An assessment of internal efficiency of public day secondary schools and its impact on KCSE performance: a case of central division, Machakos district, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to assess the internal efficiency of Public Day Secondary schools and its impact on KCSE performance in Central Division. It was guided by five objectives which focused on underlying causes of wastage in secondary schools and the strategies that can be employed to mitigate the problem of wastage in secondary schools. The study used descriptive survey design in order to determine the factors associated with internal efficiency. This enabled the researcher to collect in-depth information including sensitive and personalized experiences concerning the issues under investigation. The target population included all public secondary schools in Machakos central division which are 32 in number. Out of the 32 schools 10 of them were randomly sampled where 10 principals, 38 teachers and 100 students were sampled to participate in the study. The main tool for data collection was a questionnaire which was designed to collect data from the Principals who provided necessary information on KCSE performance, staffing and instruction materials available and a questionnaire for class teachers which captured information on class attendance and students' entry behaviour, while the students' questionnaire sought information on reasons for absenteeism, repetition and dropout before completing the cycle. The instruments where piloted in one school to determine their reliability and validity. The major finding of the study is that equity and access to education is yet to be realized in public secondary schools in Machakos central division. This is due to high rates of absenteeism, high repetition rates, high dropout rates, low transition rates and low completion rates hence high wastage rate. The study recommended the establishment of more boarding schools as well as subsidizing boarding schools, It also recommended that the community be sensitized on the importance of education and finally reinforcement of guidance and couselling in public secondary schools.