dc.description.abstract | The purpose of the study was to establish factors that influence performance of
K.C.S.E Examination results in public secondary schools in Nairobi West Sub
County. The study made use of both qualitative and quantitative data. Secondary data
was used by reviewing the existing literature on the factors that influence performance
of K.C.S.E Examination. The study used descriptive survey design, this is because the
researcher would not be able to manipulate the variables for the simple reason that
they had already occurred. The study population was 10 pubic secondary schools in
Nairobi West Sub County which had a total of 6656 students and two hundred and
eighty four teachers including the principals (Head teachers) according to statistics
given by education officer in Nairobi West Sub County (August, 2012). The study
utilized a sample size of 1050 respondents. The selection of 100 form three students
and 4 teachers from each school was done through simple random sampling for single
sex category of schools while stratified random sampling was done to mixed
secondary schools with mixed sex in order to ensure that enough cases of each
stratum fall into the sample to make analysis possible. The researcher got the list of all
form three students and assigned those numbers, after which numbers were placed in
a container and picked at random. The subject corresponding to the number picked
was included in the sample. On the other hand, head teachers were chosen
purposefully in order to provide in depth information concerning the variables under
study. A questionnaire with structured and semi structured questions was used to
collect the data. The test retest method was employed to ascertain reliability while
data analysis utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. The study
found out that the principals are academically and professionally qualified and more
than two thirds had served for over five years. More than two thirds of the teachers
had the required professional and experience in the teaching profession. Sub County
schools had inadequate learning resources, teachers cited textbook to student ratio was
60% for inadequate. A good number of schools lacked institutional facilities, student
indicated 60% for inadequate. On utilization of physical facilities two third of the
students noted they rarely used the facilities. A good number of students were not able
to pay school fees on time; this led to absenteeism in schools. Over 70% of the
parents did not support their children in academic performance. The study
recommended the ministry should consistently in service principals in strategic
management. Teachers should engage in refresher courses to update their skills. The
government should ensure provision of teaching/ learning resources and institutional
facilities. Parents should be involved in academic performance and discipline of their
children | en_US |