Outcomes of Community Participation in Management of Public Primary Schools in Kikuyu District

Abstract

The concept of community participation in management of education is a crucial topic in attaining quality education. When schools work together with communities to support learning, the child tends to succeed not just in school but throughout life. Kenya as one of the developing countries strives to attain universal primary education and some of the key concerns include; achievement of greater access, participation, equity, quality and relevance. This study aimed at investigating the extent to which community participation in management of public primary schools improves quality of education. The study was conducted in 27 out of 57 public schools in Kikuyu District. The study investigated the extent to which community is involved by examining how the community participates, outcomes of the participation, enabling factors of participation, inhibitors to participation, challenges of participation as well as how to improve participation. The results of the investigation were very revealing and answered crucial questions pertaining involvement of the community in management of education. Factors such as accessibility and informed members of the community were some of the enabling factors whilst lack of time and conflicts were some of the inhibitors to this synergy. Further, the study confirmed that community participation in management improves quality. However, the level of participation is very low in some schools whereas schools where the community plays an integral role in management perform well in KCPE. Communities should be encouraged to participate more to improve the quality of education. The ensuing report details the findings of the participation of communities in the management of education and makes recommendations which when implemented, would go a long way in improving the quality of education not only in Kenya but other developing countries as well.