Socio-Cultural Factors Contributing To Gender Disparity on Enrolment of Students in Technical Disciplines in Technical Training Institutes in Mt. Kenya Region, Kenya

In recent years, more female students have been enrolling in Kenyan colleges and universities to study technical courses previously dominated by male students but statistics indicate that gender equity is yet to be achieved. This study sought to establish the socio-cultural factors contributing to gender disparity on enrolment of students in technical disciplines and sought strategies to address them. The study was conducted in 3 Technical Training Institutes in Mt. Kenya region, Kenya which were purposively selected. The study used descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 3012 made up of 2679 students and 333 teachers. Stratified sampling method was used to identify the respondents from the students and purposive sampling to select heads of department and principals. A sample size of 314 made up of 280 students, 31 heads of departments and 3 institute principals was used in the study. Data collection was done using three sets of questionnaires. Reliability of instruments was tested by use of Spearman Brown Prophecy formula using split-half technique. A correlation co-efficient of 0.73, 0.79 and 0.811 from the students, H.O.Ds and principal respectively was realized. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The study established that factors contributing included inadequate computers and workshops, poor attitudes, poverty, parents’ career background, preference to educate boys, overloaded and irrelevant curriculum and lack of suitable equipments, facilities and teachers among others. The recommendations of the study contribute to enhancement of change of attitudes, curriculum review and provision of suitable equipments, facilities and teachers.