TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ............................................................................................ i

APPROVAL ................................................................................................. .ii

DEDICATION .............................................................................................. iii

AKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................. iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................ v

ABSTRACT ................................................................................................ vii

CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background of the study ................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of the problem ..................................................................... 2

1.3 Objectives of the study ......................................................................... 2

1.3.1 General objective ............................................................................... 2

1.3.2 Specific objectives will be to; .............................................................. 2

1.4 Research questions .............................................................................. 3

1.5 scope of the study ................................................................................ 3

1.6 Significance of the study ....................................................................... 3

CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................... 5

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE .......................................................... 5

2.0 Introduction ......................................................................................... 5

2.1 Poverty defined ..................................................................................... 5

2.2 Causes of poverty in Kenya ................................................................... 6

2.3 Effects of poverty on provision of quality education ............................... 7

CHAPTER THREE ....................................................................................... 9

METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................ 9

3.0 Introduction ......................................................................................... 9

3. 1 Research Design ................................................................................... 9

3.2 Sludy Population .................................................................................. 9

V

3.3 Sample Framework ............................................................................... 9

3.3.1 Sample Size ....................................................................................... 9

3.3.2 Sample Technique ............................................................................ 10

3.3.3 Sample Procedure ............................................................................. 10

3.4 Methods for Data Collection ................................................................. 10

3.4.1 Instruments ..................................................................................... 10

3.4.2 Sources of Data ................................................................................ 11

3.5 Data Processing and Analysis .............................................................. 11

CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................ 13

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS AND THEIR FINDINGS ................................... 13

4.0 Introduction ........................................................................................ 13

4.1 Profile of Respondents ......................................................................... 13

4.2 Effects of poverty on the academic performance of student .................. 14

4.3 Limited provision of school facilities, equipment and materials ............ 15

4.5 Poor nutrition, feeding habits and poor health among students in

schools ...................................................................................................... 19

4.6 Increase school drop out ...................................................................... 22

4.6 Exposure of students and staff to indiscipline ...................................... 24

CHAPTER FIVE ......................................................................................... 26

SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS ............................. 26

Summary .................................................................................................. 26

Conclusion ................................................................................................ 26

Recommendations ..................................................................................... 27

REFERENCES ........................................................................................... 29

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR STUDENTS ............................................................ 31

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TEACHERS ............................................................ 35

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of poverty on pupil's academic performance of the selected primary schools in Ruiru Division, Thika District Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate the relationship between the effects mentioned and academic performance in Ruiru Division, and to investigate the role of the community in alleviating poverty and improving education in Ruiru Division. The methods used for data collection was questionnaires to the staff members of the schools and students involved in the study. In chapter four, the findings were presented and interpreted in relation to the study objectives and research questions. While linking to the existing literature, results included demographic characteristics, frequency and percentages. Based on the findings it was observed that poverty affected the academic performance of students negatively. In chapter five, development of solutions lo the problem, summary of the findings and conclusions were attempted. The findings suggested recommendations on areas pertaining to the provision of school facilities for students to learn well.