The Impact of Free Primary Education Inputs on Educational Outcomes in Kenya (2003 To 2013): The Rate of Enrolment and Retention at Primary School Level as a Factor

Abstract

Free Primary Education Initiative has been running for more than a decade and its purpose has been to help Kenya achieve equity, parity, quality and higher retention rate in primary schools. This study investigated the impact of FPE inputs on educational outcomes in Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the rates of enrolment and retention at Primary school level. Random sampling was used for data collection at school level; purposive sampling for teachers namely Head teachers, Deputy Head teachers and senior teachers. Out of a population frame of 641 schools and 7776 teachers from the ten Sub-Counties in Nakuru County, the sample comprised of 384 teachers from 128 primary Schools. Data was collected using questionnaires for teachers and Interview Schedules for the Quality Assurance and Standards Officers and Education officers. The study used both Descriptive and Inferential Statistics for analysis. The findings, thereforeconfirm an increased rate of enrolment and retention rate. The findings are intended to influence the Government to enhance provision of quality education. This study was also intended to make the government re-asses its education policy and budget allocation so that they target educational inputs that would have the greatest influence on learning outcomes.