Discussion Paper No. 311 of 2023 on Analyzing Technical Efficiency of Adult and Continuing Education Centres in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kenya

Abstract

The study assesses the technical efficiency levels within Kenya's Adult and Continuing Education Centres (ACEs) and explores the determinants influencing their efficiencies. Utilizing data from the Directorate of Adult and Continuing Education (DACE) and based on Theory of Production, this analysis employed Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology with 4 inputs and 2 outputs and considered 47 decision making units (counties) in the calculation of efficiency scores. The analysis established an average technical efficiency of 78.8 percent, 93.1 percent and 91.2 percent at national level, ASAL and Non-ASALs region respectively, indicating ASAL regions being more efficient than non-Asal regions in resource utilization. These findings indicate that the existing provision of educational services through ACEs could be increased by up to 21.2 percent, 6.9 percent, and 8.8 percent at national level, ASAL regions and non-ASAL regions respectively. To assess the factors that influence the efficiency scores, Tobit regression results indicated that factors such as internet connectivity, digital literacy programs, location (urban/rural), enrolment rates and electricity connection significantly influenced efficiency of ACE centres in ASAL regions. Policies aimed at enhancing educational provision through ACEs delivery systems may emphasize improving factors that enhance efficiency, such as a prioritizing cheaper internet access and electricity connectivity in ASAL counties, facilitating online education for out-of-school youth and adults especially for ASAL regions as this will improve performance scores of graduates ultimately improving efficiency of resources allocated to the DACE without incurring extra cost. Policies may also encourage the consolidation of smaller schools within the same locality, where feasible, to achieve economies of scale.