Abstract:
Inefficiency indicators like high repeater and dropout rates in Kenyan schools is worrying. This study sought to establish how selected factors such as class size, physical facilities, school policies and teacher characteristics on internal efficiency influof public secondary schools in Teso North Sub-county. Objectives of the study were: to establish the influence of class size on internal efficiency, to find out the influence of physical facilities on internal efficiency, to establish the influence of school policies on internal efficiency, and to determine the influence of teacher characteristics on internal efficiency of public secondary schools in Teso North Sub County. The researcher employed a descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised of 29 Head teachers, 29 Directors of studies, 131 class teachers and one Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (QASO). Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 64 class teachers while purposive sampling technique was used to select 16 Head teachers, 16 directors of studies and one QASO. A pilot study was done in two schools to establish the reliability of the questionnaires and the experts opinion was sought on validity of the instruments. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedule and document analysis. The questionnaires were administered to the class teachers and directors of studies while the interviews were conducted with the Head teachers and QASO. The researcher analyzed school records to obtain information on enrolment, wastage and graduation rates. Data collected was analyzed thematically and reported accordingly. The findings of the study provide information to the ministry of education on influence of selected factors on internal efficiency of public secondary schools in Teso North Sub-county. The study’s findings give insights for appropriate administrative actions to school managers to enhance internal efficiency of their schools. The class size was large with a student population of 40 – 49 per class. Despite the challenge of high teacher - student ratio, teachers strived to adequately supervise class activities and enforce class discipline. The schools lack necessary physical infrastructure such as; classrooms and the offices, and library, furniture, laboratory and equipments, toilets, teachers housing and text books. Most schools (85%) had school based policies which influenced their internal efficiency. The teachers’ characteristics such as training, experience and population had influence on internal efficiency. The number of government teachers was inadequate and schools had employed teachers under BOM to curb the shortage. All government teachers were qualified and experienced in their subject areas but this wasn’t the case for all BOM teachers. From the findings, the researcher recommends the school management should; ensure that the resources available are commensurate with the enrolment, liaise with the Government and other partners to provide the necessary infrastructure, harmonize school policies and train teachers through seminars and workshops in order to enhance internal efficiency. The researcher recommends further similar study to cover large area.
