| dc.description.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. | en |
