Influence of school infrastructure on academic performance in Public primary schools in Ruiri location-Meru county,Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of school infrastructure on academic performance in public primary schools in Ruiri Location. The study objectives areas follows examine the influence of library on academic performance in public primary schools, to investigate the influence of classrooms on academic performance in public primary schools, to establish the influence of school textbooks on academic performance in public primary schools, to determine the influence of school desks on academic performance in public primary schools. The study employs the use of descriptive survey research design. The researcher targets all the 7 primary schools in Ruiri Location. The target population is 7 head teachers, 14 teachers and 181 standard eight pupils. The study adopts purposive sampling techniques to sample its respondents. Observation schedule and questionnaires for head teachers, class teachers and pupils are used for data collection. Reliability is ensured by using testing and re-testing methods and validity is tested through pilot study in other two schools outside the area of study. The data is analyzed using SPSS software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). The researcher used descriptive analysis and data is presented in form of frequency tables. The study finding indicates that only one public primary school has a library, and schools have inadequate study materials. The study indicates that classrooms are overcrowded. Most classrooms are not painted, not plastered and floors not cemented. This affects academic performance of pupils. The schools should source for funds to construct libraries and make them accessible to pupils and equip them with adequate study materials, Decongest classrooms through construction of more classrooms, they should be fitted with doors and windows, painted, plastered, floors cemented and well lighted. The schools should have adequate desks; broken ones should be repaired on time. The study recommends for further research on the influence of schools infrastructure on academic performance in public primary schools in other parts of Kenya. The study also recommends a study on the impact of Government subsidy in the provision of school infrastructure in public primary schools in Kenya.