Influence Of Socio- Economic Factors On Pupils Transition From Primary To Secondary Schools In Machakos Sub-County

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the socio-economic factors influencing

transition of pupils from primary school to secondary school in Machakos Subcounty.

This study was necessitated by the relatively low transition rate of pupils in

Machakos Sub-County of 75% compared to the national transition rate of 84%. The

study was guided by three objectives which are to determine; the influence of cost of

education on transition rates, the influence of parent’s educational level on transition

rate, the influence of cultural factors in the community on transition of pupils from

primary school to secondary school. The study employed descriptive survey design.

The target population included 127 head teachers of public primary schools and 145

class 8 class teachers. Respondents were identified by use of purposive and random

sampling method. The sample size was 40 headteachers and 40 class teachers. Data

was collected by use of questionnaires. Piloting, together with the professional advice

from the supervisors ensured the validity of the instruments. Reliability of the

instruments was tested by use of test-re-test method. The study established that the

cost of education, the level of education of the parents and cultural factors of the

community remarkably impacted on the rate of transition of pupils from Primary to

Secondary Schools in Machakos sub-county. The study concluded that cost of

education had the greatest influence on the transition rates of pupils from primary to

secondary schools in Machakos County. The study recommended that government

ensures that measures are put in place to ensure 100% transition is implemented.

Children’ performance should be firmly overseen by the school stakeholders. The

education ministry should establish and enhance strict guidelines to ensure that no

learner is subjected to child labor and all parents take their children to secondary

school after completing class 8. Secondary education should further be subsidized to

make it more affordable and more learning facilities constructed in day schools.