Influence of government subsidy on parental Participation in funding of public day secondary schools In Mogotio sub-county , Baringo county, Kenya

Abstract

In an effort to enhance accessibility, equity and retention after the free Primary Education initiative of 2003, the Government of Kenya introduced Free day Secondary Education in 2008 and endeavoured to provide learning facilities for the realization of free secondary education. Concerns have however been raised over the implementation of the programme .This study sought to investigate the influence on government subsidy and parental participation in funding of public day secondary school education in Mogotio Sub County, Baringo County, Kenya. The study objectives were; to determined the adequacy of the government subsidy in financing public day secondary school education, established the effects of government subsidy on parental participation in financing of education and finally suggested remedies to harmonize the disparities in secondary education financing .The scope of the study was limited to the budgetary allocation as a means of financing education in Kenya in six schools selected in Mogotio Sub-County. The study was based on the system organizational theory. The study assumed that the cost of secondary education in public day secondary schools is the same across the country. Descriptive survey design was adopted in conducting this study . The study was carried out in Mogotio Sub County, Baringo County, targeting, 12 Public day Secondary schools comprising 12 head teachers and a total of 108 teachers. Six public day secondary schools were sampled. The main research instrument used in this study was questionnaires and interview schedules. Validity of the instrument was determined, where the response of the respondents was checked against the research objective. In order to test the reliability of the instruments Piloting was done in two schools which were not included in the sample. The data collected was both qualitative and quantitative. Statistical methods was employed in analyzing quantitative data where frequencies and percentages .The researcher used tables, graphs and charts in data presentation. This study would assist the government to streamline the financing of public day secondary schools in Kenya .It would also serve as a wake up call to all stakeholders for example donors, Parents Teachers Association and Board of Management of schools to realize the actual cost of education hence make the necessary adjustments to allow for smooth operation of schools. The study found that the government subsidy for funding public day secondary school education is ksh at 10,265 per annum for each student in public secondary school and Ksh 18627 per annum for each student in boarding school is highly inadequate and needs review. The funds was not well explained to the parents hence most of them stopped supporting the school in meeting other expenses like school feeding programme, activity fee, development fee and caution fee. The study recommended that Government through the ministry of education should review the subsidy given in financing public day secondary school students, based on extensive research on the actual cost of schooling at the different sub- counties in the country. More strict laws and penalties should be against Enactment of clear misappropriation of funds by school and government officials, There is also need for sensitization of the public by government on need for cost sharing is also recommended in order bring all stakeholders on board. The public day secondary schools should be encouraged to start income generating projects in order to minimize the cost of education hence release the parents from some expenses. Further research is also recommended to shade more light to policy implication of free secondary education in other counties in the country.