The impact of Free Primary Education on Early Childhood Development and education in Lamu-West District, Kenya.

Abstract

The introduction of Free Primary Education (FPE) by the Kenya government in 2003 saw a sharp increase in enrolments in primary schools. The government funds this sub-sector to the tune of Ksh. 1020 per pupil per annum. However, the number of classrooms, teachers and quality assurance officers did not change much to cope with the surge. Since public Early Childhood Development centers are attached to public primary schools, the effects of inadequate funds, facilities and human resource in the primary schools are being felt in other education sub-sectors, especially the Early Childhood Development centers. This study investigated and documented the impact of free primary education on early childhood development education specifically in Lamu-West district. A conceptual framework was used to show the relationships of the variables of the study. Literature materials were reviewed on key elements of the study; these were nursery school enrolments, resource allocation, teacher/pupil ration and level of pupils‟ achievement in nursery schools. The study adopted a qualitative approach which enabled the researcher collect information, summarize and interpret the data in a clear manner. A sample of 260 respondents was drawn to represent the target population, using both probability and non-probability sampling procedures. They included 150 parents, 100 nursery school teachers and 10 Ministry Officials. The following instruments were used to collect data; questionnaires, interview guide, focus group discussion and observation schedule. The study was conducted between June 2012 and September 2012. Data collected were analyzed and interpreted. They were edited for accuracy, completeness and uniformity. The data were presented in narrative form, tables and summarized using descriptive statistical procedures such as the mean, frequency and percentages. The study revealed; Free Primary education did have impact on ECDE enrolments in the district. ECDE enrolments have been growing over the years, the district ECDE centers have a high pupil/teacher ratio currently standing at 39:1, ECDE centers in the district have good play fields and classrooms but lacking in play things and learning materials as these resources are being shared with the primary schools. The study also revealed that there is inadequate learning in ECDE centers in the district. Indeed FPE had had a negative impact on ECDE teacher/pupil ratio, ECDE resources and level pupils‟ achievement in ECDE centers in the district. The study recommends the employment of ECDE teachers by the government, the government to provide subsidy for ECDE resources, the government to employ more DICECE officers and ECDE managers.