Effectiveness of constituency bursary award in enhancing participation of needy students in public secondary school education: a case of Kaplamai division, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of bursary award in enhancing participation of needy students in public secondary schools education in Kenya. The study sought to determine the influence of bursary award on access to public secondary school education by needy students, effectiveness of the criteria used in bursary award in enhancing retention of needy students in public secondary school and to find out the level of needy cases of students that require bursary for participation in public secondary education. The study was based on education production function (EPF) theory which states that education output is a function of inputs. It further postulates that various factors work independently and interdependently to influence access of students in an educational system (Descriptive statistics). The study targeted 20 public secondary schools in Kaplamai division. Purposeful sampling was used to select the two (2) provincial schools in the division. Stratified and proportionate random sampling was used to select eight (10) out of eighteen (18) district public secondary schools in the division. All the principals and form three students of the ten (10) sampled schools were purposively selected to participate in the study. Questionnaires interview schedule and document analysis were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. Percentages, means and ratios were computed to allow for descriptive analysis. Spearman Correlation coefficient was used to establish the relationship between bursary award criteria and access of needy students to secondary education. The researcher found out that bursary award is marred with many loopholes, the system of tracking needy cases is weak, and the amount given is very little to retain needy cases in school. Participation of needy students is wanting. Criteria used have undermined the bursary objectives of enhancing participation of needy students in secondary school education. The study recommends that there is need to revise or overhaul the whole system of bursary, redefining the awarding scheme with well set objectives and target. The study also recommends that there be an established and independent body with clear nonpartisan representation that can be entrusted with bursary award. Bursary fund kitty should also be increased. Furthermore, need assessment survey should be conducted from time to time to establish the extent of need so as to advise relevant organs accordingly for remedial actions to be taken. The findings of this study are a guide to policy makers on issues related to bursary award.