Factors influencing parents' preference for private primary schools in Central division, Garissa county

Abstract

Education plays a critical role in socio-economic development of a country. It improves human capabilities as not all the human capabilities are by birth. Education accelerates economic growth through knowledge and skills development. The purpose of this study will be to establish the factors influencing parents' preference for private primary schools in Central Division, Garissa County. Four research questions will be formulated to guide the study. The study was based on descriptive survey method. The target population was 18 headteachers and about 200 parents. The sample will comprise of 9 headteachers and 45 parents from each school. The study used questionnaires and interview schedules which will be duly validated.

The analysis of the coded data was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis were used in which descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages. Findings on the influence of performance in private schools on parental preference for private primary schools revealed that performance was one of the factors that influenced parents preference of private schools. Findings on the influence of enrollment on parental preference of private primary schools revealed that private schools experienced low enrolment compared to public schools.

Findings on the influence of integrated approach on parental preference for private primary schools revealed parents chose to enroll their children in private schools since it was in these schools children were able to learn Madrassa. There was holistic learning in private schools where pupils had an advantage of learning Arabic unlike in public schools. Private schools, the children received both spiritual (Sacred) and academic aspects. This created an all round child in both secular and religious education and further enabling discipline of the child. In public schools where there is no integrated approach, the child lacked religious nourishment and hence the discipline was very low leading to indiscipline behavior such as taking drugs and immorality. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that performance was a factor that influenced parental choice of private schools.

The study also concluded that enrollment influenced parents preference of private primary schools revealed that private schools experienced low enrolment compared to public schools .. Based on the fmdings of the study, it was recommended that private school should be inspected before they are registered to ensure that they meet the required standards. It was also recommended that the government should come in and ensures that private schools have the required number and qualified teachers. Taking the limitations and delimitations of the study, the researcher suggested that a study on effect of teacher demographics on pupil performance in private schools should be conducted. It was also suggested that a study on the role of the private sector in enhancing education in Kenya should be conducted.