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Access, Sorting and Achievement: the Short-Run Effects of Free Primary Education in Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Adrienne M. Lucas

    (Department of Economics, University of Delaware)

  • Isaac M. Mbiti

    (Department of Economics, Southern Methodist University)

Abstract

We examine the impact of the Kenyan Free Primary Education program on student participation, sorting, and achievement on the primary school exit examination. Exploiting variation in pre-program dropout rates between districts, we find that the program increased the number of students who completed primary school, spurred private school entry, and increased access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. We argue that the program was welfare enhancing as it promoted educational access without substantially reducing the test scores of students who would have been in school in the absence of the program.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrienne M. Lucas & Isaac M. Mbiti, 2012. "Access, Sorting and Achievement: the Short-Run Effects of Free Primary Education in Kenya," Working Papers 12-10, University of Delaware, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:dlw:wpaper:12-10.
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    6. Paul Schultz, T., 2004. "School subsidies for the poor: evaluating the Mexican Progresa poverty program," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 74(1), pages 199-250, June.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Schooling; Free Primary Education; Kenya; Achievement;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education

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