Factors influencing students achievement in technical education programmes in Kenya: the case of Kirinyaga university college, Kirinyaga county, Kenya

Abstract

Kenya's Vision 2030 blueprint envisages a country that has achieved middle income status supported by five key sectors of the economy namely Agriculture, ICT, Manufacturing/Industry, Education and Finance (Nelly,2007). This will improve provision of education to students in technical institutions and hence achieve the vision 2030 of making Kenya an industrialized nation by 2030. The purpose this study is to investigate the factors influencing students’ achievement in technical education programmes in Kenya: a case study of Kirinyaga University College, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The objectives of the of the study are to establish the effect of availability of teaching personnel on achievement of students in technical education programmes, determine the influence of learning facilities and resources on students achievement in technical education programmes, assess the influence of teaching Pedagogy on students’ achievement in technical education programmes and identify how finances influence students’ achievement in technical education programmes. The study used a descriptive survey design and the theoretical framework of this study was derived from the human capital theory. The target population of the study was 189 and a sample of 123 was picked. This sample was picked using stratified sampling and proportionate sampling. Questionnaire were used to collect data and ten (10) respondents used for Pilot testing before the commencement of the study and errors in the data collection instruments were corrected. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, descriptive statistics computed and data presented using tables. The findings of the study indicated that most of teaching staff (78.4%) had diploma level of education; the institution has mechanic course and tools, equipments and materials used for training as indicated by 37.2 % of respondents. Demonstration is an effective method of instruction in technical institutions as indicated by 52% of respondents. Students (64.5%) relied on their parents for their fees and upkeep since only 4.1 % of respondents received scholarship funds. The study findings will be useful to future scholars as it will add to the existing body of knowledge and this will improve provision of education in technical institutions and hence achieve the Vision 2030. Technical institutions should have well educated and experienced teaching personnel, suitable and adequate classroom physical facilities, use a variety of Pedagogy to improve students’ achievement.