Determinants of parental engagement in early childhood education in Kenya

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is extensively recognized as a critical basis for lifelong learning, development, and success. Parental engagement is a significant component affecting the quality and effectiveness of ECE. Despite the renowned significance of parental engagement in ECE for enhancing developmental outcomes, there is a substantial variation in the extent and quality of parental engagement in Kenya. Initial observations advocate that factors such as parental level of education, household income, marital status, age, and gender may play a vital role in shaping this engagement. Nevertheless, limited empirical evidence describes how these factors influence parental engagement in ECE within the Kenyan context. Therefore, this study investigated the determinants of parental engagement and involvement in ECE in Kenya, focusing on the effect of socioeconomic factors such as household income, educational achievement, and marital status. The study sampled 300 parents of children enrolled in Pre-Primary 2 (typically aged 5–6 years) in public ECE in Embu County, Kenya using a multistage sampling method and administered the Parental Engagement Assessment Questionnaire (PEAQ). The study employed a multivariate logistic regression to assess the determinants of parental engagement and involvement in ECE in Kenya. The multivariate logistic regression revealed that advanced levels of parental education and income correlate with increased participation in children’s education, while economic restrictions significantly limit the parental contribution to their respective children’s education. The study highlights the need for community support, policy advocacy, and targeted interventions to improve parental engagement in ECE. By addressing these issues, the study aims to contribute to developing operative strategies that empower parents and improve educational outcomes for young children in Kenya, eventually setting a solid basis for lifelong learning and development.