Survey of the Hidden Costs of Standard Eight Education to the Parents of Yala Division, Siaya District
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Date
1986
Authors
Okore, G. M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The research investigated the hidden costs of
Standard eight education to the parent in Yala Division
of Siaya District. Nine schools randomly selected
from Yala Division, were involved in the study. All
of them were rural schools.
In the study, forty-four subjects were used as
the sample. These were 35 Parents and 9 Heapteachers.
To collect data, questionnaires were administered to
headteachers while responses were obtained from Parents
by interview schedule. The major areas of cost which
were investigated included, among others, Building
Fund, Developmentt Fund, Activity Fees, Mock Fees,
K.C.P.E. enrolment Fees, Materials for Practical
Subjects, Exercise Books and Watchman's wages.
Also investigated were the Parents' perceptions
of the costs of standard eight education; the real
costs of standard eight education to the parents;
the real cost of standard eight education to the
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the
congruency between the parents' perceived cost and
the real cost; the most expensive element; the effect
of the hidden costs on the academic achievement of the
child; and whether there was any effect on the school
attendance by children from the same family or home . ...
(v)
The findings Of the study indicated that Textbook$
and Exercise book$ were the most expensive
element of standard eight education. The study
findings showed no congruency between the parents'
perceived costs (estimated at 72%) and the real costs
(estimated at 26%) of standard eight education. The
research findings further revealed that the effect of
the hidden costs on academic achievement of the pupils
was negligible because those pupils who could not ",.
pay were given remission and extra tuition upon resuming
their studies.
The study also indicated that the average amounts
paid by the parents to retain one child in standard
eight in a public school was 1259 shillings per year.
On the other hand the government spent an average
of 3,777 shillings per child per year. The average
cost of education was estimated at 5036 shillings per
child per year. The results• of the study indicated
that the Ministry of Education met 74% of the total
cost of standard eight education while parents met
26% of the same cost. It was also revealed that parents
found it difficult to meet their portion of standard
eight education because of high retail prices of books
and other items involved.
The researcher concluded that when the Ministry of Education science and Technology decides to reduce
its budget from the current 35% of national budget
to 29% as recommended in Economic ,Management for
Renewed Growth, Sessional Paper No.1 1986, the
Parent’ portion of the cost of standard eight education'
will. increase. Consequently placing a heavier burden
on the Parents.
Description
Master of Education (Primary Teacher Education), 87pg. 1986