Factors influencing performance of Kenya certificate of secondary education examination results in public secondary schools in Nairobi West sub county, Nairobi county.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish factors that influence performance of K.C.S.E Examination results in public secondary schools in Nairobi West Sub County. The study made use of both qualitative and quantitative data. Secondary data was used by reviewing the existing literature on the factors that influence performance of K.C.S.E Examination. The study used descriptive survey design, this is because the researcher would not be able to manipulate the variables for the simple reason that they had already occurred. The study population was 10 pubic secondary schools in Nairobi West Sub County which had a total of 6656 students and two hundred and eighty four teachers including the principals (Head teachers) according to statistics given by education officer in Nairobi West Sub County (August, 2012). The study utilized a sample size of 1050 respondents. The selection of 100 form three students and 4 teachers from each school was done through simple random sampling for single sex category of schools while stratified random sampling was done to mixed secondary schools with mixed sex in order to ensure that enough cases of each stratum fall into the sample to make analysis possible. The researcher got the list of all form three students and assigned those numbers, after which numbers were placed in a container and picked at random. The subject corresponding to the number picked was included in the sample. On the other hand, head teachers were chosen purposefully in order to provide in depth information concerning the variables under study. A questionnaire with structured and semi structured questions was used to collect the data. The test retest method was employed to ascertain reliability while data analysis utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. The study found out that the principals are academically and professionally qualified and more than two thirds had served for over five years. More than two thirds of the teachers had the required professional and experience in the teaching profession. Sub County schools had inadequate learning resources, teachers cited textbook to student ratio was 60% for inadequate. A good number of schools lacked institutional facilities, student indicated 60% for inadequate. On utilization of physical facilities two third of the students noted they rarely used the facilities. A good number of students were not able to pay school fees on time; this led to absenteeism in schools. Over 70% of the parents did not support their children in academic performance. The study recommended the ministry should consistently in service principals in strategic management. Teachers should engage in refresher courses to update their skills. The government should ensure provision of teaching/ learning resources and institutional facilities. Parents should be involved in academic performance and discipline of their children