Socio-Cultural and Economic Factors Affecting Primary Education of Maasai Girls in Loitokitok District, Kenya.

Abstract

This research investigated socio-cultural and economic factors affecting formal education of the Maasai girls at primary school in Loitokitok District, Kenya. Although the government of Kenya has put efforts to improve basic education and particularly that of girls, studies showed that the status have not improved significantly. This study therefore, involving both quantitative and qualitative research approaches established that factors such as circumcision of girls, early marriages, lack of parental interest in educating, cultural dances with morans (warriors), prolonged droughts and poverty affected the Maasai girls' education. Thus the study recommended, sensitizing parents about the consequences of their cultural practices, provision of guidance and counseling services, building affordable girls' boarding schools, and enforcing the law against harmful cultural practices affecting girls' education should be considered.