Factors Influencing Implementation of Free Primary Education Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing the implementation of free primary education in Mbeere North District. The objectives of the study were to; determine the effect of availability of learning and teaching resources on the implementation of Free Primary Education (FPE), establish the effect of teacher pupil numbers on the implementation of FPE, determine the effect of fund allocation on the implementation of FPE and to establish the effect of management on the implementation of FPE. A descriptive survey design was used and 184 respondents comprising of 20 head teachers and 160 teachers from 20 primary schools, 3 quality assurance and standards officers and 1 administrator were used. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Statistical Package For Social sciences was used for data analysis and descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative data and tables were used to present data. The study established that the availability of teaching and learning resources influenced the implementation of FPE to some extent as lack of some materials as textbooks and exercise books made it difficult for the learning process to continue smoothly. The study established that the teachers workloads was also a major influence of FPE implementation as most of the schools did not have enough teachers and enrolment levels had increased with the introduction of FPE. Further, the effective learning was a challenge as the teachers complained of the high number of pupils who needed much more attention that could be provided. The study established that allocation of funds affected the implementation of the FPE as the amount allocated per child by the Government was not adequate. The study also established that management influenced the implementation of FPE as the respondents indicated that the procurement of goods was done according to the Procurement Act and funds were to a large extent managed without corruption. It is recommended that the Government should increase the allocations for the purchase of the teaching and learning resources for effective implementation of FPE; the Government should post more teachers to Mbeere North District for effective implementation of FPE; the Government should consider increasing funds allocation towards the FPE and head teachers need to be trained on financial management for effective implementation of FPE.