Abstract
This research was about the effect of the environment on the academic performance of pupils in selected primary schools in the Muhoroni Division in Nyando District. The researcher was concerned that the school environment through a number of factors such as sitting arrangement, congestion in classes, lack of textbooks, lack of teaching-learning materials, lack of teachers, incidences of lateness and absenteeism of teachers affected the performance of pupils in KCPE examinations. The research was conducted between August and October 2007, questionnaires were taken to school and data was collected, analyzed and presented in frequency and percentage tables, supported with bar graphs and pie charts. The data were analyzed by comparing the rural-public schools which were mainly affected by their foresaid factors with urban private schools which were well furnished and have a conducive environment for learning. The academic performance of private schools was also found to be better than that of rural public schools. The research concludes therefore that there is a significant relationship between the school environment and the academic performance of pupils in KCPE.