Secondary Schools’ Readiness on a Hundred Percent Transition Rate of Pupils From Primary Level in Sigowet Sub-county, Kericho County

Abstract

This study examined the state of secondary schools’ readiness on a hundred percent transition rate of pupils from primary level to secondary level of education in Sigowet sub-county, Kericho County. Four objectives guided the study: - to examine the level of infrastructure provision, to examine schools’ staffing levels, to evaluate the safety and security measures in schools and to examine the levels instructional material provision for the realization of a hundred percent transition rates of pupils from primary schools to secondary level. The study was based and guided by systems theory as advanced by Butterlanffy (1968). The study targeted all the secondary schools in Sigowet sub-county. Stratified Random Sampling was used to select the respondents for the study to ensure that all categories of schools were captured. Purposive sampling was used to select the SCDE, the 11 principals and the 11 BOM Chairpersons in the sampled schools. The study employed descriptive research design and used questionnaires, interview guide and observation checklist as instrument to gather data. Collected data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Key findings from the study revealed that; the hundred percent transition rate led to increased enrollment rate by 97 students in 2019 compared to 2018. However, facilities were strained in most schools. 36% of schools were overenrolled. It also indicated that schools had well-articulated strategic plans to improve the quality of education as 81% of schools had laboratory constructions underway. Most schools were one streamed but had room for expansion. All schools had adequate textbooks but classrooms, toilets, libraries, laboratories and dormitories required expansion. Schools countered teacher shortfall by employing Teachers’ Service (TSC) compliant BOM teachers, Schools also had effective safety and security measures in place, however only 9% of schools had adopted modern technology such Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security cameras. From the study findings, it is concluded that secondary schools were partially ready for the implementation of a hundred percent transition rate of pupils from primary level in Sigowet sub-county. All schools had at least one infrastructure facility being inadequate. Basing on the study findings, it is recommended that the ministry of education in collaboration with TSC should deploy more teachers to schools to match increased enrolment rates experienced. Since the study only dwelled on readiness of secondary schools for a hundred percent transition rate of pupils from primary level, further studies can be undertaken to determine the impact of a hundred percent transition rate on the quality of education.