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The effects of classroom incentives: Experimental evidence from Kenya

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  • Jain, Ronak
  • Tan, Brandon Joel

Abstract

We conduct a randomized experiment in 225 low-cost primary schools in Kenya using non-monetary incentives (certificates and badges) for students based on performance in Math and English. We randomized over 20,000 students to receive either individual-level, classroom-level, combined, or no incentives for a month. Being in any incentive treatment arm significantly raised test scores by 0.15 and 0.14 standard deviations for Math and English, respectively, generated positive spillovers to non-incentivized subjects, and improved student attendance. The standard errors are too large to distinguish between the effects of the three incentive schemes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jain, Ronak & Tan, Brandon Joel, 2026. "The effects of classroom incentives: Experimental evidence from Kenya," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:110:y:2026:i:c:s0272775725001372
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2025.102757
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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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