Factors determining the implementation of free tuition policy in public secondary schools in Athi-River Division, Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

Education is universally recognized as one of the fundamental building blocks for Human development and poverty eradication. While a policy is typically a desired rule or principle to guide decisions. It is the key to unlocking human potential and the skills and knowledge obtained enables people to overcome oppression and take control of their lives. Education policies are always geared towards achieving educational objectives. It is in this view that this study sought to research on the factors determining the success in the implementation of free tuition policy in secondary schools in Athi - River Division, Machakos County.

More specially were the objectives of the study which were; to establish the extent to which physical facilities determine the success in the implementation of FTP in Secondary Schools. To establish the extent to which availability of personnel determine the success in the implementation of FTP in Secondary schools. To establish the extent to which availability of instructional materials determine the success in the implementation of FTP in Secondary Schools and to establish the extent to which Government support influence the success in the implementation of FTP in Secondary Schools.

The study was modeled on Human Capital Theory of Adam Smith (1776) which emphasizes on importance of education, for individual, National growth and Development. The study adopted a conceptual framework to support this theory. Descriptive research design was used. Stratified and simple random sampling was utilized to select participants from six public schools. Purposive sampling was employed to select Principals, Teachers and Students of the sampled schools. The target population was all the public schools In Athi-River Division. A sample of 6 schools out of the 10 was selected. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview scheduled. Data was analyzed using SPSS and chi square test were used to test the significance of the findings Instruments used were tested for validity and reliability.

Data collected was summarized and presented in tables and further analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis procedures. The descriptive analysis procedures included frequencies and percentages while the inferential procedures included Pearson's Correlation Co-efficient. Conclusions were drawn revealing that availability of instructional materials, availability of personnel and students' population significantly determined the success in implementation of FTP at 95% confidence level. Recommendations were made for a more successful implementation process. Suggestions for further studies were included. It was felt that the researchers' findings will add to the existing knowledge in education especially in planning and implementation of policies. The findings of the study will provide useful information to education policy makers and planners and will go a long way into achieving E.F.A, the M.D.G.S and vision 2030.