Factors influencing academic performance of student’s in Kenya certificate of secondary education examination; A case of Igembe North constituency, Meru, Kenya

Abstract

Academic performance in KCSE in almost all the subjects offered has been low in Meru County. However, the major factors contributing to this trend have not been clearly understood. This therefore limits the ability of educational stakeholders to improve the performance in KCSE. The purpose of this study was to investigate if home based factors, discipline, teaching approaches and learning resources influence students’ performance in KCSE. Four research questions have been formulated to guide the study. The target population for this study will constitute about 750 form 4 students, 145 teachers. All the head teachers and Form Four class teachers of the sampled seven schools was purposively included in the sample of respondents. The research used descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Stratified sampling technique was used and data was collected using structured questionnaires. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data that was presented in tables, bar charts and percentages. Relevant interpretation, discussion and recommendations was drawn from the analyzed data. Relevant educational players may adopt the findings of the study. The findings may also be used as a basis for further research with the aim of increasing performance of KCSE performance in Igembe North Constituency.