Influence of Age and Time on Women’s Recreation Participation: A Case of Kibera Informal Settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess how age and leisure time influence participation in recreational activities among women in Kibera Informal Settlement. Chi-square (x 2) test of independence at a significance level of 0.05 was used to test the existing relationship between the frequency of participation in recreational activities, age and available leisure time. Data was collected through questionnaires from (n=384) women residing in Kibera Informal settlement. Findings showed that the majority of women were self-employed, earned less than Ksh.10, 000 per month, had attained primary level of education, they were aged between 20-25 years and they had family sizes of 1 to 2 children. Both age and leisure time were major determinants of frequency of participation in recreational activities. Findings of the study suggest that the ministries of Health and Sports should educate the members of the public within the informal settlement areas on the health benefits of recreation and good time management to encourage frequent participation in recreational activities, recreation service providers to avail affordable and pleasanter recreational facilities/programmes to cater for all ages.