Abstract In this dissertation the researcher looked at to what extent did the state of being an orphan impact on the academic achievement of students in secondary schools. The study was taken at Karemo Division with hope that it represented the entire country. The problems sited in this document are similar to the ones outside the district under study. At the introduction it has attempted to look at the entire state of being an orphan and what role the Kenyan government is playing. It then narrowed to Karemo division and looked 9ritically at problems affecting orphans there. It is against such backgrounds that the researcher saw the need for research. He then formulated the specific objectives leading to the three research questions that guided the study. The researcher saw that this study was significant because it would benefit the nation, local community, experts and so on. From the preparation to the end of the research took one year, focusing a small division of 153 km2 on a population of 9000 people. From these the subject samples were 55 students and 15 teachers. The literature review guided the research as point of reference and comparison. From the knowledge of other experts the researcher was able to formulate a conceptual framework focusing on the relationship between basic needs and academic achievements among others. Data was then collected, presented and interpreted in regard to the specific objectives. The results obtained from the findings enabled the researcher to draw conclusions and even give recommendations. The researcher has also given his suggestions for further research.
