DISMAL PERFORMANCE BY CANDIDATES IN NATIONAL EXAMINATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TAITATAVETA COUNTY - KENYA

Performance of students in both National Examination and Continuous Assessment Tests in school has been dismal for the last five years. This is evidenced by the low number of candidates that attain quality grades of C+ and above and many who score very low grades of D (plain) and below. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to discern the root cause of the dismal performance by students in secondary schools in order to strategize on redirecting Secondary Education in the County. The Specific objective wasto determine the current factors that inhibit good performance in Secondary Schools in TaitaTaveta County. The study was based on Evidence-based theory advanced by Bach, (2003). The preferred research design was Action Research because it allows for researcher to conduct in-depth study at work place with a view of finding solution to identified challenges. The location of the study was in the four sub-counties of TaitaTaveta County namely Taita, Voi, Mwatate and Taveta. Stratified sampling was used to select sampled schools based on characteristics of the school including 5 Mixed Day, 5 Mixed Day and Boarding, 5 Boys Boarding and 5 Girls Boarding. Data was collected using questionnaire to collect data from the principals and Focus Group Discussion Schedule from Heads of Departments and Class Prefects. Data was analysed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The data was then presented in tables. The study found out that poor time management; gaps in school management, ineptitude of teachers, students' laxity and shortage of teachers were main reasons for perennial dismal performance by students in examination. It was therefore recommended that all stakeholders should be brought on board for the sake of uplifting performance in the county. Capacity building should be prioritized for School management team (Board of Management), Principals of Schools, Deputy Principals, Heads of Various Departments and Student Leaders. Sensitization should be enhanced for students and their parents in order to refocus their attention to education.