Publication: Free primary education policy and equity in access to education In public primary schools in Marakwet West sub-county, Kenya.
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2015-05
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
Free primary education (FPE) in Kenya came into being in the year 2003. The introduction of the
policy was aimed at realising the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Education for All
(EFA) objectives before the year 2015. FPE was mooted with the idea of promoting equity and
access to education by all children despite their economic background, gender, geographical
location among other factors but its effect in promoting equity has been the subject for inquiry by
many scholars although no study has been undertaken to look at the contribution of FPE on
promotion of equity in primary in Marakwet Sub County, Elgeyo–Marakwet County, Kenya. The
purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of FPE policy in promoting equity in education
access in schools. The objectives of the study were; to determine the effect of tuition fee capitation
provision of educational facilities provision of free instructional resources on Equity in access to
education in primary schools in Marakwet Sub County. The study was guided by Rawls Theory
of Justice. The study was conducted in primary schools in Marakwet Sub County involving 99
schools. The study used crossectional survey research design technique. The target population
comprised of head teachers, Sub County Education Officer (DEO), Parents Teachers
Representatives (PTA) and teachers of selected schools within the Sub County. The sample size
comprised of 30 head teachers, 30 PTA officials, 1 DEO and 197 teachers. Purposive and
systematic sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents. Questionnaires, interview
schedules and document checklists were instruments for data collection. Instruments were tested
for validity and reliability before field data collection. Data collected was analysed using
descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics
(Multiple linear Regression) with the aid of SPSS (Version 20.0) computer programme. The
findings were presented using tables, pie charts and graphs. The study findings showed that FPE
has promoted equity in access to primary education to majority of pupils in Marakwet Sub County
with the exception of disabled ones. The study findings further revealed that extra levies on school
meals, payment of teachers and PTA fees affected learners’ participation in schools. The study
found out that both educational facilities and teacher shortage common across all primary schools
in the Sub County. MLR result showed that 12.3% of the Equity in access to education in primary
schools was accounted by the Capitation of tuition fees, provision of education facilities and
availing of instructional resources. It was found out that not all pupils had access to primary
education in the area. The study recommends that there be an increase in vote heads for tuition
support, infrastructure and teacher recruitment to ensure equity in education access in primary
schools in the study area. The findings of the study will help the Ministry of Education on proper
management and implementation of FPE Policy towards promoting equity in primary schools. The
children rights to participation in free primary education will also be supported through the study
findings.
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Educational Planning, Management, Administration