Effects of Marital Conflict on Academic Performance of Students in Public and Private Day Secondary Schools in Kiambu Sub-County, Kenya

The marital harmony is one of the most powerful primary agents of socialization and achievement of the entire family including children at school. Marital conflict, or its absence therefore, is an important part of this. The general objective of this study was to investigate the effect of marital conflicts on the academic performance of public and private day secondary school students in Kenya based on a case study of selected schools in Kiambu sub-County. The study was anchored on Ericksons theory, Behavioral theory and Abraham Maslows theory on hierarchy of needs. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data was collected using a questionnaire through the drop and pick method. Data was tabulated and presented descriptively using frequency tables, charts and graphs. Results showed that most of the respondents had a low concentration as a result of quarrels between parents/guardians, and majority of the respondents agreed that their academic grades were affected by marital conflicts among parents. It was concluded that marital conflicts negatively impacted on childrens academic performance. It was recommended that parents or guardians who are experiencing conflicts in their families should consider counselling options as soon as possible to avoid negative effects on their children.