Influences of Degree Choices Among Females in Kenyan Universities .

This study aimed at investigating the factors influencing choice of degree courses among female students at the University of Nairobi in the 2010/2011 cohort. Factors affecting choice of degree courses has been of concern especially as it directly impacts on the Government policy on Gender(GoK ,2005) that requires 30% of all jobs be held by women across all careers. A knowledge gap exists on the reasons for undergraduate female students choices of various degrees courses at university level. Reasons influencing the career choices among women students has been postulated to include self-efficacy, socio-economic factors, gender factors and lack of adequate information or poor career guidance. The moderating and intervening variables such as university admission criteria, performance at the National examinations, family background and , teachers and peer influence, school facilities, national education policies have been found in this study as possible contributing factors to the choice of degree courses and careers among female students in Universities in Kenya.