Readiness for the implementation of government policy on free and compulsory basic education in Limuru zone, Kiambu west district, Kenya

Abstract

The general purpose of this study was to establish the readiness for the implementation of government policy on free and compulsory basic education in Limuru zone, Kiambu County. This study was guided by the following objectives; to examine the extent to which the government policy on free and compulsory education is being implemented in Limuru zone, Kiambu county; to find out whether availability of teaching and learning resources have an effect on the implementation of free and compulsory basic education; to establish the effect of school fees abolition on pupils in pre-school on the government implementation of free and compulsory basic education and to establish the extent that the teachers have been hired in Limuru zone for the implementation of free and compulsory basic education. Descriptive survey design was used. There were twenty four schools in Limuru zone. The sample therefore comprised of twenty four head teachers, twenty four Parents and Teachers Association chairpersons and two Quality Assurance and Standard Officers giving a total of fifty respondents. The researcher used both a questionnaire and an interview guide as the primary data collection instruments. The study used both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. The raw data from questionnaires was checked for consistency, errors and coded for analysis using statistical package for social science. Data was presented using tables, figures and pie charts appropriately.The study found that most of the policies were never implemented to a great extent.The study also found that physical facilities in the preschools were not adequate.The study further found that the effects of school fees abolition on pupils’ performance were that pupils performed well as they didnot have to be sent home for fees. The study concludes that the implementation of government policy on free and compulsory basic education in Limuru Zone is slow since it lacks proper coordination between the Ministry of Education, Quality Assurance Officers, Parents and Teachers Association and teachers. It was noted that inadequate finances was a major challenge to readiness for the implementation of government policy on free and compulsory basic education in Limuru zone. The study recommends that parents should be involved in assessment of implementation of government policy on free and compulsory basic education programmes so that they can own it. The government should meet implementation of government policy on free and compulsory basic education, teachers’ remuneration and deploy enough teachers to every part of Kenya.Awareness meetings and workshops should be carried out to increase parents’ participation in the implementation of government policy on free and compulsory basic education development and partnership policies.