Impact assesment of hidden cost of free primary education on Enrolment and completion rates of pupils in public primary Schools in Tharaka district

Abstract

This study sought to determine the existence of hidden costs of free pnmary education in Tharaka District, their impact on enrolment and, completion rates of pupils in public primary schools. Information was obtained from both the headteachers and pupils of public primary schools in Tharaka District. Lastly, the study sought to determine the impact of hidden costs of free primary education on enrolment of pupils according to gender in public primary schools in Tharaka District. The study targeted all headteachers of public primary schools in Tharaka District. The district has a total of 145 primary schools out of which 45 primary schools were randomly sampled for the study. Also included in the study were class eight pupils in public primary schools in Tharaka District. The study findings revealed that there are hidden costs associated with free primary education in Tharaka District much as the Kenyan Government had banned payment of levies in public primary schools. The study also found out that public primary schools in Tharaka District still charge direct levies such as the PTA fund to pay teachers employed by the school, watchman fees and fees for field trips among others. There are also other statutory fees that parents still have to pay. For instance, parents whose children are in class eight still have to pay KCPE examination fees. The study shows that enrolment and completion rates of pupils is very low due to these hidden costs. Whereas many parents were encouraged with the introduction of free primary education in 2003 and enrolled their children in school, the hidden costs associated with free primary education has forced many pupils to fall by the wayside and fail to complete the primary cycle.