Abstract:
Culture is the way of life of a people. It influences the people’s behavior and thought process. The aim of this study was to investigate cultural factors as a predictor variable in determining transition rates of pupils from primary school to secondary schools in Kenya. This study was necessitated by the relatively low transition rate of pupils in Machakos Sub-county of 75% compared to the national expected transition rate of 100%. The study was guided by three objectives as follows; establish the influence of Early marriages on transition rates from primary to secondary schools in Machakos subcounty Kenya; determine the rate at which Teenage pregnancies influences transition rates from primary to secondary schools in Machakos sub-county and assess the influence of child labor on transition rates from primary to secondary schools in Machakos sub-county. The target population included 127 head teachers of public primary schools and 145 standard eight class teachers. Respondents were identified by use of purposive and random sampling method. The sample size was 40 head teachers and 40 class teachers. Data was collected by use of questionnaires. Piloting, together with the professional advice from the supervisors ensured the validity of the instruments. Reliability of the instruments was tested by use of test-re-test method. The study established that cultural factors influenced transition of pupils from Primary to Secondary Schools in Machakos sub-county. The study recommended that government should put in place measures to ensure 100% transition is implemented. Children’ performance should be firmly overseen by the school stakeholders. The education ministry should establish and enhance strict guidelines to ensure that no learner is subjected to child labor and gender discrimination. Transition from primary to secondary school should be made compulsory because basic education is the right of every child.
