Publication: Subsidized Free Day Secondary Education Program and Its Influence on Girls' School Participation in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya
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2021-10
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European Journal of Education Studies
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Abstract
Despite the introduction of free primary education by the Government of Kenya in 2003
and subsequent subsidized secondary education in 2008, there are still challenges in
access, retention and completion of girls in Nandi County. The purpose of this study was
to investigate the influence of subsidized day secondary education program on girls’
school participation in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted mixed
method approach and descriptive survey research design. This study was guided by
Education Production Function theory. The data were collected using questionnaires and
interview schedules to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data from respective
respondents. The target population comprised 20 head teachers, 60 class teachers and
1320 girls drawn from 20 public day secondary schools in the Nandi North Sub-County.
From these populations, a sample of 20 head teachers, 60 class teachers and 396 girls were
drawn using census method on head teachers and class teachers, and random sampling
technique was used to select 30 percent of girls from one to form three. The study used
questionnaires to collect data from the girls and class teachers and interviewed head
teachers. The instruments were validated and a piloted questionnaire that obtained a
reliable 0.78 Cronbach alpha test score used. Quantitative data obtained from the
questionnaires have been analyzed to obtain frequencies and percentages. Qualitative
data obtained from the interviewees have been analyzed thematically in accordance to
the research questions. The study found out that inadequate funds allocated to girls and
school infrastructural facilities affected girls’ participation in secondary school education
to a great extent. However, in general, teaching and learning materials were adequate
and enhanced instruction and students’ performance. The study therefore recommends
that parents should complement government effort and that government should increase
allocation of subsidy funds to students especially girls and disburse the funds in time to
schools