Influence of government funding on academic achievement of public secondary schools in Nyamaiya division, Nyamira county, Kenya

Abstract

Despite the critical objective of government funding in education, and guaranteeing that all school going children access quality education, recent literature indicates that a good number of them stay away from school. The purpose of this research was to examine the role of economic investments on academic achievement of public secondary schools in Nyamaiya Division, Nyamira County, Kenya. This research study was directed by the listed objective: to establish the influence of government funding on academic achievement of public secondary schools in Nyamaiya division, Nyamira County. The study employed the Human capital theory. The research employed a survey research design which adopted a mixed methodology since it had both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The research employed concurrent triangulation approach. The study targeted 18 principals, 153 class teachers, 3470 students and 1 education support officer. The sample size constituted of 4 principals, 30 class teachers, 347 students and one curriculum support officer a total of 382 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to sample principals and curriculum support officer while random sampling was used to sample class teachers and student. Questionnaires were used to obtain information from students and class teachers while interview guide were used on principals and curriculum support officer. Piloting was conducted in the neighboring Nyamira division on 10% of the sample size. Test-retest technique was used to test reliability. Qualitative data was analysed thematically along the objectives and quantitative data using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS 21). The quantitative findings of the study were presented using frequency tables, percentages and inferential statistics using correlation whereas qualitative findings were presented thematically and in narration forms. From the analysis, it was noted that; government and donor funds have enabled school infrastructures to be put in place together with some teaching and learning equipment. Agricultural and entrepreneurial activities have enabled parents to raise school fees and supplement on other learning equipments. Improved infrastructure, availability of teaching and learning materials impacts positively on learners’ academic achievement. The study recommends the government to support public secondary schools fully.