Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy (JAEP)
Volume-2 | Issue-04 | 148-157
Original Research Article
An Examination of Unit Cost of Day and Boarding Secondary Schools in Nandi County, Kenya
Solomon Kipyego Ngetich, Zachariah K. Kosgei, Sammy K. Chumba
Published : July 30, 2018
Abstract
In the face of the rising cost of secondary education, the concept of unit cost
of secondary education is gaining great importance. This study analyzed Unit Cost of
Day and Boarding secondary schools in Nandi County, Kenya. Specifically the study
sought; to establish variable cost, to determine unit cost, to compare unit cost and
government fees limits and to compare unit cost of Day and Boarding secondary
schools. This study was guided by Cost Function derived from the Education
Production Function theory. The study employed survey as a research strategy; targeted
all the principals in 186 public secondary schools, It employed stratified random
sampling and then systematic random sampling. A pilot study was used in determining
the reliability where Pearson Product Moment Coefficient (r) of 0.807 was obtained.
For Validity of the research tools, experienced team of supervisors carefully and
critically examined the instruments. Data was analyzed using means, percentages and ttest. The findings revealed that, Variable cost for the period (2012-2015) in Day and
Boarding schools was Ksh.1.2 billion and Ksh.1.7 billion respectively. It was found out
that, average unit cost for the period 2012-2015 was Ksh. 22,263 and Ksh. 54,828 for
Day and Boarding schools respectively. This study found out that, majority (70%) of
the Boarding schools spent within the set government fees limit while majority (76%)
of the Day schools in this study spent beyond the set limit; there was a significant
difference in unit cost between Boarding and Day secondary schools. (t(121) = 31.516,
p = 0.000); The findings of this study will generate ideas for better and more ingenious
cost management. To manage unit cost of secondary education, there is need to;
appreciate the concept of cost unit cost, improve effectiveness of school management,
effectively utilize monetary resource and practice prudence in financial management.