Relationship Between Gender-Based Violence and School Attendance Among Students in Selected Public Mixed-Day Secondary Schools in Kikuyu Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of gender-based violence and its relationship with school attendance among both female and male students in public mixed-day secondary schools in Kikuyu Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya. Using simple random sampling, 115 students participated in the research. Ethical approvals were obtained from the Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committee at Africa International University, the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation, the Sub-County Director of Education, the respective school principals, and students. Data were analyzed using a statistical software package, employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, t-tests, and simple linear regression. The findings revealed a high prevalence of gender-based violence across multiple forms: psychological violence at 59%, physical violence at 56%, and sexual violence at 54%. Psychological distress emerged as strongly associated with increased absenteeism. Although no significant gender differences in attendance patterns were observed, male students reported higher overall experiences of gender-based violence compared to their female counterparts. Contrary to expectations, the study found no direct significant relationship between exposure to gender-based violence and attendance outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends comprehensive, gender-sensitive school-based interventions that simultaneously address gender-based violence and the accompanying psychological distress. Key beneficiaries of these recommendations include students, school counselors, administrators, policymakers, and child support organizations working to create safer educational environments.