Staff Distribution by Gender and the Effect on Learners own Academic Potentials among Secondary Students in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Gender disparity in performance in national examinations, over the years, has raised many questions, which can only be answered through research. The purpose of the present study was to determine the staff distribution by gender and effect on learners own academic potentials amongst students in mixed public secondary schools in Uasin-Gishu County. A survey research design was used for the purpose of investigating relationships between variables. The selection of the sample was done by stratified random sampling technique while the schools were selected through proportionate stratified sampling technique. A 29-
item questionnaire on students’ perception was administered to a total of 272 participants. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and document analysis. Descriptive statistics such as the means, frequencies and percentages were used in data analysis. The study established that there was gender differentiation in the staffing of departments in school, an issue that promoted gender inequality in the enrolment and performance of students in various subjects; teachers assigned differentiated responsibilities to male and female students therefore promoting gender inequality perceptions. The study recommends that teachers promote gender equality amongst students in assignment of responsibilities.