Effectiveness of constituency development fund bursary scheme on participation rate in public secondary schools in Rachuonyo north district Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the CDF Bursary schemes on participation rate in public secondary schools in Rachuonyo North district. This was obtained by formulating research objectives on the number of students who have benefitted from the bursary fund, the amount disbursed and its effectiveness on participation, criterion used to identify needy students and the timing of the release of funds and its impact on participation. The study was based on human capital theory advocated by Schutz (1960). The study employed descriptive survey and targeted 48 principals and 840 secondary schools and 15 constituency bursary committee members. Purposive sampling was used to get 186 students who received CDF bursary. The researcher used questionnaire for students and principals and interviewed the CBC officials. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS computer software. The study revealed that majority of students (71.2%) in 2013) who apply for the bursary fail to get it. Students get information about the CDF bursary mostly at school from principal. The findings also revealed that the CDF bursary fund is normally released in June and July. This does not go hand in hand with schools academic calendar hence negatively affecting the beneficiaries’ participation in public secondary schools. The study revealed that the Ministry of finance does not have a guideline on allocation of bursary. The CDF Act (2003) only indicates that some funds allocated to constituencies may be used for bursary but is not specific. CBC officials indicated that the total amount of bursary is sub-divided equally between the 7 wards in the constituency. Each ward has a committee that identifies needy students and then determines the amount that each applicant should be given. Based on findings it is recommended that there should be adequate sensitization on the existence of the CDF bursary fund, fair and timely allocation of funds to genuinely need students and an increase of funds in order to meet demand. A set criterion should be enforced to avoid ambiguity in identifying needy students and all bursaries available to secondary schools should be harmonized to avoid duplication of resources.