Abstract:
Child neglect and teenage pregnancy are major issues and a global phenomenon affecting
both developed and developing countries. In 2019, statistics from Marigat Sub-County in
Baringo County, Kenya showed rising cases of teenage pregnancy in various schools.
This alarming rise in teenage pregnancies has forced hundreds of girls in Marigat Sub
County to drop out of school. This has prompted education stakeholders of Marigat Sub
County into a discussion over the causes of teenage pregnancy. The purpose of this study
was to determine Child neglect influence on teenage pregnancy among girls in primary
schools in Marigat sub-county of Baringo county, Kenya and its counselling implications.
The study used ex-post facto research design. The population under study was 12,898,
comprising 101 head teachers, 101 heads of counselling department, 6,456 parents and
6,240 pupils from 101 participating schools. The sample size was 384 respondents
comprising 90 head teachers and 90 heads of counselling department who were chosen
using purposive sampling from the selected schools, 102 parents and 102 pupils were
selected by simple random sampling. The study employed questionnaires to collect data.
The validity of the research instruments was verified by the supervisors and lecturers
from the department of Psychology, Counselling and Education Foundations whose
opinions and suggestions were incorporated into improving the instrument. A pilot study
was done in nine 9 primary schools where 9 Head teachers, 9 heads of counselling
department, 10 parents and 10 pupils from one (1) division in Samburu County were
involved. A Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.78, 0.73, 0.77 and 0.75 for
questionnaires for head teachers, heads of counselling department, parents and pupils was
attained and accepted for it is within the recommended level. The data generated by the
study were analysed using descriptive statistics namely frequencies, means and
percentages and inferential statistics. T-test was used to test for the hypotheses set at α
= .05. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24 was utilised in data
analysis. The study has provided valuable knowledge to pupils, teachers, guidance and
counselling teachers, head teachers, the Ministry of Education officers, county education
officers and National Government on issues concerning child neglect and teenage
pregnancy. The study established that children who lacked parental care were likely to be
exposed into engaging in sexual activity, leading to teenage pregnancy. It also established
that knowledge acquired from guidance and counselling can be used as a teenage
pregnancy preventative measure. The study recommended that both National and County
Governments should create public awareness and educate parents, guardians and
caregivers to firmly take charge of the custody of their children while at home and protect
them from sexual abuse, sexual harassment and teenage pregnancies. Parents and
guardians should guarantee safety and health of their children at home.
