The aim of the study was to establish causes of child labour (CL) among learners with
mild mental retardation (LMMR) in special units in Igembe North, Meru County,
Kenya. The study aimed to find out causes of CL among LMMR with the following
objectives: To investigate the role of socio-economic status of the family in
influencing LMMR to engage in CL, to investigate social cultural practices that
influence involvement of LMMR in CL, to establish school practices that can
predispose LMMR to CL and to establish whether lack of parental awareness on the
causes of mental retardation (MR) drive LMMR into CL? The study employed
descriptive survey design. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied
in data collection. Data was collected on variables related to the role played by social
economic status of the family, influence of social cultural practices, school practices
and how lack of parental awareness influenced LMMR into CL. Data was obtained
using questionnaires for head teachers and teachers, interview schedules for
parents/guardians and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for learners. The study applied
purposeful sampling techniques to sample out respondents. Respondents were head
teachers, teachers, parents/guardians and LMMR. A total of 82 respondents were
interviewed, among them 7 head teachers, 9 teachers, 33 parents/guardians and 33
learners. A pilot study was carried out to help identify any weaknesses in the tools.
Reliability of the instruments was established through comparison of consistence in
the developed themes which was then triangulated to form justification. Data was
analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively guided by research objectives. It was
presented thematically with themes derived from research objectives. The data was
analyzed, interpreted and presented using qualitative statements, expose tables
frequencies and percentages. One of the major findings of the study was that LMMR
were massively involved in pervasive CL. Poverty and social cultural beliefs were
notorious in predisposing LMMR to CL. According to the study findings, this study
concludes that LMMR were involved in CL hence, the study recommended that the
government institute immediate, broad and inclusive strategies and policies to involve
all stakeholders in instituting inclusive and sustainable strategies that can be used to
curb CL among LMMR in Igembe north district. The broad measures may include
advocacy campaigns, strengthening of professional capacity and provision of vital
infrastructure in various institutions to counter the vice. The study recommended
further investigations to be undertaken in another locale in Kenya to avail information
on the magnitude LMMR involvement in CL. The study further recommended another
study to be carried in the same locale to inform whether other categories of children
with disabilities are involved in CL and yet another one to be carried to debunk social
beliefs attitudes and myths involving children with MR and other children with
disabilities.