Understanding Bursary Allocation and the Internal Efficiency of Secondary Schools Students in Kenya

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue V, May 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Understanding Bursary Allocation and the Internal Efficiency of Secondary Schools Students in Kenya

Prof. S.O. Odebero and Namachanja Edwin Wafula

Department of Education Planning and Management, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya

Abstract:-Secondary school education is very critical in any education system because of the crucial role it plays in catalyzing national development. Consequently, maintaining a high student enrolment at this level should be a priority for all countries. The study was guided by classical liberal theory of equality of opportunities. The study was designed to determine equity implications in bursary awards on the internal efficiency of secondary schools. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between the types of bursary allocated and the internal efficiency of secondary schools students. This study employed a mixed methods design. The participants comprised of secondary schools, banks offering bursaries, Constituency bursary committees and County Government Bursary Committees. Both probability and non-probability sampling designs were employed to determine sample size. Data was collected through questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study established that there is positive and significant relationship between the types of bursary allocated and participation rates. The output of the study will provide information to all stake holders in the management of secondary schools and help in formulation of relevant policies that will be useful in improving the management of secondary schools.

Key words: Dynamics, o Bursary, Internal Efficiency, Secondary Schools

I. INTRODUCTION

Before 1988, secondary education was highly subsidized and parents were paying considerably less amounts thus many students had access and equity to secondary education. This was due to supplement by government effort. The annual fees of self-help secondary schools (Harambee schools) rarely exceed Ksh 2000 per student per year (Mark 1987) which was even far beyond the reach of ordinary peasants. Most schools were established through Harambee efforts and fundraising drives which resulted in the establishment of Harambee secondary schools (Ayado, 1989). This improved access of many poor students to secondary education. The introduction of cost sharing as a way of financing education and training as from 1988 onwards as advocated by World Bank, made education relatively expensive, beyond the reach of many students. Cost sharing as a policy is contained in the report of the commission chaired by Kamunge, (Republic of Kenya, 1988) which recommends that Parents Associations be established for primary and secondary schools. The effects of cost sharing over the years have led to a decrease in access and equity in secondary education.

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