An assessment of constituency development fund Bursary scheme on retention rates: A case study of public secondary schools in Dagoreti District

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the CDF bursary scheme on retention rates in public secondary schools in Dagoretti District. The objectives of the study were: To establish the extent to which the total amount of CDF bursary awarded enhance retention in public secondary schools, to establish the extent to which the timing of the release of the bursary fund influence retention, to determine the criterion used to identify needy students and to seek suggestions on ways of improving assistance for needy students. The study was based on Human Capital Theory advocated by Schultz (1960).The study employed descriptive survey and targeted 10 headteachers and 550 secondary school students and 15 constituency Bursary committee members. Purposive sampling was used to get 230 students who receive CDF bursary and 2 CBC officials. The researcher used questionnaires for students and headteachers and interviewed the CBC officials. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS computer software. The study made the following findings: That majority of schools in Dagoretti District are district day schools which are mostly suited for students from poor family background going by their relatively cheaper costs as compared to boarding schools. This is an indication that students in these schools are in need of the CDF bursary fund. The study also revealed that a substantial number of students who had lost one of the parents had mothers only which means that they find it difficult to raise enough money for their fees in relation to the information provided which indicates that most mothers are earning below 3,000 shillings a month and that majority of parents of students in the sampled schools had low income that necessitated the application for CDF bursary for their children. Based on this findings it is recommended that there should adequate sensitization on the existence of CDF bursary fund, fair and timely allocation of funds to genuinely needy students and an increase offunds in order to meet the demand. A set criterion should be enforced to avoid ambiguity in identifying needy students and all bursaries available to public secondary schools should be harmonized to avoid duplication of resources. The Ministry of Finance should come up with clear guidance on allocation, coordination and monitoring of bursaries at all levels. The findings of this study contribute to a pool of knowledge of those studying education management, planning and administration in Kenya and elsewhere in the world. Based on delimitations of the study, the researcher recommends similar study should be conducted in wider areas for example covering the whole of Nairobi County or the whole country. This study should involve other stakeholders such as parents, teachers and local administrative officials as respondents