Influence of institutional factors on transition of pupils from primary to secondary school in Athi River Subcounty, Machakos County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of institutional factors on transition of pupils from primary to secondary in Athi River Subcounty, Machakos County. The study was triggered by relatively low transition rates in the sub-county, in comparison to other sub-counties in the county. The study was guided by three specific objectives, which were to establish; the influence of tuition fees on transition rates, the influence of the availability of secondary school places on transition, and the influence of geographical location of students on transition rates. The literature review for the study focused on previous work done by other scholars and researchers on the factors affecting transition rates from primary to secondary in Kenya and other parts of the world. Through the literature review, the researcher was able to identify knowledge gaps that aided further research. The target population for the study comprised all the 1225 pupils in all 35 primary school head teachers in primary schools. The sample size comprised of 301 pupils and 32 primary school head teachers. Stratified and simple random sampling procedures were used to pick the sample that took part in the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design because of its ability to collect data without any manipulation of the variables under study. The main tool for data collection was questionnaires and interview schedules. Through data analysis the study established that, the data was collected and analyze. Through data analysis, the study established that, the average transition rates in Athi River Sub County were below 57%. Between 2011 and 2014 the average transition rates for all the schools over the years were 52%, 51%, 55%, and 56% respectively. These relatively low transition rates are attributable to the geographical location of the schools in terms of proximity to the pupils and to big towns. The study revealed that 66.7% of the schools were located on urban areas while 33.4% are in the rural. The study also established that 55.8% of children from households never joined secondary schools. The number of vacancies in secondary schools was also identified as one key factor contributing to low rates of transition. The number of vacancies in this case is directly proportional to the number of available secondary schools. The geographical location, and the proximity of a school to the learner, interferes with his/her psychological orientation, enthusiasm to learning and time of study, so that, only a few determined students make it to completion. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that, the government should make secondary education free and compulsory for all children, and in so doing, ensure that, learners seamlessly proceed from primary to secondary without being forced to repeat a class. The study also recommends that, the government, in collaboration with the local community and sponsors to over- see the construction of more schools so as to increase the vacancies of transition, the key stake-holders in education should also sensitize pupils, parents, and the community on the importance of education. In order to supplement the findings of this study, it is suggested that we carry out a study in all the other counties in order to all generalization and they is also need to carry out study on Home Based factors that influence transition rates.