Factors Influencing Career Choice Decisions of Form Four Students in Kenya: A Case Study of Koibatek District.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration .

Abstract

Acknowledgement

Definition of Operational Terms iv

List of Tables and figures j~.

CHAPTER 1

tO INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Problem 1

1.2 Statement ofthe Problem 3

1.3 Objectives ofthe Study 4

1.4 Research Questions 4

1.5 Research Assumptions 5

1.6 Significance ofthe Study 6

1.7 Scope and Limitation 7

CHAPTER 2

2,0 LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAME WORK

2.1 Introduction 8

2.2 Review of Related Literature 8

2.3 Related Studies 8

2.3 Theories of Career Choice 10

2.4 Conclusion 11

CHAPTER 3

3~O METHODOLOGy

3.1 Introduction, ~ 26

3.2 Research Design 26

3.3 Source of Data and Mode of Data Collection 27

3.4 Sampling 28

3.5 Population 28

3.6 Data and Data collection 29

3.7 Methods of Data Analysis and Presentation 30

CHAPTER 4

4.1 Findings 53

4.2 Conclusion and suggestion for further studies 55

4.3 Recommendation

BIBLIOGRAPHy 58

APPENDIX: A - A list of schools in Koibatek District 64

APPENDIX: B — Questionnaire 65

ABSTRACT

Decision-making theories hare identified age range 16 - 18 years. as being one of the critical decision periods for an adolescent. Most ofthe students in form four are in this age bracket. The objectives of this study were to establish the specific factors that influence the form four students decision in choice of career~ establish if factors influencing boys and girls decision on career choices differ and finally, establish whether the emergence of the latest technology of the World Wide Web computer information has an influence decision on career choices of form four student in Kenya, The target population for this study was the form four students in Kenyan government secondary schools in Koibatek District. 300 form four students from different government sponsored secondary schools in Koibatek district participated. Questionnaires designed to probe students on the factors of consideration in decision making on career choice were used for data collection. A five point Likert scale was used to assess these factors in order o influence from the most influential to those that are not applicable. The data collected was analysed. tabled and percentages calculated. The data was then presented in graphs and charts. Comparative analysis on data collected was then done based on gender to establish the difference in the factors influencing form four Students if any. The study was anchored on developmental theories of career choice. Descriptive — qualitative approach was taken in the analysis of the data. The study established that the teachers and the principals are the most influential persons to the form four students in future career decision making. Trips to the universities and career workshops or seminars were picked on as the most influential events on decision making on future career of form four students. However, potential for high salary was picked on by the most of the respondent across Inc gender as the most influential factor during future career choice decision making. This study intends to be a resourceful reference material to guidance and counselling departments of secondary schools in Kenya. parent and students who have to make decision on their future career.