A Survey of the Factors that Influence Performance in Kenya Certificate of Education (K.C.E.) Examinations in Kericho District,Kenya. A Case Study of Selected Secondary Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the performance in K.C.E. examinations in Kericho district, Kenya. Due to financial constraints and time, only ten sample schools were selected randomly from Kericho Town and Belgut division for the purpose of this study.

Two instruments, questionnaires and structured interview/questionnaire schedules were prepared for use in getting the required information from the following; D.E.O. and Head teachers (using structured interview/questionnaire), teachers and students (using just questionnaires).

The data obtained was analysed and interpreted using descriptive statistics as frequency and percentage distributions.

The findings of the study revealed that the following amongst others are the major factors that influence performance in K.C.E. exams in Kericho District: - i) Unequal distribution of graduate teachers and learning facilities in schools. ii) Ineffective role played by the school personnel, teachers and headteachers. iii) General laxity, indiscipline and lack of aggressiveness in students towards learning. iv) The educational administrators and inspectorate being ineffective and inefficient in their execution of duties. v) Poor support from local community in the development of learning resources and facilities.

In the light of these findings, it was suggested that the school administrative personnel (Headteachers and teachers), the parents and community under the guidance of the educational administrators and local administrators combine efforts towards the development of sound student attitudes towards school work and the development of school learning resources and facilities.