Population trends and the provision of primary education in Nairobi, kenya: implications for education planning

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of demographic trends on the provision of primary education in Nairobi. The research therefore aimed at examining population trends in Nairobi in terms of fertility, mortality, migration, growth rates and age-sex structure. Analysis was also made of the demand for and supply of primary education in terms of school-age versus school-going population; educational facilities such as land acreage per school, and teachers; and pupil performance in Certificate of Primary Education examination. The research, revealed that Nairobi has been experiencing fast population growth rates (averaging 7.3 per cent per annum) in the period 1962-1979. This is as a result of rising fertility,declining mortality, and in-migration in the city. In addition, Nairobi's population is becoming more youthful, with an increasing proportion of children aged 0-14, due to more children migrants and increased births from the reproductive migrant age groups 15-49. This has affected the demand for primary education and the capacity of the city education authorities to cope with it. Examination of the primary school-age in relation to school-going population showed that enrolment ratio has tended to be retarded at .86 despite significant annual increases in absolute numbers enrolled. The main recommendation that arises from this Study is that the limitless increase in school-age Population,be regarded as a serious problem and programmes and policies designed to curb the factors contributing to the increase.