| dc.description.abstract | There is rapid expansion of higher education the world over precipitated by factors of demand and
supply leading to various innovations in programmes and mode of study. A new trend has emerged where a
wide scope of working professionals, including teachers are undertaking continuing education. To teach at
primary level in Kenya, a Primary 1 (P1) certificate is the minimum requirement. However, a significant number
of teachers at this level either hold or are pursuing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. As of December,
2016, of the 4,406 teachers in public primary schools in Trans-Nzoia County, 896 possessed a B.Ed. degree.
Despite their higher qualifications that have raised the unit cost of education, there is concern over the quality of
education at primary level where the mean mark in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) has
consistently remained below the average mark of 250 out of the possible 500 for over 10 years. The purpose of
this study was todetermine occupational factors that influence demand for B.Ed. degree among non-graduate
teachers in public primary schools in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. The findings indicate that personal attributes,
occupational, institutional and socio-economic factors all account for the surge in demand for B.Ed. degree
although economic factors signal demand most. The study also found that teacher qualifications have minimal
positive effect on learner academic performance. The findings will help policy makers and educational planners
plan for relevant, efficient, effective, equitable and quality education. The findings will also serve as reference
material for future researchers in a related field of study | en_US |
