Institutional factors influencing pupils' performance in Kenya certificate of primary education in public primary schools in Keiyan division of transmara west district, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the institutional factors influencing pupil performance in KCPE in Keiyan Division of Transmara West district, Kenya. The study investigated the relationship between headteachers and teacher factors, availability of physical facilities, head teacher's personal characteristics, teaching and learning resources plus the strategies to improve KCPE performance in Keiyan division. The study used descriptive survey. The sample comprised of 10 head teachers and 30 teachers making 40 respondents as the sample size of the total population. Questionnaires were used to solicit data from the respondents. Findings revealed that headteachers and teachers characteristics influenced pupils performance in KCPE. For example majority of the head teachers stated that they held staff meetings when need arose. Majority of the head teachers delegated school duties to the teachers only sometimes. Majority of the head teachers indicated that their schools had a shortfall of teachers which affected pupils performance. It was also revealed that teacher characteristics affected pupils performance in KCPE performance. The study also revealed that unavailability of physical facilities affected KCPE 'performance. The study revealed that teaching and learning resources influenced KCPE performance. For example, majority of the head teachers and teachers stated that their schools were not sufficient in school materials and equipment. Based on the findings, the study concluded that headteachers and teachers characteristics influenced pupils performance in KCPE. For example majority of the head teachers stated that they held staff meetings when need arose. Majority of the head teachers delegated school duties to the teachers only sometimes. Majority of the head teachers indicated that their schools had a shortfall of teachers that affected pupils' performance. The study also revealed that unavailability of physical facilities affected KCPE performance. The study concluded that teaching and learning resources influenced KCPE performance. For example, majority of the head teachers and teachers stated that their schools were not sufficient in school materials and equipment. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should ensure that schools have all the physical facilities and other school resources necessary fully the teaching/learning process. It was also recommended that the Ministry of Education should ensure that schools are equipped with the necessary teaching/learning resources. All the education stakeholders must seriously embrace the issue of teacher motivation through provision of competitive remuneration and ensuring the learning centers are conducive and attractive for teaching.The researcher suggested that a comparative study to examine the institutional factors influencing student's performance in KCSE in Keiyan Division of Transmara West district, Kenya. It was also suggested that a study on the institutional factors influencing student's performance in KCPE in Keiyan Division of Transmara West district should be replicated in other regions in Kenya.