Influence of Home and School Based Factors on Pupils Academic Performance at Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in Makadara Sub-county, Nairobi County

Abstract

The aim of primary education is to provide education at the basic level of all ongoing primary school pupils. This study was carried out to investigate influence of home and school based factors on pupil’s academic performers at Kenya certificate of primary education in Makadara sub-county, Nairobi County. The study objectives were to determine the relationship between adequate teachings and learning resources and academic performance in KCPE, determine influence of physical facilities and pupil’s academic performance in KCPE, the parents’ influence, sources of income and pupils’ academic performance in KCPE, establish influence of parents’ level of education and pupils’ academic performance in KCPE. The study was carried out in Makadara sub-county, Nairobi County. The study adopted the ex-post facto design which involved the studies that investigate possible causes and effects by observing an existing condition and searching back in time for possible causal factors. It involved testing the possible antecedents of events that had happened and that the investigator cannot manipulate. The study was carried out in Makadara sub-county within Nairobi County, an area glaring contrast in living standards, ranging from middle level class income areas of Buruburu, South B to the sprawling Mukuru informal settlement which is characterized by poor living standards and second middle class income areas of Kaloleni, Jericho, Maringo, Mbotela and Makongeni. The Sub-County has 26 public primary schools offering the 8-4-4 system of education and competent based curriculum according to Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE). The target population consisted of public primary schools, teachers and pupils. The study sampled 240 teachers, 39 Parents Association members and 150 pupils from class 6 and 7. The data collection instruments comprised of questionnaires and interview guide. Data collected was categorized, coded, analyzed then tabulated. The analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative analysis considered use of frequency counts and distribution, tabulation totals and calculation of percentages aimed at generating the data collected into meaningful groups and frequency tables for further analysis. Qualitative analysis involved the conclusions from the respondents’ opinions. The study established that most parents had a college educational level, majority of the teachers were female whereas majority of the students were males. It also established that parental level of income influenced pupils’ performance in KCPE at 60%s. Physical facilities and teaching and learning resources were also cited as factors that highly influence performances. The researcher recommended that the parents should provide a conducive learning environment at home to give the pupils ample time and space to study. Parents ought to strive to provide the basic required learning materials that are vital for a good performance in the KCPE exam irrespective of their level of income. The government should endeavor to allocate funds to be used for improving on the existing teaching and learning resources in public primary schools while adding more. The government should allocate enough funds that will enable provision of key physical learning facilities.