Constraints On Pupils Transition From Primary To Public Secondary Schools In Kericho County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess constraints on pupils’ transition from primary to public secondary schools in Bureti Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya. The objectives of this study were to determine trends and performance of national examination and gross enrolment rates in primary schools so as to establish the transition rates from primary to public secondary schools before and after the introduction of secondary school tuition waiver in Bureti sub-county, Kericho County, Kenya; to determine other factors other than fees that affect transition to public secondary schools and to establish corrective policy measures to educational planners to address constraints on pupils transition from primary to public secondary schools. The conceptual framework points out how free secondary education and other factors are inter-related to affect transition to secondary schools. The researcher used descriptive design in conducting the study. The study was carried out in Bureti Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya. The researcher targeted 11 out of the 21 secondary school principals in the sub-county and 15 out of the 37 headteachers of primary schools, area education officer and the County Education Officer. The researcher used simple random sampling technique when selecting primary schools and stratified random sampling when selecting secondary schools to identify the sample size. Questionnaires and document analysis were used as data collection instruments. The secondary school principals, primary school head teachers, CEO and AEO were subjected to questionnaires while the secondary data were obtained from the County Education Office and schools in form of questionnaire and document analysis forms respectively as in the appendices attached. Reliability of the research instruments was determined using the spearman rank order. Data collected were analyzed through the use of Microsoft excel computer package. Frequencies, mean and percentages were derived from data and results presented in form of frequency distribution tables and bar graphs. The study recommended that the stakeholders in education hold regular meetings to address education matters and inculcate the significance of education in the parental minds.