The main focus of the study was to analyze the factors influencing transition from
primary to secondary school since the introduction of FPE in 2003. The specific
objectives of the study were to analyze the school factors, socio-economic factors,
parental factors, and education related policies in Kenya influencing transition from
primary to secondary school education in Elgeyo Marakwet County as a result of reintroduction
of Free Primary Education. Literature reviewed indicated that introduction
of (FPE) has an influence on transition from primary to secondary school education.
Access or transition to secondary school education is likely to worsen with huge increase
in primary school. Transition from primary to secondary school in Kenya is usually
pegged on the number of available spaces in secondary school. As a result of cost sharing
policy, many poor parents did not afford to send their children to secondary school.
Researcher developed own model based on the independent and dependent variables. The
study adopted a descriptive survey design that was both qualitative and quantitative. A
sample of 112 head teachers from public primary schools were randomly selected from
373 primary schools in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Research instruments were
questionnaires, interview schedule and document analysis. Piloting was done in a school
randomly sampled using the simple random sampling lottery technique. Reliability of the
instruments was measured using the split halves method. Content validity, was done
through a panel of experts. Data analysis involved a variety of descriptive and inferential
statistics. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to prepare
tabulations and draw up statistical inferences. The study findings were that most schools
do not qualify to join secondary school; indiscipline cases, absenteeism among others
affects academic performance thus influence transition from primary to secondary school
education. Conclusions of the study were that the introduction of FPE had both positive
and negative effects on transition.