Result of low student enrolment on the sustainability of Seventh-Day Adventist secondary schools in Western Kenya

Abstract

This study examines the effect of low student enrolment on the sustainability of SDA secondary schools in the West Kenya Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Church. The study was underpinned by the sustainability transformation in education theory which postulates the identification of sustainability strategies and action plans for implementation. Therefore, the mixed methods research approach was adopted in this study. This study utilised the descriptive research design and was conducted in WKUC of the SDA church, covering 15 out of 47 counties in Kenya. The test-retest and the split-half reliabilities of the questionnaires were ascertained by use of Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, and reliability of 0.7 and 0.65 was arrived at, respectively. Study findings revealed that student enrolment trends in SDA schools were on a downward trend, and this needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This study recommends that the church administration and schools' management should address issues that affect low student enrolments, such as the high fees charged by sourcing funds from other sources such as engaging in income generating activities or partnering with the government so that it can provide and pay the teachers in the schools.