ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting academic performance of students in mathematics in selected secondary schools in Meru-south district. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate some factors responsible for the poor performance of mathematics by female students. The methods used for data collection were questionnaires to gather information on the attitudes of female students. The findings revealed that indiscipline, quality of teachers and science facilities in school affected the academic performance of students in mathematics. The study recommended the government to have a policy in place that encourages the taking up of mathematics subject especially to the female students who at times think they are not good enough for the subject