INFLUENCE OF LABORATORY FACILITIES ON STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN SCIENCE SUBJECTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MACHAKOS SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

The purpose of the study was to establish the influence of laboratory facilities on students' academic performance in science subjects in public secondary schools in Machakos Sub-County, Kenya. The study objectives were; to establish the availability of laboratory facilities and equipment in public secondary schools, to find out the extent to which the science teachers use laboratory facilities in teaching science subjects, to establish the relationship between laboratory facilities and the students' academic performance in science subjects.The study employed a descriptive survey research design where the target population consisted of 75 principals, 350 teachers and 4500 form three students of the public secondary schools in Machakos Sub-County. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical Package for Social Sciences and the results presented in frequency tables, bar graphs and percentages to make meaningful conclusions. From the study it was established that; there is no significant relationship between availability of laboratory facilities and students' performance in science subjects, there is significant relationship between laboratory facilities and the students' academic performance in science subjects, teachers use of laboratory facilitiesin teaching science subjects had significant effect on students' performance in science subjects and managing class sizes pose a significant challenge to principals in provision of laboratory facilities in public secondary schools. This study recommends that principals should work hand in hand with parents, sponsors and other stakeholders in education to prioritize the provision of adequate laboratory facilities.