The Effect of the Adequacy of Sanitary Facilities on Girls’ Participation in Primary Schools of Nakuru Municipality, Nakuru County, Kenya

The adequacy of sanitary facilities is a critical issue in a girl’s life. Studies have shown that most aspects of a girl’s life are affected by lack of sanitary facilities thus lowering the girl’s esteem and confidence. The study sought to determine how the adequacy of sanitary facilities affects girls’ participation in primary education in Nakuru Municipality, Nakuru County, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used as the preferred research design. The study targeted the 59 public primary schools in Nakuru Municipality comprising of 1100 girls, 59 Head teachers and 271 female teachers. Simple random sampling was used to select the 18 Schools and purposive sampling to get a sample size of 428 respondents comprising of 330 girls and 80 female Teachers. The Main research instruments used in this study were questionnaires, interview schedules and an observation check list. The findings would be useful in establishing the effects of sanitary facilities for girls’ participation in Education. The study found out that adequacy of sanitary facilities has affected girls’ participation and performance .This is mainly because girls thrive well in clean environment and they are sensitive to embarrassments, diseases and issues that create trauma on them. The study recommended that there is need to develop sanitation programs. The challenge should be tackled right from the root rather than attempting to manage the resultant unpleasant consequences. Offering incentives and rewards to pupils, teachers and head teachers for keeping good sanitation will also help in maintaining high standard of adequacy.