Materials Provisions and Girls’ Completion Rate in Public Primary Schools in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County, Kenya

Education on its tenet of empowerment is a basic right upon which individual health improvement, poverty alleviation, and economic growth are realised. Needs to keep children in school differ by gender apart from the common educational resource requirements; hence, this variation in need is seen to keep a significant number of girls out of school. The study examined school-based management strategies and their effect on girls’ completion rate in public primary schools in Loima Sub-County. The specific objective is to examine how materials provisions influence girls’ completion rate in public primary schools in Loima Sub-county, Turkana County. The study used a mixed methods approach through descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population was 437 participants. The sample size was 236; this involved 14 head teachers, 110 teachers and 112 girls. Data was collected by the use of a questionnaire to teachers, interviews with head teachers, and focus group discussions with girls. Piloting was done with 10 respondents before the main field administration. Logistical and ethical procedures were adhered to in data collection. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas qualitative data was analysed using themes and sub-themes. Results are presented in texts, tables, and graphical forms. Research findings showed that the school-based management strategies had a positive effect; material provision (r=0.254, p=0.008) on girls’ completion rate in primary schools. The study concluded that increased application of the school-based management strategies would increase girls' completion rate in public primary schools in Loima Sub-County, Kenya. The study recommends that menstrual hygiene materials be provided to schools, the government increase the number of female teachers in schools, and schools partner with other stakeholders to seek support on various materials and facilities aimed at ensuring girls are retained and complete their primary education cycle for empowerment and a sustainable economy.