Socio-economic factors affecting demand for private Secondary schools in Likuyani District, Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

The study was on Socio-Economic factors affecting demand for private secondary schools in Likuyani District, Kakamega County, Kenya. Education and training investments assist in the generation of knowledge, skills, social values, competences and techniques that are significant in improving the productivity; effectiveness and efficiency of individuals, to enable them participate in different sectors in development. There is consensus in literature that secondary education is now the fastest growing segment of the education sector. Many governments are partnering with the private sector to provide secondary education in order to increase access in their countries. Private schools represent a significant part of the education sector. However over the last decade, government statistics seem to show that private school enrollment has declined. Although the trend has been noted the phenomenon has not been examined in detail. Since private schools represent a sizeable portion of the education sector, a decline in enrollment would warrant attention. The study was guided by the following objectives; cost of education, religious practices, family income, and parental level of education. The second chapter looked at literature review on how cost of education, religious practices, family income and parental level of education have influenced students admission to private schools, theoretical framework and conceptual framework. The study was based on human capital theory of Adam Smith, James Becker, Shawl and Denison which reinforces the socio-economic factors that affects the demand for private schools. Human capital theory rests on the assumption that formal education is highly instrumental and necessary to improve the productive capacity of a population. Educated parents are able to make a decision of sending their children to private schools since they know the advantages. Education makes an individual to be free from religious and cultural ties therefore able to take his children to any performing private schools. The high expenditure in secondary private schools should therefore be seen as high investment in human capital which will result in high returns. The study used a case study design which administered questionnaires, interviewed people and made observations. It targeted 150 parents, two principals of private schools and one DQASO in the district. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Chapter four looked at data analysis and used tables and charts, to present information. The study concluded that the district had high levels of poverty which influenced family income hence parents were not able to meet the cost of education in private schools. The study made recommendations that should be put in place in order to improve enrollments of students in private secondary schools in the district.