Value for Money in Secondary Education: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Boarding and Day Schools in Kenya

Basic Education, which is the cornerstone of schooling, is a right of every child globally. This kind of education equips learners with pivotal skills crucial for holistic development. However, amid limited financial resources and lack of guidance parents end up choosing a school that does not meet the needs of their children. Research has revealed that students in boarding secondary schools in Ainamoi and Belgut Sub counties, Kericho County usually perform better in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Examinations than those in day secondary schools. This finding has further escalated the debate on whether boarding schools are better than day schools. Whichever the case, the debate on cost effectiveness of educating children in boarding or day secondary school has not been concluded. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the cost effectiveness analysis of educating students in boarding and day secondary schools in Ainamoi and Belgut Sub counties, Kericho County. This study was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine the direct private and social costs of educating students in day and boarding secondary schools; to examine the performance of students in KCSE in day and boarding secondary schools in Ainamoi and Belgut Sub counties, Kericho County and to explain the cost effectiveness ratio of educating students in day and boarding secondary schools in Ainamoi and Belgut Sub counties, Kericho County. This study was grounded in a theoretical framework that focused on the variables of direct private costs, social costs and performance in KCSE. A descriptive research design was employed; the study population consisted of 20 Secondary School Principals (10 from day schools and 10 from boarding schools). Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Questionnaire, interview schedule and document analysis guide were used to collect data. Reliability of the Questionnaire and interview schedule were established through a pilot study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of percentages and means. Qualitative data was coded, transcribed and emergent themes established. The study revealed that students in boarding schools performed better than those in day schools in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Examinations. This study thus concluded that it is more cost effective to educate students in boarding than in day schools.