Effect of school levies on learner’s participation in public ECDE centres in Kisumu west sub-county Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of school levies on learner’s enrolment, retention and completion in public ECDE centers in Kisumu West Sub county Kisumu County Kenya. This study was to establish whether levies charged in ECDE centers affects either directly or indirectly learner’s enrolment, retention and completion in the ECDE centers. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the school levies administered in public ECDE centers in Kisumu West sub–county, to find out how school levies affect learner’s enrolment in public ECDE centers in Kisumu West sub-county, to find out how school levies influence learners retention and completion rate in public ECDE centers Kisumu West sub county, and finally to establish strategies that will help solve the effect of school levies in public ECDE centers in Kisumu West sub county. The study was guided by education theory of Plato, a Greek Philosopher and educationist. Survey was used as the main design. Conceptual frame work was used to demonstrate the relationship between the variables. The target population was 86 public ECDE centers in Kisumu West Sub county which has 86 ECDE managers, 86 head teachers, 5 ECDE supervisors and 174 ECDE teachers totaling to 351 respondents. 30% of the respondents was used to arrive at a sample population which constituted 26 ECDE centers, 26 ECDE managers, 26 head teachers 2 ECDE supervisors and 52 ECDE teachers totaling to 106 respondents through random sampling technique. Validity of the instrument was done through vetting of supervisors. Reliability was done using simple language and test- re test technique that is using 1% of the target population which included 1 ECDE manager, 1 head teacher and 2 ECDE teachers. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedule. Data analysis was done both qualitatively and quantitative. Qualitative data was analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analyzed through discussions, descriptions and explanations. The study found that public ECDE centers in Kisumu West Sub-County impose various fees, with limited financial support for low-income families, significantly reducing enrollment rates and contributing to high dropout rates. Strategies to mitigate these effects include reducing fees, government subsidies, and community support to improve accessibility, retention, and completion rates. The study concluded that School levies hinder enrollment, retention, and completion in Kisumu West ECDE centers; reducing fees and enhancing support can improve access. To enhance access and equity in early childhood education, local governments should implement transparent guidelines for school levies, provide financial support like subsidies for low-income families, and ensure clear communication about fee usage. Collaboration with communities and stakeholders is vital to build trust and enable all children to access quality education.