Influence of free primary education policy on internal efficiency of public primary schools in Emuhaya Sub county, Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Globally, countries have made major strides in education in increasing enrolment to achieve Universal Primary Education. In Kenya, the Government reintroduced FPE in 2003 to enhance access, retention, participation, progression and completion. In 2002 dropout rates in Vihiga, Sabatia, Emuhaya and Hamisi Sub Counties were 1.8%, 1.6%, 2.5% and 1.4% respectively. Repetition rates were 9.8%, 8.0%, 10.8% and 8.4% respectively. In 2007, out of 7,967 pupils admitted in class 1 only 4,097 completed class 8 in 2014, 48.83% are still in school or have dropped out. In Emuhaya dropout rates and repetition rates are high before introduction of FPE policy and even after introduction of FPE policy dropout and repetition are still there. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of FPE policy on internal efficiency. Objectives of the study were to: determine influence of FPE policy on; dropout rates, repetition rates and to determine the coefficient of efficiency. Conceptual framework was used to show the relationship between FPE policy as Independent variable and dropout rates, repetition rates and coefficient of efficiency as dependent variables. The study adopted Ex-post facto, descriptive survey and correlation research designs. Study population included 89 Head teachers, 1 Sub County Quality Assurance Standards Officer (SQASO) and 3490 class 8 pupils. Sample size of 73 head teachers, 73 class teachers and 359 pupils was used. Saturated sampling was used to select SQASO. Questionnaire, interview schedule, document analysis and focus group discussion were used to collect data. Content validity of the instruments was determined through the help of Supervisors. Reliability was established through test-retest method using 16 schools. Data obtained from pilot study was correlated using Pearson r at alpha level 0.05.Reliability index for head teachers’ and class teachers’ questionnaires were 0.72 and 0.76 respectively. Since they were higher than 0.70, the instruments were considered reliable. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequency counts, means, cohort analysis, correlation and regression. Qualitative data was transcribed and reported. The study revealed that there was a strong negative relationship between FPE policy and dropout rates with coefficient of -0.743 significant at .05. It accounted for 54.40% of the variation in dropout rates. There was a strong negative relationship between FPE policy and repetition rates with coefficient of -0.832 which was significant at.05. It accounted for 68.70% variation in repetition rates. Coefficient of efficiency was 55.86% and 71.50% in 2002 and 2014.This mean coefficient of efficiency had improved. The study concluded that FPE policy had reduced dropout, repetition rates and improved internal efficiency of public primary schools in Emuhaya Sub County. The study recommended that FPE fund be disbursed on time to schools. The findings of this study are useful to stakeholders in education as it informs them on the need to assess implementation of FPE so as to achieve its objectives fully.