An analysis of the quality of free primary education in Garissa municipality of Garissa county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the quality of Free Primary Education in Garissa Municipality in Garissa County. Despite the introduction of FPE in Garissa it has been noticed that since the implementation of this programme the performance of pupils have been declining in subsequent years. The study objectives were to establish the influence of pupil-teacher ratio, the teaching and learning resources, the supervision, teacher motivation, the impact of management styles and finally the challenges faced in the implementation of quality FPE. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The population for the study was 11,131. The sample comprised of 13 head teachers, 65 teachers, 130 pupils, 1 education officer, 1 Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (Q.A.S.O.) totaling to 210 respondents. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and data was analyzed by use of qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings were presented through descriptive statistics by use of tables, graphs and pie-charts. It was also revealed that teaching and learning resources affected the implementation of quality FPE. Findings further revealed that influence of teacher motivation and teacher quality affected the implementation of quality Free Primary Education. Responses from the Q.A.S.O indicated that teachers did not adequately prepare professional records like schemes of work, lesson plans, and daily record of work which affected quality education. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that performance of public primary schools in Garissa Municipality was not appealing. Other issues concluded by the study which affected the implementation of quality Free Primary Education were high teacher-pupil ratio, teachers inadequate preparation of professional records like schemes of work, lesson plans and daily record of work, scarcity of teaching and learning resources, low motivation of teachers, inadequate funding of FPE and inadequate supervision of both Head teachers and Quality Assurance and standards Officer‟s. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the Government should increase the funding of Free Primary Education to cater for employment of more teachers and purchase of teaching/learning materials. In order to ensure effective implementation of quality FPE the study recommended that the Government should employ more teachers and Quality Assurance and Standards Officers to oversee the implementation of the curriculum. Last but not the least since quality is the heart of any education system there is urgent concern for the Government to provide the necessary personnel and facilities such that quality education is not compromised.