THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL CULTURAL FACTORS ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF KWANZA DIVISION, KENYA

The study investigated the effects of social cultural factors on secondary school students academic performance in Kwanza division of Trans Nzoia County- Kenya. The problem for investigation was the decline in performance of secondary school students at form four in Kwanza division. The objectives to the study were: - to establish Social cultural factors affecting academic performance to establish the extent to which social cultural factors affect academic performance to establish the factors affecting effectiveness of social cultural factors in enhancing academic performance. Three research questions were formulated as follows: - What are the social cultural factors affecting academic performance (ii) What is the extent to which social cultural factors affect academic performance (iii) What are the factors affecting effectiveness of social cultural factors in enhancing academic performance The methodology used involved the cross-sectional survey research design. Random section was used to obtain twelve secondary schools in Kwanza division and sample of 275 respondents which included students, teachers, head teachers and division education officer were chosen. Data was collected during the period of April and October 2011 using questionnaires, checklists, interview guides and documentary analysis. Based on the research questions and the responses gathered and analyzed, the following findings were established: - Most schools are provided by teachers employed by TSC. There was evidence that the government promotes and supports teachers by giving them study leave and workshops/ seminars for head teachers. There is an acute shortage of teachers in most schools forcing the administration to have BOG sponsored teachers assisting with the workforce. The students from poor family were encouraged to apply for government sponsored bursary funds. From the foregoing findings two major recommendations can be made the government should improve the existing structural facilities and enhance security in all schools. Education policy should embrace various aspects related to improvement of student performance.