Do Education Financing and Governance Improve Education Quality? Evidence from East African Community Countries

This study examined the effect of education financing and governance on education quality in the East African Community (EAC). Despite ongoing policy reforms and increased investment in education across the region, significant disparities in education quality persist, raising concerns about the effectiveness of financing mechanisms and governance systems in improving educational outcomes. The study adopted a quantitative research design using secondary cross-country data obtained from the World Bank and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Education financing was measured using public education expenditure as a percentage of GDP, governance was proxied using the World Governance Indicators, and education quality was assessed using a composite index of key education performance indicators. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression techniques. The results reveal substantial variation in education financing, governance, and education quality across East African countries. Correlation analysis indicates positive relationships between education financing and education quality, while governance shows a stronger positive association with education quality. The regression results confirm that both education financing and governance have statistically significant positive effects on education quality, with governance exhibiting a more pronounced influence. The study concludes that although education financing is essential for improving education quality, governance plays a more decisive role in ensuring the efficient utilisation of resources and effective implementation of education policies. The findings highlight the need for integrated policy interventions that simultaneously strengthen education financing and governance systems to achieve sustainable improvements in education quality across the East African Community.