Factors influencing academic performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations in private schools in Westlands Division in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The study set out to establish the factors which influence academic performance in K.C.S.E in Private Schools in Westlands Division, Nairobi County. There are (13) thirteen private schools in Westlands Division which were categorized into three subgroups selected using the stratified sampling technique. The study covered the period 2007 – 2011. The sample consisted of head teachers, teachers and students. Three sets of instruments were used to collect data. These were the Student Questionnaire (SQ); the Teachers Questionnaire (TQ) and the Head Teachers (HTQ). The research instrument was tested for validity and reliability. The data obtained was analysed and interpreted using descriptive statistics. The study concluded that the availability of physical and teaching facilities have a positive influence on performance. The condition of the physical facilities in terms of cleanliness and in good state of repair, have also been confirmed to bear positive impact on performance in K.C.S.E. The study shows that most teachers engaged in the sample schools had professional qualifications and were also trained as teachers except in one of the schools where although the teachers were graduates in other disciplines, not all of them were teachers by profession. The teachers’ experience had a positive impact on performance in K.C.S.E. However, the family size did not seem to have any impact on performance. The Socio Economic Status (SES) and good K.C.P.E grades influenced K.C.S.E performance. The researcher recommends that schools should strive to have good physical facilities with particular attention to maintenance. There is need to retain the experienced teachers and to set minimum K.C.P.E grades to be admitted as the study has established that they positively influenced K.C.S.E performance.