The purpose of this study was to establish school-based factors affecting English grammar
performance in public secondary schools in Kajiado East Sub-County Kajiado County, Nairobi
County. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of teaching and learning methods,
students’ attitude towards English language, school’s learning facilities and professional
competence levels of teachers on the performance of students in English language and the
challenges that students face while learning English language in school. The study adopted
descriptive survey design of the public secondary schools in Kajiado East Sub County. It employed
proportionate sampling technique in selecting the sample size for the students and teachers and
teachers of English giving final sample sizes of 15 teachers and 170 students. The data for the
study was obtained using questionnaires from both the teachers and students. After the data
collection, the researcher coded the data using computer software’s and analyzed it using
descriptive and inferential statistics. The output was presented in form of tables and charts for
interpretations and discussions. The study concluded that group discussions is the method that is
mainly used in teaching because it is participative and involves all the students specially the weak
students who may need extra emphasis on difficult areas. The students have a positive attitude
towards English and as such they have consistently improved on their performance since. The
study found out that public secondary schools in the division are well equipped with classrooms
and libraries. The teachers of English have been adequately trained with the basic requirements to
teach English and are receiving regular inservice trainings especially through the NES and
Ministry of Education. The major challenges facing students in learning English are, frequent use
of mother tongue by students, uncooperative teachers, misunderstanding of concepts like grammar,
spelling, pronunciation and poor writing skills, lack of enough classroom. The study recommends
that to improve on the students’ performance in English grammar, the schools should regularly
organize seminars and workshops for teachers, avail well equipped libraries with relevant books
in the schools, build enough classroom, have positive relationship between parents and teachers,
provide adequate learning resources and facilities. Students’ performance could further be
improved by having positive attitude towards English subject by both students and teachers. The
study further recommends that language policy should be strengthened in schools and schools
heads should ensure that the syllabus is completed on time. The schools should have professionally,
qualified and adequate teachers of English as well as good will from the parents and school
administration to support the English department.