QUEST FOR QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KENYAPERSPECTIVES ON UWEZO INITIATIVE IN WEST POKOT COUNTY

Abstract

Aim: The study seeks to analyse the social, economic and political factors driving education marginalization in West Pokot County and assess the intervention and influence of Uwezo initiative in attaining literacy and numeracy among school children in West Pokot County. Lastly the study also intends to analyse the impacts of Uwezo in transforming the community in relation to quality education in West Pokot County. Theory: The theory of change and the Social Capital theory have been used to guide and establish the study Method: The study embraces a qualitative research strategy and a case study design approach in trying to answer the questions. It covers marginalized primary schools in West Pokot County. The target population was primary school teachers, head teachers, deputy head teachers, parents and non-government organization officials such as Uwezo Kenya officials in West Pokot County. The research utilized both primary and secondary data acquired from field survey and Uwezo Kenya yearly publications respectively. Results: The research findings shows that high poverty levels, food insecurity, negative education perception, poor school infrastructure and imbalanced resource allocation such as funds and teachers are the key factors resulting to education marginalization. The research also reveals that Uwezo Initiative has played a key role in facilitation of Universal Free Primary Education learning and boot literacy and numeracy levels among children in primary schools. Moreover there have been increased school enrolments, improved performance and positive perception of education since its initiation. The study recommended school food programs as lasting solution towards poverty and food insecurity, more sensitization programs and workshops to teachers and parents in order to bring more education awareness, balanced resource allocation such as adequate funds and adequate learning materials that are key drivers to balanced and quality education.