Abstract

University undergraduate dropout rate in Kenya is a pressing concern that threaten the achievement of national goals of education, human capital development and the realization of SDG goal number four on quality education. This study assesses the trends and major challenges contributing to the escalating rates of student’s attrition in public universities. The research was directed by the ensuing objectives: to institute how curriculum complexity, institutional support and resources availability influence the dropout rates in Kenya Universities. Typically, a descriptive survey design was implemented in the research. The study had a sample size of 300 undergraduate students, 36 chairs of departments and 15 Students Affairs and Counseling Staffs. Data was obtained through document analysis and self-administered questionnaires for the respondents. Quantitative data was evaluated through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that complexity of academic programmes, inadequate academic preparedness, insufficient mentorship programs and academic counseling and inadequate financial aid and scholarships compel students to drop out of the university. The study concluded that universities should put a lot of emphasis on designing curricula that take into consideration both complexity of the curriculum and practical learning approaches, reinforce institutional support to students through mental and academic mentorship, and implementation of work-study programmes to assist financially disadvantaged students. The study recommends an increase in private and government sector funding, financial aid programs, curriculum redesigning and implementation of student support programmes to address mental health issues and academic mentorship to improve retention rates.