An investigation of parenthood policy among student parents in a Kenyan public university : a socio-educational perspective

摘要

This research is set within the context of the Kenyan Public Universities, where withthe changing student population dynamics, students are increasingly choosing tocombine parenting with studies. Many of these student parents both male andfemale have had to negotiate the academic requirements as well as the burden ofparenthood. Such a study is important at this time of privatization and liberalizationof higher education in order to open up public discourse on the provision of highereducation and the effect on the socio-economic status of the students. Usingqualitative research analysis based on socio-educational, socio cultural as well associo-economic status (SES), a study was designed and conducted with the questionposed: What are the socio-educational approaches of public universities with respectto student parents. Eighteen (18) interviews of ten (10) university officials and eight(8) student parents formed the research sample. Qualitative research questionswere prepared in an in-depth interview guide and a focus group questioning route.Data revealed that there are students both male and female who are activelyparenting in the public university and that they face role conflict and financialchallenges which impacts on retention and completion rates of students in the publicuniversity. The research argues that there is need to create awareness of socioeconomicstatus (SES) in the university approach to inclusiveness of all students aswell as student parents. Recommendations based on this study should be helpful asguidelines for a model on guidance for student parents as well as documentation of aclear policy on approaches or support for student parenthood in the public university.