Determining internal efficiency in public primary schools in Nandi Central District, Kenya.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine internal efficiency in public primary schools in Nandi Central district. Specifically, it sought to determine the survival, repeater, and graduation rates; establish the relationship between school location and repeater rate and investigate factors influencing internal efficiency. The study adopted the Education Production Function theory. Research was a descriptive survey employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Questionnaires and document analysis instruments were used to collect data. These were tested for validity and reliability. A sample size of 362 respondents comprising of 12 head teachers, selected purposively and 350 grade 7 pupils chosen using stratified and simple random sampling techniques participated. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, specifically, frequency counts, percentages, the mean and the chi-square test. Data was presented using tables, graphs and charts. This study revealed that, the grade survival rate was 83.3%, grade repeater rate was 13.5%, there was however no relationship between school location and repeater rate while the graduation rate was 84%. School and external factors such as academic achievement of pupils, physical facilities, early marriages and pregnancies influenced internal efficiency. This study recommends: Adoption of a learner friendly learning, remedial teaching for weak pupils, parents to be sensitized on the importance of education and the government to increase the number of secondary school places and expand polytechnics to help absorb grade 8 graduates. Findings and recommendations arising from the study are hoped to guide policy makers on issues of efficiency. It is also hoped that the findings will form a basis for further research in related fields and also act as a reference material.