ABSTRACT
The importance of a National Examination cannot be underestimated in academic development, but in Gatundu District the pupils’ performance has been less than satisfactory. Why were the primary schools in Gatundu Division performing poorly in KCPE? The purpose of the study was thus to investigate the underlying factors for the poor state of KCPE performance. The objectives were to: determine the effectiveness of curriculum supervision and implementation, identify the adequacy and management of physical and material resources, find out the attitude of pupils towards learning, find out the attitude of teachers towards teaching, find out the effectiveness of the supervision and quality control of schools, assess the interaction between the schools and the community and seek views from the respondents on ways of improving KCPE in schools. It is expected that the findings of this study will improve KCPE results in Gatundu as all stake holders including the QASOS take corrective measures to enhance performance in KCPE in the Division. This study was based on the contemporary organization theory which states that “all systems are characterized by an assemblage or combination of parts whose function is interdependent.’’The study adapted the descriptive survey design. The population included the AEO, head teachers, teachers and pupils. The study used both purposive and simple random sampling designs. The sample size was composed of one AEO, 12 head teachers, 12 teachers and 550 pupils. Three types of research instruments were used i.e. a Questionnaire, an Interview schedule and observation schedules. The content validity was tested. Test-retest method was used to test the reliability of the instruments. Pilot study was done in two selected schools. An introductory letter from the University and a permit from MOE was sought. The researcher visited the sampled schools and administered the questionnaires to the teachers and pupils. The researcher conducted the interview at the Area Education Officer’s offices. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). Findings were presented in frequency distribution tables and bar graphs. The research findings are: teachers’ prepared professional documents but rarely used them in actual teaching, head teachers supervised the learning /teaching processes, handling of the curriculum was not effective, physical, teaching and learning resources were available but not adequate, pupils had a negative attitude towards learning, teachers had negative attitude towards teaching, there were only three education officers for the quality control of schools and they rarely inspected schools, but they gave advice on quality of education and parents, teachers, learners and members of the community are in constant conflict. Recommendations made are that: schools initiate income generating activities to raise funds to supplement resources donated by the free primary programmes, external and internal supervision should be enhanced in all the schools in the district and schools should improve their relationship with their immediate communities.