Factors influencing students' performance in kenya certificate of secondary education examination in Kajiado district.

Abstract

This study set out to investigate on the factors that are influencing students' performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (KCSE) in Kajiado district since the performance is dismal. The study assumed that if these factors were addressed, the quality of students' performance at KCSE level would be improved. Data was collected from the six out of seven divisions of Kajiado district. Research instruments were given to the public secondary schools headteachers, teachers and form four students. The data obtained was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize and analyze the data collected. The findings guided the researcher on drawing conclusions and making recommendations. The results of the study showed some of the major factors influencing students' performance in KCSE in public secondary schools in Kajiado district which included; availability of learning resources in the schools and their effect on KCSE performance, hence the study found that inadequacy of learning resources has been a major cause of poor performance in the district. The teachers were not adequately inspected although the inspectors were acknowledged as having a positive effect on the schools' overall performance. The headteachers often involved the teachers in decision making on issues concerning the schools and that parents were not very keen on supporting the activities that were in support of their children's academic performance. Some of the recommendations for further studies in line with the findings and conclusions of the study included the following; a similar study to be done in an urban setting to give a balanced view of the factors which influence pupils' performance in public secondary schools. A study to be done on a larger sample from any other district to establish whether the factors influencing performance are exactly the same or not. A study to be done on why there are too few girls in secondary schools compared to boys.