scholarly journals The Challenges of Free Primary Education Implementation in Primary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya

Author(s):  
Carolyne Nabwoba Simiyu

In January 2003 the Kenyan government implemented Free Primary Education (FPE). The launch of the programme saw an increase in enrolment in primary schools which put pressure on learning resources. The FPE policy envisaged that the government would provide teaching and learning materials to all public primary schools. This paper therefore discusses challenges of implementing FPE in Bungoma East District in Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used in this study. The target population was head teachers, teachers, the school management committee chair persons and the students. Since there are rural and urban schools, stratified sampling was done to get a more representative sample. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedule, and document analysis and observation schedules. The study found that upward trend in enrolment since the inception of FPE in 2003 led to overcrowding in class and many more schools opening up. It also found that there was lack of enough teachers to handle the increased numbers of pupils. It was also established that delayed release of FPE funds led to challenges in the FPE appropriate implementation.  The findings will inform the policy makers to make more informed decisions towards implementation of the free primary education in order to achieve Universal Education.

Author(s):  
Carolyne Nabwoba Simiyu

The launch of the Free Primary Education (FPE) in 2003 by the Kenyan government lead to an increase in enrolment of learners in primary schools which posed a challenge to the teacher preparation of handling large number of learners. This paper therefore discusses teacher preparedness with reference to FPE in Bungoma East District in Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used in this study. The target population was head teachers, teachers and the school management committee chair persons. Since there are rural and urban schools, stratified sampling was done to get a more representative sample. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedule, and document analysis and observation schedules. Most teachers feel inadequate in handling challenges of FPE on resource utilization due to inadequate in-service programmes. The findings will inform the policy makers in making informed decisions towards proper teacher preparation for FPE implementation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 350-384
Author(s):  
Paul Muga Obonyo ◽  
Samuel N Waweru ◽  
Onyango G Adino

The World Conference on Education for All, held in Jomtiem, Thailand 1990 stated that education is so diverse, complex and demanding to expect governments alone to meet the vast arrays of learner needs. The call for a multi-sectoral approach and building new alliances between governments, private, and NGOs forces was central to the thematic round tables on "NGOs and Literacy" and Mobilizing for "Education for All" (Hadaad 1990). This study examined the role of NGOs in financing public primary education in Budalangi, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine NGOs participation areas in public primary education provision focusing on disbursement procedures and equity considerations for different socio-economic groups; to find out the various sources of NGOs‘ funds; to reveal the challenges facing NGOs in their effort to support public primary education and finally, to find out the adequacy and relevance of NGOs support as perceived byschool heads, parents and pupils in the region. The study adopted a descriptive survey paradigm. The target population comprised of 16 NGOs supporting publicprimary education, 33 primary schools and 16518 pupils and their parents benefiting from NGOs support. The sample included nine NGOs, seven public primary schools and 111 pupils and their parents. This gave a total of 238 respondents. The data was collected using questionnaires for NGO administrators and head teachers and interview schedules for parents and pupils. The study found out that NGOs play a central role in promoting quality, access, equity and relevance of primary education by providing physical facilities, direct support to pupils and parents. It was noted that the number of supported pupils was significant (31%) in relation to the total school enrolment. However, NGOs faced the challenge of insufficient funds, lack of exit strategy and mistrust by the government. The study recommends that the NGOs should use capacity building for sustained support and to work hand in hand with the government and all other stakeholders in education to help Kenya meet her international commitment in achieving the MDG goal in Education and EFA goals adopted in Dakar in 2000.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Mwanza ◽  
Darious Silukuni

<p>In this study, researchers investigated the implementation of Free Primary Education Policy in selected primary schools of Kafue district of Zambia. The study’s objective was to determine the possible conflicts that had arose between learners’ access to education and supply of quality education. As a descriptive survey, the study population consisted of one hundred and twenty (120) teachers, twenty-four (24) head teachers one (2) Ministry of General Education (MoGE) officials. The teachers responded to a questionnaire while the head teachers and MoGE officials were interviewed using structured interview schedules. An observation checklist was used to record the schools’ enrolments, equipment and facilities that were available. Data was analyzed thematically as themes and sub themes emerged from the data. Finding showed that there were high enrolments in Kafue primary schools, an indication that many learners had free access to education but this led to a number of challenges such as: inadequate educational supplies, low staffing levels, inadequate classrooms and desks. Teachers were being overworked and were unable to attend to individual needs of pupils. They also could not manage to give adequate homework and remedial work due to large classes. Consequently, the Zambian government seems to have failed to meet the needs of primary schools in Kafue due to the surge in enrolments. Scholars in this study recommended that the Ministry of General Education should evaluate the practicality and sustainably of the Free Primary Education in all primary schools in Kafue district. Furthermore, additional funds should be allocated for schools to enable them buy teaching and learning materials.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0696/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-129
Author(s):  
Beatrice Ngeno ◽  
Teresa Mwoma ◽  
Maureen Mweru

Competence based curriculum have faced criticism from educationalist based on its tasking and resistivity to change. However, in Canada, Scotland and Finland its implementation has be stunning. The stakeholders in Kenya has raise concern about their preparedness coupled with criticism from section of the government complaining on lack of involvement of stakeholders. The objective of the study was to establish whether teachers’ attitude influences the implementation of the competence-based curriculum. Social constructivism theory was adopted. A descriptive survey design and correlation research design were adopted for the study. The target population of the study included 24 County support Officers (CSOs’), 52 headteachers, and 610 Grade 1 teachers. The sample size was 6 CSOs, 52 Headteachers, and 61 Grade 1 teachers. A saturated sampling technique was used to select all the 52 headteachers from 52 schools. Simple random sampling was used to select the schools and CSOs. A purposive sampling technique was used to select Grade 1 teachers in Kericho County. Data was collected using interview schedules, questionnaires, and an observation schedule. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages, means, and standard deviation, while inferential statistics were correlated using Pearson product-moment correlation. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. The attitude of teachers had a positive impact on CBC implementation, with a correlation of 0.560 and a calculated value of 0.00 for the headteachers and 0.284 with a calculated value of 0.032 for Grade 1 teachers. The results of this study are important for the successful adoption of the competency-based program through the participation of education stakeholders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 568-576
Author(s):  
Mutai Susan ◽  
◽  
J. Rono ◽  
Audrey Matere ◽  
Julia Situma ◽  
...  

English is a language of international communication hence it has special place in educational systems of most countries in the world. In Kenya, English is a language of instruction as well as examinable subject in Kenyan schools. In addition, Kiswahili is a national language which is used by both learners and teachers leading to code-switching. The purpose of the paper was to establish the extent of code-switching in English and Kiswahili during English lessons in public primary schools. The study adopted descriptive survey design and mixed methods approach. The target population was 243 teachers of English, 64 grade three teachers and 2176 learners in primary schools in Eldoret West Sub-County, Kenya. The sample size was 33 teachers of English, 8 grade three teachers and 292 learners. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected through the use of questionnaires, interviews and observation schedule. Piloting of research instruments was conducted in the nearby Wareng Sub County which shares similar characteristics as the study area. Validity was ensured through expert judgment while reliability was tested using Cronbachs alpha coefficient after piloting. The data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics frequencies and percentages while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study found out that majority (56.5%) of teachers used code switching most of the time while explaining meaning of words and most (50.4%) of the teachers of English used code switching as a way of explaining grammar in an explicit manner while most (41.2%) of the teachers used code switching to introduce unfamiliar topics to learners during English lessons. The findings will benefit the Government of Kenya in formulating language policies for schools. The study will also be of significance to teachers of English in coming up with the strategies to boost performance of English.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-124
Author(s):  
Ngemunang Agnes Ngale Lyonga

Abstract This study examined the impact of head teachers’ instructional supervision practices on teachers’ performances in selected primary schools in Konye Sub-Division in Cameroon. The study used a descriptive survey design to explain the impact of head teachers’ classrooms visits and checking of teaching log-books (records) on teachers’ job performances. The sample size was made up of six head teachers and twenty-eight teachers selected from six schools from Konye Sub-Division, which included two state own, two confessional, and two lay private schools. A five section questionnaire was developed to collect data on head teachers’ and teachers. The questionnaire was administered during one of the researcher’s contact visits at the institutions. The researcher explained to the respondents who filled out the information on the questionnaire and returned after completion. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 for descriptive statistics that included the use of frequencies and percentages. Findings among others revealed the aspects that influence teachers’ performances during instructional supervision by head teachers was not only classroom visits but also observation of teaching (82% and 83.3%), examination of teaching and learning methods used by teachers during supervision (71.4% and 66.6%), regularly checking of records of work covered by teachers (92.9% and 83.3%), regularly checking and correcting of teachers’ lesson plans (89.3% and 100%), and holding sessions with teachers to guide on how to improve teaching and learning activities in primary schools.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
John M. Mbunde

This paper discusses the head teachers’ role in facilitating school facilities that influence pupils’ performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary School (KCPE). The objective was to establish the head teachers’ role in facilitating school facilities that influence pupils’ performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary School. The research was based on the Max Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy. The target population was 612 head teachers, senior teachers and accounts’ clerks in Nairobi County. The sample size was 123. The research employed descriptive survey design. The schools selected were 14 from Westland and Dagoretti districts and 13 from Lang’ata district through simple random sampling. The head teachers and accounts’ clerks were selected by purposive sampling methods. The research instruments used were the interview and document analysis guides. Validation of both instruments was done by the expert judgment review by supervisors from the Department of Educational Administration and Planning of the University of Nairobi. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data which was presented in a table. The study established that all the 41 sampled schools had fairly adequate exercise books, buildings and furniture; inadequate textbooks, radios, equipment, computers, displays, charts and playgrounds. The study concluded that the head teachers had not facilitated adequate school facilities that influence pupils’ performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary School (KCPE). It was recommended that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology should increase funding of schools to enable the head teachers to procure more school facilities to enhance pupils’ performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary School.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Nipher Olieba ◽  
Ronald Kikechi

<p>The language policy in Rwanda states that English is the medium of Instruction (MOI) to be used in the Education system following the 2008 Language shift. However, this change in the MOI brought about extreme challenges to both Rwandan teachers and learners. Moreover, the extensive day to day usage of Kinyarwanda, the local dialect, has greatly inhibited the use of English. This has adversely obstructed the use of the English language as a MOI and the curriculum implementation for over 20 years hence adversely affecting the teaching and learning process. The proficiency of the teachers who are meant to teach in the MOI is quite questionable; many realize the need to learn English while teaching or risk unemployment. As such, this study purposed to examine the teacher competency and teaching styles in use of English as a MOI in facilitating  curriculum implementation in rural primary schools in Rwanda. Guided by the inter language theory and the Discrepancy theory, the study applied a descriptive survey research design. With a target population of 3,269, the study entailed a sample of 1470 randomly selected learners from Primary 4 to Primary 6, teachers and head teachers from 21 schools. The study used questionnaires, interviews, and observation to collect primary data. The study found that the teachers’ competency in using English language as MOI had significant influence on curriculum implementation in rural primary schools in Muhanga district and in the entire republic of Rwanda. The teaching styles factors positively and significantly influence the use of MOI in curriculum implementation when other factors are held constant.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0807/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Paul Ekeno Ejore ◽  
Daniel Komo Gakunga ◽  
Musembi Nungu

Kenya’s Turkana County, being an arid area, is faced with numerous challenges that hinder education programs especially among school going pupils. Therefore, the study sought to establish the effectiveness of the government interventions measures on pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in regular and mobile primary schools in Turkana County. Based on the study, this paper explores the effectiveness of the school feeding programme in promoting access to education among pupils from pastoralist communities in the County. The study utilized both descriptive survey as well as mixed methods. It utilised a sample of 75 head teachers, 225 teachers, 375 pupils, 85 parents, 3 education officers (1 from each sub-county), 1 County Director of Education and 1 County Commissioner. For data collection, the study employed questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions. Quantitative data was coded and keyed into the computer using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). In order to test the effectiveness of the government intervention, regression test an (inferential statistics) was applied. The analysed data was presented using tables. The qualitative data from interview schedules and focused group discussion was organized into major themes as per the research objectives. The results were presented thematically using extensive description and direct quotations. Hypotheses were analysed using regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that the feeding programme influenced many pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in both regular and mobile primary schools. The study recommends that the government should make efforts to ensure that food is supplied to schools in in time. There is also need to enrich the nutritional quality of the food supplied to schools. This paper highlights the major contribution of school feeding interventions in increasing access to quality education among marginalised communities. It will inform future policies aimed at such interventions by governments and education stakeholders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 92-112
Author(s):  
Dorine Adhiambo Obara ◽  
Charles Michael Were

The Government of Kenya made inclusive education a policy requirement in the provision of education to all children. Research has shown that the support given by teachers plays a very important role in curriculum implementation that ensures success in a child`s career. Education Assessment records in Kisumu county indicate that between the year 2012 and 2016, 846 learners who are physically challenged had been assessed and placed in regular schools in Kisumu West, Kisumu Central and Kisumu East sub-counties, out of which 246 had dropped out of school. However, Learners who are physical challenged often drop out of school more as compared to their regular counterparts particularly in Kisumu West Sub-County. The number of learners who are physically challenged enrolled in regular primary schools has been decreasing due to dropouts despite the fact that officers in Kisumu EARC conducted sensitization programs and workshops yearly for teachers and stakeholders in education. This decrease is confirmed at 138 (31.9%), which is higher as compared to the dropout of neighboring sub-counties namely: Kisumu East 31 (21.8%) and Kisumu Central 77(28.4%). Reason for this high dropout has not been established. The purpose of this study was therefore to establish teachers’ level of support in the use of teaching and learning resources of learners who are physically challenged  in regular primary schools in Kisumu West Sub-County and objective of this study therefore was to establish teachers’ level of support in the use of teaching and learning resources of learners who are physically challenged. A conceptual framework was used to show the interaction of dependent and independent variables. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Target population of the study consisted of 15 head teachers, 30 teachers, 6 EARC coordinators and 90 learners who are physically challenged. Saturated sampling technique was used to select 13 head teachers and 4 EARC coordinators, while purposive sampling was used to select 27 teachers and 81 learners who are physically challenged. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and observation checklist.  Face and content validity of instruments was established through expert judgment and revision. Reliability of instruments was established through test-retest method on 10% of study population using Pearson’s product correlation. Reliability coefficient for head teachers questionnaire was 0.8, teachers’ questionnaires was 0.9; Learners who are physically challenged questionnaires was 0.7. This was above the accepted value of 0.7. Correlation coefficient analysis was used to establish teachers’ level of support in the use of teaching and learning resources f learners  who are physically challenged. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and mean. Qualitative data from interview and observation schedules were collected, organized and categorized into themes and sub-themes, which were reported. Findings of the study indicated that most regular primary schools did not have adequate adapted teaching and learning resources required for learners who are physically challenged. The study recommended that Ministry of Education should ensure adequate supply of adapted teaching and learning resources, Findings of this study would be useful to teachers, EARC coordinators, and Ministry of Education.


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