FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PRIMARY-SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSITION IN ISINYA SUB COUNTY IN KAGIADO COUNTY IN KENYA

Abstract

This research paper presents findings of a study on the factors influencing low transition rates of pupils from primary schools in Isinya sub county, Kagiado County. The study was guided by the following objectives: To determine the extent to which provision of teaching and learning resources influence the transition rate from primary schools to secondary schools in Isinya sub county. To determine the extent to which family socio-economic status influences the transition rate from primary schools to secondary schools in Isinya Sub County. To examine the extent to which distance from and to school influences the transition rate from primary schools to secondary schools in Isinya Sub County. To investigate the extent to which cultural practices influences the transition rates from primary to secondary schools in Isinya sub county, Kagiado County. There was also no evidence of researchers who had carried out a similar study in Isinya Sub County, Kagiado County. The study employed a mixed methods approach research design since the target population consisted of all the 30 secondary schools principals,42 head teachers of the public primary schools,1243 form one students in Isinya sub county. A total sample of 173 respondents were engaged from the sample drawn. These included 28 (19m; 9f) secondary school principals, 39 (24m; 15f) head teachers and 106 (77m; 29f) learners. Stratified random sampling method was used to pick the respondents. Questionnaires and personal interviews were the major tools for data collection. Research findings are based on research questions. From the findings there was a notable gap on the availability of teaching and learning Materials in the schools under study. Poverty was also noted to be a great influence on non-transition among many learners whilst parents and guardians interest on the education and academic performance of their children was noted to be wanting.