Status of Learning Resources in Day Secondary Schools Located in Chepalungu Sub County in the Wake of Corona Virus Pandemic

Abstract

Education is a fundamental human right that ideally should be available to all. Currently, Kenya supports international advocacy for universal education for all school-going children. In this Republic, 8592 public secondary schools are ascribing to subsidized free day secondary education (FDSE) programs. This program was put in place to improve access to secondary school education. The Government supports the post-primary education program by providing funds for infrastructure, tuition materials, and employment of support staff. During the implementation of the education program, the Corona pandemic struck, thereby disrupting the education process. After a short break, normal school operations resumed. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the coping strategies used by schools in Chepalungu to deal with the mandatory spacing rules put in place by the Ministry of Health to help control the spread of the virus. The study targeted 54-day schools from which a sample of 48 was selected. A cross-sectional survey design was employed whereby questionnaires were administered to principals in the study area. Key Informant interview was also conducted with two Education officers. The study established that the FDSE funds availed to the schools were inadequate to help erect additional learning spaces, which would help enforce the social distancing rule. Classes were congested and were operating above the required capacity. This study recommends that the FDSE funds should be increased so that learning can go on in an environment that responds to the guidelines put forth by the Ministry of Health as far as containing the spread of coronavirus is concerned. Out of the study, it was found that learning resources in day schools were inadequate, and students were learning in congested environments