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Article Title: Parental Support Factors as Determinants of Student Attrition in Private Universities in Nairobi County
by Mary Mukami Njoroge, Christine Gichure and Tabitha Wang'eri

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between parent support and student attrition among students attending private universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. To achieve this, the study sought to establish the attrition rates among students under investigation, parental support and family incomes and their relationship with student attrition in Kenya. The study was informed by Tinto�s (1975) student integration theory and Bean�s (1980) student attrition model. The study sample consisted of 387 current and 60 dropout students of 13 private universities in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were collected through a paper based questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The results revealed that majority of students (over 80% of the males and females) were satisfied with the relationship they had with parents while over 60% of males and females were satisfied with the way parents provided support materials and books. Fewer than 50% of males and females reported that their parents visited them at the university. Qualitative findings yielded mixed results with some students reporting positive parental support while others reported insufficient support. Majority of parents� income was between 50,000 Kenya Shillings (500 US Dollars) and 100,000 Kenya Shillings (1000 US Dollars). Statistical analysis in relation to the purpose of the study revealed no significant relationship between parental support and attrition. The study makes various multifaceted recommendations on how to control student attrition. The findings of this study are significant to university administrators, counselors and mentors in higher education institutions. Policy makers will also find these results valuable in the search for appropriate remedial action for the problem of student attrition

Keywords: attrition, private universities, home factors, parental support, family income, examination retakes, deferment of studies, drop out

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