| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of institutional
factors on transition of pupils from primary to secondary in Athi River Subcounty,
Machakos County. The study was triggered by relatively low
transition rates in the sub-county, in comparison to other sub-counties in the
county. The study was guided by three specific objectives, which were to
establish; the influence of tuition fees on transition rates, the influence of the
availability of secondary school places on transition, and the influence of
geographical location of students on transition rates. The literature review for
the study focused on previous work done by other scholars and researchers on
the factors affecting transition rates from primary to secondary in Kenya and
other parts of the world. Through the literature review, the researcher was able
to identify knowledge gaps that aided further research. The target population
for the study comprised all the 1225 pupils in all 35 primary school head
teachers in primary schools. The sample size comprised of 301 pupils and 32
primary school head teachers. Stratified and simple random sampling
procedures were used to pick the sample that took part in the study. The study
adopted descriptive survey research design because of its ability to collect data
without any manipulation of the variables under study. The main tool for data
collection was questionnaires and interview schedules. Through data analysis
the study established that, the data was collected and analyze. Through data
analysis, the study established that, the average transition rates in Athi River
Sub County were below 57%. Between 2011 and 2014 the average transition
rates for all the schools over the years were 52%, 51%, 55%, and 56%
respectively. These relatively low transition rates are attributable to the
geographical location of the schools in terms of proximity to the pupils and to
big towns. The study revealed that 66.7% of the schools were located on urban
areas while 33.4% are in the rural. The study also established that 55.8% of
children from households never joined secondary schools. The number of
vacancies in secondary schools was also identified as one key factor
contributing to low rates of transition. The number of vacancies in this case is
directly proportional to the number of available secondary schools. The
geographical location, and the proximity of a school to the learner, interferes
with his/her psychological orientation, enthusiasm to learning and time of
study, so that, only a few determined students make it to completion. Based on
the findings of the study, it is recommended that, the government should make
secondary education free and compulsory for all children, and in so doing,
ensure that, learners seamlessly proceed from primary to secondary without
being forced to repeat a class. The study also recommends that, the
government, in collaboration with the local community and sponsors to over-
see the construction of more schools so as to increase the vacancies of
transition, the key stake-holders in education should also sensitize pupils,
parents, and the community on the importance of education. In order to
supplement the findings of this study, it is suggested that we carry out a study
in all the other counties in order to all generalization and they is also need to
carry out study on Home Based factors that influence transition rates. | en_US |
