Contribution of parents to girl-child talent development in public secondary schools in kenya: a case study kisumu east and central sub-counties.

Studies have revealed that parents world over influence talent development of their children through guidance and counseling, payment of required levies, acting as role models and sponsorship. From the year 2011 to 2013 in Kisumu East and Central Sub-Counties, the girl child’s talent development was low compared to their counter parts in the neighboring sub-counties namely Kisumu West, Muhoroni, Nyando, Nyakach and Seme. In drama, music, sports and athletics, Kisumu East and Central sub-counties received 9.3% and 12.3% lower than the neighbouring sub counties of Kisumu West, Muhoroni, Nyando, Nyakach and Seme which received 18.5%, 17.3%, 14.8%, 14.8% and 13% respectively for the same period. In Kenya Certificate of Secondary education examinations, performance of girls in the sub counties was as follows; Kisumu East 8.7%, Kisumu Central 20.1%, C+ and above scores for university entry while Kisumu West, Muhoroni, Nyando, Nyakach and Seme recorded 13.1%, 16.2%, 10.1%, 24.2% and 7.6% respectively over the same period. The objective of this study was to establish the contribution of parents to girl child talent development in public secondary schools in Kisumu East and Central Sub counties. A conceptual framework showing parents’ contribution to girl child talent development was adopted for this study. The study established that the contribution of parents to girl child talent development was moderate with mean ratings of 3.14. The contributions of parents were as such partial fulfillment of the girl child requirements and were in form of money, materials and guidance and counseling among others. The other contribution was by the government and other stakeholders. The study concluded that parents’ contributions were moderate to talent development of the girl child. The study recommended that parents be encouraged to contribute more to their girl child by creating adequate time to advise them to listen to their teachers; parents be enlightened on the significance of their contribution and positive attitude towards co-curricular activities; parents be encouraged to fully support the learning process of the girl child. The findings of this study are important to education stakeholders in informing them on the way forward on parents’ contribution to the girl child’s talent development.