Effects of Capitation Grant on Access and Retention of Students in Public Secondary School in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties

Abstract

Capitation grants for secondary schools was introduced in Kenya with the aim of assisting the poor who would otherwise not have enrolled in secondary schools. The government started with a grant of Kshs10,265 per secondary school student. This amount has increased to Kshs12,870 . However, with the rising cost of education, many children from poor families have been locked out. The study sought to investigate the effects of capitation grants on access and retention of students in public secondary schools in Nairobi and Kiambu counties. The objectives of the study were: to determine the trends of students enrolment before and after introduction of capitation grant in Nairobi and Kiambu counties and to verify the disbursement of the grant in Nairobi and Kiambu counties. The study employed descriptive survey design and used both quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data. Data collection was through questionnaires, interview schedules and focused group discussion guides. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Among the key findings was that funds are often not disbursed on time.