Enrolment at university level in Kenya and its equity implications: a case study of Moi University

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.