Effects of learner and institutional factors on enrollment in adult literacy programmes in Nyahururu sub county, Laikipia county, Kenya

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate effects of learners and institutional factors on enrolment in Adult Education in Nyahururu sub-county, Laikipia County. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors hindering enrolment of adults into adult education programs in Nyahururu sub-county. The study was guided by the following objectives; to asses the effect of physical facilities on enrolment in adults literacy programmes, to determine the effect of teaching and learning materials on enrolment, to find out the effect of the level of income of adult learners on enrolment, to establish the influence of courses offered on enrolment and to establish the effects of teaching methods on enrolment. The study adopted descriptive survey design .It was carried out in 24 centers. The target population was 495 learners which was sampled to 171 learners .Data collection instruments comprised of open and closed- ended questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and results were presented in graphs and tables. The findings showed that there was a severe shortage of physical facilities for adults learners, where 70.6% stated that the physical facilities were not enough. The study also revealed that teaching and learning materials were inadequate. The inadequacy was reflected by 82.4% for exercise books, 41.2% for textbooks and 76.5% for teaching aids and charts. Most of the learners (87.8%) earn below sh. 10,000 per month and thus spend most of their time to fend for their families. The reports also revealed that learners like to be taught courses which benefited them most. Agriculture had the highest (54.4%) as it is the main economic activity in Nyahururu Sub County. The study also revealed that teaching and learning materials were inadequate. The report also indicates that learners like the courses which benefit them most. The researcher recommended that the government and other stakeholders to provide physical facilities for adult earners. The sector should also be provided with adequate teaching and learning materials. The communities should also be sensitized on the importance of enrolling in adult classes. The government should train and employ more teachers as there is shortage of staff. The researcher suggested that similar studies should be carried out in other areas in Kenya.