Influence of occupation of parents on pupils academic achievement in primary schools in kisumu west sub county: an analytical study across parental occupations

The occupation of parents is more or less synonymous with the socio-economic status of person thus more often than not people are distinguished and classified in society on the basis of occupation. In almost all cases people cherish their occupations or careers. Children also get more associated with parental occupations. This is because most friends of their parents to whom they are often exposed belong to the same occupation as their parents. It is therefore argued that occupation type plays a nature role in the lives and aspirations of children. It is therefore notable in some cases that there are disparities in children’s academic achievement as there are disparities in occupation type. Academic achievement of pupils in Kisumu West Sub County had remained low in comparison with other neighboring sub counties. Between 2011 and 2014, Kisumu West’s mean score was 243.17; Kisumu East 256.19; Kisumu Central 278.14, Nyando 248.66 and Muhoroni 258.46. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of occupation type of parents on pupils’ academic achievement in public primary schools in Kisumu West Sub Count. It was conceptualized in the study that pupils’ academic achievement depends on occupation type of parents. The study established that occupation type of parents had high influence on pupils’ academic achievement indicated by an overall mean of 3.84. The study concluded that parental occupation type moderately influenced pupils’ academic achievement in public primary schools. It is recommended that single parents should inculcate discipline among their children to control truancy behaviour among them so as to enhance their academic achievement. The study findings are of significance to school administrators, policy makers, and parents on ways of contributing to students’ academic achievement.