The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of SEDP in improving
access to and completion of secondary education taking Moshi Municipality as the
area of study. The specific objective of the study was to find out the extent to which
students enrolled in secondary schools manage to complete four years circle without
dropping in between, factors for the dropout since the implementation of SEDP as
well as challenges facing the achievement of SEDP in ensuring access and
completion of secondary education. A cross sectional survey and case study design
were employed. The target population included students, teachers, head of schools,
Education Officers as well as Ward Education Coordinators. Purposive and random
sampling was applied during selection of the participants. Questionnaires and
interviews were used as data collection tools. The data was gathered compiled and
analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The analysis of data from
questionnaires were categorized and entered into the computer for computation of
descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics were analyzed and presented by tables and
charts. The findings of the research showed that; students who fail to complete
secondary education are caused by poor economic condition of their families, peer
group pressures, pregnancy among girls‟ students and ignorance of not knowing
importance of education. Suggestions and recommendations to rescue the situation of
absentees of secondary students are given that parents should be empowered to
combat poor economic conditions so that they manage send their children in
secondary schools. Government should ensure access to education to all citizens.
Dormitories should be built up in each ward secondary schools to help girls avoid
temptations which will cause them fall in early pregnancies.