Factors influencing school re‐entry among adolescents in Kenya

BACKGROUND: The number of out‐of‐school children and adolescents has been increasing globally. In sub‐Saharan Africa, an estimated 23 million adolescents leave school due to poverty, teenage pregnancy, and unspecified illnesses. The reasons for absenteeism are well‐known but the factors involved in the decision to return to school have not been analyzed. This study aimed to identify the factors that promote primary school re‐entry among chronic adolescent absentees in rural sub‐Saharan Africa. METHODS: Qualitative data were gathered through participant observation, in‐depth interviews, and focus group discussions involving nine pupils who returned to school after chronic absenteeism and 140 adult stakeholders in Mbita sub‐county, Kenya. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The thematic analysis results showed that four factors promoted school re‐entry, namely: (1) social norms: “school for a better life”; (2) linkage of community and school; (3) supportive environment; and (4) using discipline to make adolescents serious about their education. CONCLUSIONS: School re‐entry among chronic absentees in Mbita sub‐county is promoted by both community and school factors. It was observed that social norms regarded an education as a “passport to a better life.” Adolescents, teachers, and community leaders view education as a means of improving one’s socio‐economic status. Two essential elements of health‐promoting schools, a supportive environment and a linkage with community, effectively promoted returning to the school among adolescents. The introduction of health‐promoting schools was recommended to implement a school re‐entry policy in Kenya effectively.