Effects of economic activities on pupils' academic performance at Kenya Certificate of primary Education in Lari Division , Kiambu county , Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated effects of economic activities on pupils’ academic performance of pupils at Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in Lari division. The study sought to achieve four objectives. These hoped to: 1. establish the effects of contextual factors such as economic factors, sociocultural factors, parental level of education, attitude and support on academic performance of pupils at K.C.P.E. in Lari division 2. establish the effects of child labour such as herding, milking, working on the farm and transportation of farm produce, on academic performance of pupils at KCPE in Lari division 3. determine the influence of learner –characteristics such as age, gender, and family background on academic performance of pupils at KCPE in Lari Division 4. establish the effects of school related factors such as authoritarian teachers and hidden school charges, on academic performance of pupils at KCPE in Lari division. The study adopted a survey design. The main instrument for collecting data was questionnaire. There were questionnaires for headteachers and standard eight pupils that had been targeted by the study. A pilot study was done prior to the actual study to test on the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Data was analyzed and tabulated using descriptive statistics generated from Statistical Package for Social Sciences (S.P.S.S). The study findings revealed that academic performance of pupils n Lari division was adversely affected by contextual factors such as inadequate support by parents, low income, attitude of parents towards schooling, level of education of parents, initiation practices for boys before completing primary education and religious affiliation of parents. Pupils in Lari also participated in child labour, as well as working in their parents’ farms and domestic related chores. These activities are deemed to contribute to poor academic performance. Learner characteristics such as truancy, absenteeism and indiscipline also cause poor academic performance among pupils. Besides, school-related factors such as insufficient learning resources, irregular disbursement of FPE funds, the impact of leadership offered by headteachers, school levies for study tours, examination charges and support staff and tuition fees were found to contribute towards poor academic performance. On the basis of the findings, the study recommended review of the existing policies and laws on child labor with a view of eliminating child labor. In addition more comprehensive and regular country-wide survey on various factors that affect academic performance of children in other districts should be carried out.