Factors Influencing Occupational Aspirations Among Girls

The main purpose of this study was to find out the factors which influence occupational aspirations of girls in secondary schools. This study focused on the premise that girls are not sure of their careers, a phenomenon, which enables them to choose wrong careers. This study was carried out in two Nairobi girls' secondary schools & the rationale for selection was based on the oldest & biggest schools. Form four girls formed a study sample based on the assumption that they were mature & had selected their examinable subjects. Data was gathered mainly through a designed questionnaire with 87 students participating in the study.Research instruments were tested for reliability and validity in one secondary school within Nairobi. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that: Girls encounter social and economic problems, girls aspired to be professionals in life, there was a strong relationship between occupational aspirations and academic performance of girls in secondary schools, the main strategy of enhancing girls performance was through the eradication of repugnant cultures, parents and teachers should encourage/motivate girls to do well in school.