Factors influencing quality education in public day secondary schools in Nairobi Province, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing quality education in public day secondary schools in Nairobi Province. Kenya. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adapted the descriptive survey design. The sample comprised of 28 headteachers and 302 teachers. The researcher used self-administered questionnaires to solicit data from the respondents. Findings revealed that there was inadequacy of physical facilities in the schools which included classrooms, fields and playgrounds. libraries. tables and desks. It was also revealed that although most of the schools had the required teaching and learning resources, there were several cases where such teaching and learning materials were not adequate. Findings also revealed that teacher factors such as lack of motivation affected quality education. Most schools were not adequately supervised which affected quality education. Findings further showed that students related factors such as discipline and attitude towards education affected quality education.

Based on the findings the study concluded that there was inadequacy of physical facilities in the schools. The study also concluded that teacher factors such as lack of teachers' motivation affected quality education. The study also concluded that inadequate supervision affected quality education in the public day schools. Finally the study concluded that students related factors such as discipline, attitude towards education influence of home background and community had an influence on quality education.

Based on the findings of the study it was recommended the government should provide the necessary facilities in the schools. The study also recommended that the school should cooperate with parents and the community around the school in supporting the schools. There should be a clear cut off of the marks that day schools should admit students with so that the entry requirements do not affect quality education. Lastly the government needs to consider whether the necessary requirements for day secondary schools in terms of personnel and facilities are provided so that quality education is not compromised.

The study also suggested that there is need to carry out a similar study in a rural set up to establish whether factors that affect quality education in the rural areas are similar to those in the urban setting. There is need to carry out a research to determine other factors apart from those in this study which influence quality education in public day secondary schools. Since the study was carried out among public day secondary schools, there is need to carry out a study to assess factors that influence performance in private day secondary schools.