Challenges of Physical and Home Environment on Quality Learning of Grade 6 Learners in Public Primary Schools in West Pokot County, Kenya

Abstract

West Pokot County faces a lot of challenges, both physical and home environment which affects provision of quality learning to primary  school learners. This study aimed at finding out how these environmental factors hindered provision of quality learning of grade 6  learners in public primary schools in West Pokot County. Its objectives were to find out: how physical environment affected provision of  quality learning in Public Primary Schools in West Pokot County and how home environment hindered quality learning. Its target  population had 6,357 people, composed of grade 6 learners, parents, head teachers, teachers, Sub-County Directors of Education (S/ CDEs), Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) and the County Director of Education (CDE). A representative sample of 914 respondents was  selected from the target population, using random and purposive sampling procedures. Questionnaires, Semi-Structured Interview  Schedules and document analysis guide were used to collect information from respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze  the data. Analyzed quantitative data was presented in tables, while qualitative data were presented in narrations form. The study found  that West Pokot County was hilly and rocky; home environment wasn’t conducive for learning; many schools lacked clean water; and there were land-slides during heavy rains which destroyed schools. The study recommended that: Boarding Primary Schools be built in  available conducive environments to keep children in school to avoid harsh terrain and harsh home environment that hindered their  learning; bore-holes should be drilled in schools to provide clean water; and people should be moved from areas that experienced land- slides.