An Examination of Factors Determining Access to Free Primary Education in Mitaboni Zone, Kathiani Division, Machakos District, Kenya

Abstract

With the re-introduction of the Free Primary Education (FPE) by the Kenyan Government in January 2003, it was expected that all children of Primary school going age would be enrolled in school. But, after the re-introduction of FPE there are still an estimated 2 million children and youth who remain out of school. This raises concern. The purpose of the study was to examine the factors determining access to FPE in Mitaboni zone, Kathiani division, Machakos district, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: find out the factors determining access to FPE; investigate on the effect of factors on FPE and to establish the cause of action to be taken. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The Production Function Theory was used in the study. The units of analysis were the Primary schools. Data was analyzed using descriptive techniques and zero order correlation analysis. The findings of the study showed that the factors determining access in FPE in Mitaboni zone were: school financial obligations, poverty and malnutrition, cultural factors overcrowded classes, pregnancies, early marriages and child labour demands. It was discovered that the multiple correlation, between the independent variables and the FPE was 0.999 and the coefficient

of multiple determination, R2, was 0.997.Conclusions drawn from the study showed that FPE in Mitaboni zone is yet to be realized. It was recommended that the Government should provide relevant curriculum, physical facilities and bear all the costs of Primary education, double streaming of schools and punishing of Parents who do not take their children to school. There is a corresponding need for more research in this area in other zones and similar comparative study between urban and rural zones.