DIMINISHING ENROLMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AGRICULTURE IN METKEI WARD, KEIYO SOUTH CONSTITUENCY, ELGEIYO MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA.

Abstract

The decline in enrollment of secondary school students in agriculture in Metkei Ward, Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, poses a significant challenge to the future of agricultural education and the broader agricultural sector in the region. Despite the economic importance of agriculture, fewer students are pursuing it as a subject, leading to concerns about skills development and innovation in the field. This study investigates the factors contributing to this declining enrollment and seeks to offer solutions to reverse the trend. The population of the study includes secondary school students, agriculture teachers, and school administrators from selected schools in Metkei Ward. A sample of 200 respondents was selected using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure representation of students, teachers, and school leadership. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, while qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the findings. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution and percentages, were employed to examine the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative responses. The results indicate that negative perceptions of agriculture, insufficient resources, and the influence of urbanization and migration are key factors contributing to the declining enrollment. Additionally, limited career guidance and inadequate exposure to modern agricultural practices were found to negatively impact students' choices. The study concludes that there is an urgent need to reshape the narrative around agriculture by introducing modern and innovative farming techniques into the curriculum, improving resource availability, and providing more robust career guidance. The findings are significant as they can help policymakers, educators, and community leaders design strategies to enhance agricultural education, thus ensuring the continued development of the agricultural sector in Metkei Ward and beyond