Influence of Free Primary Education Programme on Pastoralists’ Pupils’ Participation in Primary Schools in Turkana County, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated influence of free primary education programme on pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in primary schools in Turkana county, Kenya. The research hypothesis was H01: There is no significant relationship between free primary education programme and pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in primary schools in Turkana county, Kenya. The study was based on Human Capital Theory, developed in 1964 by economist Gary Becker who posits that investment in education increases individuals' economic productivity, benefiting both individuals and society. The study was also based on Social Exclusion Theory, proposed in 1994 by Hilary Silver. The study targeted 45250 pupils, 907 teachers, 219 head teachers, 9050 parents from 219 schools, 3 Sub-County Directors of Education (each representing the three sub-counties of Turkana Central, Loima and Turkana West) and 1 County Director of Education. Simple random sampling was deployed to sample schools, pupils, teachers, head teachers and parents of the state-owned primary schools in every sub-county while purposive sampling was utilised to select the Sub-County Directors of Education, County Director of Education and County Commissioner. The results indicated that there is a statistical significant relationship between FPE and pupils’ participation in primary schools in regular and mobile schools. Table 6 shows that the predictor displayed significant relationships, Free Primary Education (PA) (β=.429, p<.05) had the highest influence on the criterion variable This leads to rejection of the null hypothesis that “Free Primary Education does not significantly affect pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in regular and mobile primary schools in Turkana County”. The study concluded that Overall, FPE has a significant effect on pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in regular and mobile primary schools in Turkana County. It was then recommended that there is need to recruit more teachers, especially those who understand the unique challenges of schools in Turkana County. From the outset, the state should provide sufficient funds to support teaching and learning activities fully. The government should also build more infrastructure for schools and increase security in the area. The government should subsidize or fully cover costs that parents incur, such as for school uniforms and meals not covered within the school feeding programme. is also a need for timely disbursement of tuition fees to schools to ensure instructional activities are not disrupted by delays and Moreover, parents should be sensitized on the exact education amenities for which the government pays to avoid confusion. In general, it is necessary to create awareness to parents on the benefits of education.

Keywords: Influence, Free Primary Education, Pastoralists’ Pupils’ Participation, Primary Schools

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-2-12

Publication date: February 28^th 2025