Factors Affecting Performance in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education a Case of Kirinyaga West District Kenya

Abstract

This study covers the main factors affecting performances of Kenya certificate of Primary Education in Kirinyaga west district, Kirinyaga County. Eshiwan, (1993) found that the school based factors that influence performance of pupils include availability of teaching and learning materials, school and class sizes, time utilization, syllabus coverage and the efficiency of the school administration. Ngaroga (2007) agrees that school physical facilities such as classroom, laboratories, desks and books have a direct bearing on good performance among student in developing countries. This research critically examined school management, teaching and learning resources, teacher-pupil ratio and syllabus coverage which has direct bearing on how pupils perform in K.C.P.E. The study was conducted in twelve sampled public primary schools in Kirinyaga West District. Comparison of annual K.C.P.E results was done in order to identify the trends of the past five years. This study borrowed alot from famous educationists and psychologists like J.B Watson, Lefranciois (1994) and Mbiti M. David (1984). The performance of K.C.P.E is seen to depend mainly on how an efficient school Administration is able to allocate resources and ensure a thorough coverage of subject syllabus. Survey method of collecting quantitative and qualitative data was used. Kirinyaga West District has a population of 41 public primary schools. Twelve public primary schools were stratified and randomly selected for the study. The data was collected through questionnaires, document analysis, interviews and discussions. The data then was analyzed and presented in tables, pie charts and bar graphs while references are provided. The study found out that teaching and learning materials and teachers were not adequate. School management practices were wanting and coverage of syllabus was not thorough. Lack of capacity among school management committee was a major challenge. The study recommend that more teaching and learning materials be provided, employment of additional teachers and capacity building be enhanced to school management; supervision of school be intensified and parents be fully involved in educational programmes.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n5p273