Gender Disparities at Higher Education in Kenya: A Case of Moi University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the gender representation in higher education in Kenya, particularly at the Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya. The study was carried out in the 1995/96 academic year and focused on selected faculties and schools in regard to gender disparities in University enrolment at undergraduate level. Proportionate random sampling technique was employed in identifying the respondents to this study. The questionnaire and document analysis guide were the key instruments used in this study. For secondary data, the study used Document Analysis Guide which was used to collect data from the university authorities and the Ministry of Education Statistics Division and number of candidates who sat for Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education in the years 1990-93. Primary data was collected by questionnaires. The questionnaire return rate was 70%. This return rate was therefore considered sufficient to provide the required information. Data from the questionnaire and the Document Analysis Guide were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Gender representation data was analysed per faculty. Findings from the study indicated revealed that female student enrolment at Moi University is quite low compared to male enrolment. The most affected faculties are Wildlife Management and Technology and Forestry Resources represented by 6.38% and 13.4% respectively. Other Science based courses had at least more than 20% of the female student representation. Even in the arts based faculties, parity is far from being achieved. This calls for concerted efforts to increase the female student enrolment at the university level in Kenya particularly in the fields of Science and Technology.