Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Free Primary Education (FPE) on
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) performance in Kitise Division, Kathonzweni
Sub-County, Makueni County. Four research objectives were formulated: to assess the influence
of pupils‟ enrollment on KCPE performance; determine the influence of quality of teaching on
pupils‟ KCPE performance; establish the influence of teaching learning resources on KCPE
performance and lastly investigate the influence of pupil teacher ratio on KCPE performance in
Kitise Division, Kathonzweni Sub-County. The study was carried out using descriptive survey
design. The target population comprised of 24 head teachers and 172 teachers. The sample for
the study was 24 head teachers and 119 teachers. This study used questionnaires to collect data
while descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Findings revealed that pupil‟s enrollment
affected KCPE performance. Findings also revealed that quality of teaching affected pupils‟
KCPE performance. It was also revealed that inadequate teaching learning resources on KCPE
performance in the division. Findings further revealed that pupil teacher ratio in the schools
affected KCPE performance. Based on the findings of the study, the study concluded that pupil‟s
enrollment had an influence on KCPE performance and that quality of teaching negatively
affected pupils‟ KCPE performance. The study also concluded that teaching learning resources
were inadequate and thus affected KCPE performance in the division. . The study recommended
that the government should employ more teachers to counteract the high number of pupils in
schools so that performance can be improved. Teachers should be encouraged to undergo
professional growth which will help them to have skills so as to be able to cope with the
challenges facing the schools as a result of FPE. The researcher suggested that a study be carried
out on parental involvement and its influence on pupils‟ academic performance.
