| dc.description.abstract | Performance of students is a product of socio-economic,psychological and environmental factors.Education
plays a significant role in societal transformation and development.And progression to university or further
training depends on the achievements at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in form four.This study
aimed at finding out factors that contribute to poor performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary
Education in public secondary schools in Kericho sub-county,Kericho county, Kenya. The study was done by
developing a conceptual framework in relation to factors contributing to poor academic performance in
secondary schools . Selected literature revealed that the major highlights on causes of poor academic
performance are; student-based factors, parent-based factors, teacher-based factors and school-based
factors, family background, socio-economic status and school factors. However, there is need to find out
what other factors are causing poor academic performances among students and the extent of these
causes. A descriptive survey design was used. Data was collected from 21 secondary schools and a sample
of 16 headteachers,64 teachers,128 form four students and 32 parents was used. In total, the study had
240 respondents. Data was analyzed using SPSS with use of frequencies and percentages. It was discovered
that the following factors contributed to poor performance in secondary schools national examinations ;
Students being slow to learn , students are solely responsible , students’ motivation in class , the level of
income of parents , parents are responsible , parents upbringing , parents level of literacy and parental
education ,parents need to participate in encouraging the student to perform better , teachers’ attitude
towards students, teachers motivation , teachers’ attitude to their jobs , teachers allowing students to
consult, teaching methods , the level of education of teachers , family background , family structure , peer
influence , classroom management , learning environment in terms of space and conduciveness and finally
leadership styles. The study found out that majority of respondents agreed that these factors are key to a
students’ poor performance amongst other factors especially social economic. The study recommended that
there is a strong need for sensitization, Students should approach their teachers for help , schools should
offer career guidance to students and have extra time for the students , parents should encourage students ,
The government should improve on free education policies and provision of more funds and materials for
the upliftment of the educational system . The study suggested areas of further research on social economic
factors and sources of factors contributing to poor academic performance as raised by the respondents .The
study was expected to give insight reference to policy makers, scholars and researchers in order to improve
the weak areas | en_US |