The study was on Socio-Economic factors affecting demand for private
secondary schools in Likuyani District, Kakamega County, Kenya. Education
and training investments assist in the generation of knowledge, skills, social
values, competences and techniques that are significant in improving the
productivity; effectiveness and efficiency of individuals, to enable them
participate in different sectors in development. There is consensus in literature
that secondary education is now the fastest growing segment of the education
sector. Many governments are partnering with the private sector to provide
secondary education in order to increase access in their countries. Private
schools represent a significant part of the education sector. However over the
last decade, government statistics seem to show that private school enrollment
has declined. Although the trend has been noted the phenomenon has not been
examined in detail. Since private schools represent a sizeable portion of the
education sector, a decline in enrollment would warrant attention. The study
was guided by the following objectives; cost of education, religious practices,
family income, and parental level of education. The second chapter looked at
literature review on how cost of education, religious practices, family income
and parental level of education have influenced students admission to private
schools, theoretical framework and conceptual framework. The study was
based on human capital theory of Adam Smith, James Becker, Shawl and
Denison which reinforces the socio-economic factors that affects the demand
for private schools. Human capital theory rests on the assumption that formal
education is highly instrumental and necessary to improve the productive
capacity of a population. Educated parents are able to make a decision of
sending their children to private schools since they know the advantages.
Education makes an individual to be free from religious and cultural ties
therefore able to take his children to any performing private schools. The high
expenditure in secondary private schools should therefore be seen as high
investment in human capital which will result in high returns. The study used
a case study design which administered questionnaires, interviewed people
and made observations. It targeted 150 parents, two principals of private
schools and one DQASO in the district. Data was analyzed using SPSS.
Chapter four looked at data analysis and used tables and charts, to present
information. The study concluded that the district had high levels of poverty
which influenced family income hence parents were not able to meet the cost
of education in private schools. The study made recommendations that should
be put in place in order to improve enrollments of students in private
secondary schools in the district.