The impact of Free Primary education on withdrawing children from child labour in Ekalakala – Zone Machakos District of Kenya

Abstract

The researcher noted with concern that the number of children living under difficult circumstances were on upward trend in terms of enrolment since the introduction of free primary education. He further felt that the school establishment lacked the necessary means to cater this category oflearners The researcher set out to investigate way and means of alleviating the problem and difficulties facing these children. He opted to use the quantitative approach in collection of data since he had to use numerical figures in analysis and presentation of finding. The researcher used Teachers as his subjects and targeted population of200 teachers within Ekalakala Zone in Machakos District. The researcher used the questionnaires as a tool of collecting data since his respondents were all literate. The result of the research indicated statistical significant levels of the prevalence of this category of learners and the low trained manpower present The research concluded that there was need to critically address the plight of these children and recommended teachers and community awareness campaign through inset, training course, Chiefs baraazas and further research in this area to strengthen his research findings.