An investigation of free primary education in relation to high enrolment of girls in Nguni zone, Nguni division, Mwingi sub-county, Kitui County-Kenya

This research study sought to determine the impact of FPE on enrolment of girls in public primary schools. The study also sought to establish the effects of FPE on attendance, enrolment and performance of girls in public primary schools in Nguni zone. The target population of this study was public primary schools in Nguni zone from which a sample of 3 public primary schools was used. The study employed survey research design. Random sampling method was used to sample the schools in Nguni zone. A survey research design was used to carry out the study. The study used primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected using questionnaires, observation and interview guides. The questionnaires and interview guides were administered through drop and pick method to the Headteachers. Observation were used to help the researcher establish the conditions of the meals offered as well as the facilities, materials and equipment used to facilitate the programme. Data collected was organized according to the population studies and Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze it, using descriptive statistics. The study found out the following: FPE attracts more girls to be enrolled in schools and it helps them to complete the primary education cycle. The study also investigated whether the financial allocation for each child is enough to buy all the teaching and learning resources required. The study recommended that more trained teachers be employed in order to handle the high enrolment of pupils better