Resource allocation and usage: Investigating the availability and utilization of resources in supporting Alternative Approaches to Basic Education in Samburu County, Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed the availability and utilization of resources to support AABE programme in Samburu County. AABE was introduced by the Kenya Government, religious entities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with the aim of promoting access to basic education and enhancing Universal Primary Education for all (UPE). However, school enrolment and literacy levels in Samburu have been low, at (44%) and (12%) respectively, raising the need to examine the success of AABE in meeting the envisaged purpose. The study tested one hypotheses, namely, resource-input, in Samburu County. The study applied a survey research design and collected data from both primary and secondary sources. Three structured questionnaires were used for 400 learners’ household heads, and 56 teachers in charge of the 56 AABE Centres and 10 AABE providers. Secondary data were obtained from the Ministry of Education offices, AABE Centres, libraries and the internet.  A stratified random sampling technique was used to sample the 400 respondents. Data was presented using frequency tabulations, chi-square, multiple regressions and correlation analyses. The findings had (73.4%) of the respondents who stated that Resource-input was inadequate. The respondents gave suggestions that there is need to approach the development in nomadic pastoralists areas from a multi-faceted approach such as addressing the  problems of inadequacy of water, medical facilities, infrastructure, livelihoods and the problem of conflicts. The study recommended for more studies to be done on viability of AABE in other nomadic pastoral areas and encompassing other variables.