Free and Compulsory Education Policy Implementation; Determining its Relationship with Learners’ Entry Behavior in Public Day Secondary Schools in Kitui County, Kenya

Although the Government of Kenya has been boosting effort in implementing free and compulsory education policy, transition from primary schools to secondary schools, retention completion at Certificate Secondary Education (KCSE) have remained below 100 percent. Hence study purposed determine relationship between learners’ entry behavior implementation public day Kitui County, Kenya. The was underpinned on Liberal Educational Theory (LET) used a descriptive research design. target population for 655; 327 school principals, Parents Associations (PA) chairpersons those County Director (CDE). Data were collected sample 182 respondents; 164 17 CDE. by use questionnaire interview schedules CDE PA document review analysis. Qualitative data analyzed based emerging themes, while quantitative using statistics. Hypothesis testing done Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (Pr) method significance level 0.05. findings showed that there negative significant (transition, completion) rates (r = -.678; p≤ .01). In view forestated results, made conclusion indirect variables negatively affected education. On this basis, recommended, among others principals should adhere policy admitting candidates regardless marks obtained KCPE promote learners next class performance previous formative examinations. This, would enhance prospects % transition, general.