The KCPE is an important examination in education system in Kenya. Other than being used for examinee certification, KCPE is also used for selection of candidates into secondary schools.
Studies (2014 Uwezo report) have indicated that several factors have caused the poor performance in KCPE in various regions in Kenya. The factors are different depending on the area under study.
Some of the factors reported include; disruption due to teachers absence and missed classes for chores and punishments.
In other areas, pupils perform poorly because they stay long distances from school and this affects more girls’ performance than boys. Parental socioeconomic status has also been cited as a major factor that influences performance of boys.
The 2014 study shows that nationally children from less privileged households are less likely to attend school and to progress in school compared with children from well-to-do households.
In early childhood, many low-income students aren’t exposed to books. Contrast that with the amount of books in middle-income students’ homes.
In homes where education is not a priority, high standards need to be set for students from birth where language skills, language exposure, reading expectations, a love of learning, and a connection can be made between academic success and future success.
By Marya Kimuri