Home based factors influencing pupils perfomance in Kenya certificate of primary education in primary schools in Kitui county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate home based factors influencing pupils’ performance in Kenya certificate of primary education in public primary schools in Miambani zone, Kitui Central sub-county, Kitui County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to establish the influence of parents’ level of education on pupils’ academic performance, to determine the extent to which parents’ income influences pupils’ KCPE performance in public primary schools, to examine the extent to which parenting styles influence pupils’ KCPE performance in public primary schools and to determine the extent to which home chores influence pupils KCPE performance in public primary schools in Miambani Zone, Kitui Central Sub- County, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive survey design and targeted twenty two public primary schools in Miambani zone in Kitui central sub- county which had 208 assistant teachers, 22 head teachers and 1200 standard seven pupils. The study sampled ten public primary schools, one hundred and twenty pupils, sixty class teachers and ten headteachers from the sampled schools. The data collection instruments comprised of questionnaires and interview guide. Data collected was categorized, coded analyzed then tabulated. The analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative analysis considered the conclusions from the respondents' opinions. Quantitative analysis involved use of frequency counts and distribution, tabulation, totals and calculation of percentages aimed at condensing the data collected into meaningful groups and tables for further analysis. The study found that most parents were subsistence farmers and unemployed and hence being not able to meet their children’s required school levies. Most of the parents in the zone were class eight leavers and therefore they neither assisted their children at home nor motivate them to work hard since they are ignorant of education. The researcher recommended that the headteachers should conduct frequent meetings with the parents to sensitize them on the need to provide quality education to their children. He should also invite motivational speakers to address the issue of ignorance to the parents. Government should endeavor to source funds from donors, well-wishers and Non- Governmental Organizations to assist learners from poor families. This will supplement funds released from government kitty which is not sufficient.