Family Factors Which Lead To Schools' Drop Out In Murang'A East

Purpose: The objective of the study was to find out family factors which led to school dropout in Murang'a East. Both Tinto's theory of students' retention (1982) and psychological retention model by Beans and Eaton (2000) were used to guide the research study. In the literature review, global education overview was reviewed. Education overview in Africa, East Africa and finally Kenya was also reviewed. Both primary and secondary information was used as the source of information. Method: Descriptive research design was used. Simple random sampling was used to pick schools to be sampled and purposive sampling technique was used to get specific respondents for this study. Data analysis was by use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Quantitative data was generated by use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results: The study established that several family factors such as poverty, parental separation and marital conflicts led to school dropout. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: A research study should be carried out to establish the counseling intervention measures which could reduce or eliminate school dropout.