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| Abstract: Free Primary Education (FPE) Policy introduction in 2003 narrowed gender gap nationally; public primary school survival rate in 2005 was 90.4% (90.4% boys; 90.3% girls). However, Rongo in the same year posted survival rate of 99.1% (102.4% boys; 95.8% girls). This study was occasioned by the fact that despite FPE being in place there was still huge disparity in survival rate in Rongo Sub-county. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence on FPE policy on survival rates by gender in public primary schools in Rongo Sub-county. Ex-post-facto and descriptive survey designs were used in the study The target population comprised of 42 schools, 1 Sub County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (SQASO), 966 and 624 Class 7 and 8 pupils respectively. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussion and document analysis guide. The findings revealed that, FPE policy had a positive influence on survival rate on both gender. The study concluded that FPE Policy attracted girls who had dropped out of school hence overcrowding in classes in public primary schools lowering girls survival rate compared to boys in public primary schools, it was discovered these girls did not dropout as they constituted a higher proportion than boys in private primary schools hence explaining the huge disparity in survival in public primary schools. Study recommended provision of enough teaching and learning materials in public primary schools to eliminate congestion and overcrowding which led to transfers to private primary schools. Findings are significant to, educational planners, donor agencies, parents and community in making decision in improving FPE Policy to enhance gender parity in Public Primary schools in Kenya. |
| Keywords: survival, free primary education, policy, gender, disparity, rongo sub-county |
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