Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of child labour in miraa farm on
pupils' participation in primary schools in Kiengu Division of Igembe South Sub county Meru County. The researcher used descriptive survey design in this study. The target population of this study comprised of all the 24 head teachers of the primary Kiengu division and all 48 class teachers of standard four and eight. The significant because the findings may be used by the ministry of education and stakeholders to solve the problem of drop out in Kenya as a whole and in primary schools division, Igembe South District. The study findings revealed that Miraa farming related trade activities were the main contributing factor that deterred p participating in primary education. This accounts for the largest percentage labour activities impeding pupils' participation in primary education. Results showed Miraa growing and use in the division affected the quality of primary school education that income is used in non-school related activities significantly affected participation in educational activities. This study recommends that the government institute public awareness campaign especially for the most vulnerable groupsto educate them on the side-effects of Miraa because it affects pupil's participation in education in Kiengu division in Jgembe South District. In addition, the government should implement laws forbidding children under the age of 17 to chew and to encourage villages unwritten law to prevent children from chewing. The government should take stern measures against traders who employ children in their Miraa farming business to pave ways for these children to go to school' This will eventually increase their participation in primary school education
