ABSTRACT Our focus is on the global economic recession that is threatening to d ea! a m ajar blow to the African continent, already reeling under poverty and disease. While Western governments are preparing packages to bail out distressed companies in their home countries, the state of affairs in Africa is rather gloomy as the continent relies heavily on foreign aid. A recession can only worsen the situation for the already burdened continent hence the need for continued support from Western countries through the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions. The G-20 summit recently allocated US$19 billion from the US$250 billion 'Special Drawing Rights' to the poorest, least developing countries. This aid will surely go a long way in alleviating the impact of the global economic • recession on Africa.Kenyans cannot afford to complacent about it, thus their arise an immediate need to conduct an investigation on the issue of academic performance on the influx of pupils. The study adopted a descriptive research design. This enhanced the researcher to obtain a better understanding of the impact of free primary education on academic pe,formance of pupils. The method chosen allowed a collection of comprehensive and intensive data and provided an in-depth understanding of the topic under study. Information collected was analyzed and edited to create consistency and completeness. After collecting the questionnaires they were edited for completeness and consistency across the respondents and to locate omissions. Information obtained from the research study was presented and analyzed using bar charts, narratives, and statistical figures. This report provides suggestions for more effective practice in the implementation of free primary education in face of the looming global recession. It is designed for policy makers, planners and stakeholders who have responsibilities in the education Vil sector in the country.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration ...................................................................................................................... i

Approval ........................................................................................................................ ii

Dedication ..................................................................................................................... iii

Acknowledgments···················································································:···················· iv

Table of contents ........................................................................................................... v

Acronyms ...................................................................................................................... vi

Abstract. ....................................................................................................................... vii

CHAPTER ONE; INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 1

1.1 Background to the study .......................................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of the problem ........................................................................................ .4

1.3.0,0bjective of the study ........................................................................................... 5

1.3.1 General objective .................................................................................................. 5

1.3.2.Specific objectives ................................................................................................ 5

1.i{r. 3 Research questions ............................................................................................... 5

1.4 Significance of the study ......................................................................................... 5

1.5 Scope of the study .................................................................................................... 6

CHAPTER TWO; REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ...................................... 7

The context in which fpe was introduced ...................................................................... 7

Challenges facing free primary education programs ................................................... 1 2

Conclusions ................................................................................................................. I 3

CHAPTER THREE; RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .............................................. 1 6

3. 0 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1 6

3. I Research design ..................................................................................................... 1 6

3.2 Population of the study ...................................................................... · ................... .16

3.3 Study sample and selection technique ................................................................... 16

3 .4 Research instruments ............................................................................................. 1 6

3.5 Research procedure ................................................................................................ 16

3.6 Data analysis and interpretation ............................................................................ 1 7

3. 7 Limitations of the study ......................................................................................... I 7

CHAPTER FOUR; DAT A ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION ............................. 1 8

4.1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1 8

4.1.1 Data analysis and processing .............................................................................. 1 8

CHAPTER FIVE ......................................................................................................... 2 6

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....... 2 6

5. 0 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2 6

5.1 Summaty of findings and Discussions .................................................................. 26

5.2 Conclusions ........................................................................................................... 2 7

5.3 Recommendations ................................................................................................. 2 8

APPENDIX I QUESTIONNAIRES: ........................................................................ .3 I

PUPILS' QUESTIONNAIRE .................................................................................... .31