Parents as participants in their children's learning: A tall order for parents in rural kenya

Research has repeatedly proven that parental participation in the education of their children plays a major role in their academic performance and general development. Children whose parents and families in general stay engaged in their education have been shown to perform better than those who do not receive such family support. In Kenya, the subject of parental participation has not received much attention in terms of research, and roles of parents in their children's education are not normally well defined. Based on observation, parental participation remains low especially in the rural areas. This is a conceptual paper that provides a general background of the topic and then theorizes on some issues that hinder parental participation in their children's education. Field research on the topic is expected to follow.