Determinants of income generating activities choices in secondary schools in Kenya: a case of Nyamira district, Kisii, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of the income generating activities in Secondary Schools in Kenya. The study was based in Nyamira District in Nyanza Province, Kenya. This was to establish the relationship between the initial capital of an income-generating project, operational costs, school and headteacher characteristics and income generating choices. The study used rational decision-making model, as its conceptual framework. The research was conducted through a descriptive survey design. The target population was 79 secondary schools in Nyamira district,their headteachers and persons in charge of income generation projects. Stratified sampling techniques were used to classify schools into types and gender categories. Purposive sampling technique was used to pick the 2 boys‟ and 3 girls‟ schools and respondents. Stratified random sampling technique was used to pick 8 partially boarding schools and 17-day schools to make the sample of 30 secondary schools. The researcher used questionnaire and interview schedule for data collection. The Pilot study was carried out in 2 schools. The data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson moment correlation coefficient and chi-square analysis were also used to find out whether there was any relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The study revealed that there was no relationship between the school‟s operational, school gender, head teacher‟s age and professional qualifications had no relationship with the income generation choices. The variables, initial capital and yearly operational costs of an income-generating project were found to have a positive relationship with income generation choices in secondary schools. In light of the findings, it was recommended that emphasis should be placed on identifying factors that lead to better income generating choices. When identified, ways and means should be put in place to maximize these factors so as to enhance income generation in secondary schools. School managers should look for ways that improve the financial ability of schools with regard of availing the initial capital for project initiation. The government should look for a way of assisting schools to access funds once they have initiated income generating projects in their schools. This will lead to a mode of financing which gives due considerations to the aspect of sustainability of the projects