Impact of wastage on KCSE performance in secondary schools in Kandara Sub County, Murang’a County, Kenya
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Date
2014
Authors
Waihenya, H. Wambui
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Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to identify the impact of wastage on KCSE
performance in secondary schools in Kandara Sub County, Murang’a County. Despite
the huge inputs into the education system, there’s a general outcry from all education
stakeholders over the decline in standards, quality and subsequent inability to secure
gainful employment and admission at the end of secondary school. The study
endeavored to examine types and causes of wastages in secondary schools, investigated
impact on performance and determined strategies to curb wastages in secondary schools
in Kandara Sub County, Murang’a County. The research employed a descriptive survey
study design. The target population comprised of all the 55 secondary schools in
Kandara Sub County. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to
determine the sample size. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect
data. Research instruments were piloted to test their validity and reliability. Data was
obtained and analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
computer package to determine impact of wastage on KCSE performance in secondary
schools in Kandara Sub County, Murang’a County. Both qualitative and quantitative
data analysis was used. Quantitatively the study used numerical data to explore traits
and situations. Responses from questionnaire, interview schedules were organized
according to pertinent aspects of the study. The findings were presented through
descriptive statistics by use of frequencies, tables, graphs and pie-charts. The research
findings would help minimize cases of dropout and repetition among students. It would
also help teachers curb wastages among learners in Kandara Sub County. Policy makers
could use the research findings to formulate policies to curb wastages in the education
sector country wide. The study established that wastages did exist in secondary schools
in Kandara Sub County in terms of absenteeism, repetition and dropout. These
wastages could have been caused by lack of school fees, indiscipline, poor health,
parental influence, peer influence and drugs. These wastages contributed to poor KCSE
performance, repetition and dropout. The research findings also established measures to
curb these wastages which included; guidance and counseling, peer teaching, creating
extra time for syllabus coverage and provision of bursaries to maintain needy students
in school. The research findings recommended; provision of bursaries, guidance and
counseling and cooperation between parents and teachers through meetings could avert
wastages in secondary schools. Further research on impact of wastages on KCPE
performance in primary schools in Kandara and neighboring Sub Counties was recommended.
Description
MST-Department of Educational Management Policy & Curriculum Studies, 93p. November 2014.