Effect of Government Education Funding on Facilities’ Status in Primary Schools in Bumula Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

The introduction of Free Primary Education (FPE) in Kenya  in  2003 led to rapid increase in primary school enrollment. This exerted pressure on instructional  facilities and created new challenges including inadequate information materials required by the learner. In the assessment of the success of any education system, one cannot overlook the importance of facilities afforded by the system as indicators of its strength. This study investigated the effect of education funding on the state of facilities together with  Free Primary Education (FPE) hidden costs in Kenya. Specifically the study looked at resource provision  and educational expenses parents still incurred in Primary Schools in Kenya. The study used descriptive survey design to determine the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable. 125 public primary schools, 375 grade 1-3 class teachers, and 125 head teachers in Bumula Sub-County, Bungoma County were targeted. Twenty five head teachers and 75 teachers were randomly selected, while 1 Sub – County Education Officer was purposively selected.  Questionnaires and interview schedule were  instruments for collecting data. Validity of instruments was confirmed from  piloting and experts. Correlation coefficient computed indicated instruments were reliable. SPSS Version 27 was used to analyse data, using means(average), percentages and frequencies. Findings showed that resources were inadquate and  parents still incurred educational expenses.  The findings are useful to education stakeholders who need to strengthen FPE Policy. The study reccomends that the government increases the capitation for schools and recruits more teachers in the sub-county.