A study of factors that influence performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E) examinations in private individual secondary schools in Nakuru Municipality, Nakuru District

Abstract

This study is concerned with the factors that influence performance in KCSE examinations in individual private secondary schools in Nakuru municipality, Nakuru district. The concern to establish private secondary schools was to supplement the government efforts in the provision of education and provide better quality education. The above factor not wi.thstandi.ng" the stud)' reveals a conti.nuous KCSE ooor performance in the schools under study. The literature review however reveals that academic and professional qualification of teachers, availability of physical learning resources and the academic background of the students determines the final outcome. Research instruments were prepared to collect the data within the study area. The collected data was then analyzed and the following findings were established. I. The demographic data of teachers and head teachers contribute to poor performance in KCSE in individual private secondary schools. These schools employ mostly young people who keep on looking for greener pastures thus the learning process is interrupted. The qualification of teachers in these schools is also wanting. Most schools employ unprofessional teachers or form four leavers who lack relevant skills for teaching. 2. Learning and physical resources in these schools contribute significantly to poor performance. Classes and libraries are congested and science laboratories are poorly equipped. 3. Discipline in these schools is a major contributory factor to poor performance. This coupled with low entry point in form one for admission contributes to the poor performance. 4. Administrative styles also contribute to poor performance in these individual private schools especially where the headteachers own the schools. Teachers and other surbodinate staff are harassed and this lowers the working morale. In the event that the school proprietors employ headteachers to run the schools for them, they find it difficult to make decisions concerning professional matters. So both the head teachers and the teachers relax on their duties and thus poor performance. Based on the above findings, the following recommendations were made. I) The government should ensure that the schools employ professional teachers. 2) The government should ensure proper inspection of the available learning and physical resources. 3) The government should come up with a way of ensuring discipline is maintained in these schools. 4) The school proprietors should take courses on educational management