| dc.description.abstract | Education is an important determinant of earnings in Kenyan economy. Returns to education for primary teachers have great influence on the stability of the teaching force. Due to this a large number of primary school teachers in Mumias Sub-County are going to school to attain higher qualifications to enhance their earning capacity. However, the level of relationship that exists between earnings and schooling among primary teachers in Kenya remain undetermined. This study therefore, found out the specific professional cost incurred by primary teachers when in training. It also provided the actual relationship between earnings and the level of education for primary school teachers. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of financial returns to education of primary school teachers in public schools in Mumias Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by three objectives: to determine the direct cost incurred by primary teachers in tertiary institutions in Kenya; to establish earnings accruing by age, experience and level of education to primary teachers in public schools in Mumias Sub-County, and lastly establish the relationships between age, experience, level of education, and earnings among primary teachers in public schools in Mumias Sub-County. The study adopted a theoretical framework which is based on the human capital theory which equated human capital to “physical means of production” such as machines and factories; that one can invest in human capital through education and training. The study adopted both descriptive survey and correlation research designs. It cooperated both qualitative and quantitative data. The target population was 1272 TSC primary school teachers. Using stratified sampling, 383 TSC primary schools teachers were sampled from 94 primary schools. Primary data on earnings, age, experience, level of education and cost of tertiary education was obtained through use of a questionnaire. Content validity of the research instrument was determined by experts from the department of Educational Foundations and Management, Maseno University. Test re-test technique was used to establish reliability of the instrument. A pilot study was carried out using 38 TSC primary school teachers in Mumias Sub-County, Kenya, who did not take part in the actual study. A reliability correlation coefficient of 0.82 was obtained which indicated a high degree of internal consistency for the instruments. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study showed that the direct cost incurred by primary schools teachers in Mumias sub-county ranged from Ksh2,000 to Ksh181,325. However, primary teachers are obtaining diploma, bachelor degree and masters degree to enhance their earning capacity at various costs. The cost of diploma, bachelor and masters degree were Ksh180,000-329,300, Ksh400,000-645,000 and Ksh800,000-1,000,000 respectively. Earnings accruing by age of P1, diploma, bachelor and masters degree were Ksh16,617-36,153, Ksh29,000-45,692, Ksh41,373-51,407, and Ksh70,000-86,000 respectively. Earnings accruing by experience of P1, diploma, bachelor and masters degree were Ksh17,538-40,400, Ksh29,033-47,071, Ksh34,000-56,214 and Ksh70,000-86,000 respectively. Earnings accruing by level of education of P1, diploma, bachelor and masters degree were Ksh22,596, Ksh39,089, Ksh44,189 and Ksh78,000 respectively. Age, experience and level of education were found to be positively and significantly correlated to earnings. Marginal rates of return for diploma, bachelor and masters were 24.10%, 3.26% and 38.26% respectively. The rate of financial return to education was 21.6%. This study is will add to the body of knowledge regarding financial returns to education in Kenya. | en_US |
