Inanga, Ann Nkirote2024-04-222020-08-102024-04-222017-10https://repo.pacuniversity.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2980.2The family is one of the most powerful primary agents of socialization and achievement of the entire family including children at school is very important. 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 Erickson’s theory, Behavioral theory and Abraham Maslow’s theory on hierarchy of needs. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data was collected using a questionnaire through the drop and pick method. Findings were organized into themes and according to research questions and objectives. Data was tabulated and presented descriptively using frequency tables, charts and graphs. The first objective sought to establish the areas of conflict among married couples in Kiambu sub-County. It was found that on a 5-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree, a high mean score was obtained on the statement that parents disagreed due to financial dissatisfaction, struggle for power and control of the family, show of public disapproval contributed to conflict between their parents and gender preference on children. The second objective of the study was to explain the effect of marital conflicts on the academic performance of students in public and private day secondary schools in Kiambu sub-County. 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. With respect to the third objective which sought to establish the possible solutions to the problems regarding marital conflicts and academic performance of secondary school students, most of the respondents acknowledged that learning to calm down can reduce distraction from class as a result of family conflicts. It was also found that most of the respondents agreed that learning to speak and listen non-defensively was a way to resolve marital conflicts. It was concluded that marital conflict negatively impacted on children’s 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. Further studies could be focused on the effects of guidance and counseling on students’ academic performance.enMarital Conflicts,Causes of Marital Conflicts,Relationship between Marital Conflicts and Children EducationThesis