from a higher socio-economic background than their male
counterparts and that most of the University students come from
average socio-economic background. On regional representation, it was
found that some regions were either over-represented or under-represented in Moi University than others and male students are over
enroled than their female counterparts.
The recommendation made ·in this study is to encourage the
stakeholders in education to make efforts in reducing the inequalities
existing at the University level in Kenya. This can be done by, for
example, providing more bursary allocation to the disadvantaged groups.
