Abstract
The study sought to investigate selected parental factors that affect the academic achievement of grade six pupils in Kisumu City in Kenya. The study used a causal comparative research design. Two research instruments were used; questionnaires were administered to the grade six pupils and their parents. Document analysis was also used to determine the pupils’ academic performance. These were then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The investigation targeted both public and private primary schools in the city, selected pupils of grade 6, and their parents. Out of the 115 schools in Kisumu City, a total of 12 public schools and 8 private schools were selected using stratified sampling technique. Four hundred (400) pupils of grade six and 400 parents were selected to participate in the research. The findings revealed that socio-economic status, parental level of education, family size, family type and parental involvement affect the academic performance of pupils.