Analyses of the examination results for the Certificate of Primary Education, the Kenya Certificate of Education, and the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education showed that academic achievement at the primary and secondary levels in the Western Province of Kenya is very poor, compared to the other provinces. To determine the school factors that may have caused this poor academic performance, questionnaires were sent to 170 secondary schools, to be completed by heads of the schools, teachers, and chairmen of Boards of Governors in the province. This was followed by interviews with a sample of teachers, former students, a few headmasters, and some persons prominent in the province. Discussed are the following factors which were found to affect achievement: streaming effect, large class size, poor school facilities, the lack of preparation or homework, the lack of sound and efficient leadership in the school administration, the inadequate amount of time allocated to teaching and learning, and teacher characteristics. Discussed briefly are other factors, including environmental and social factors affecting achievement. Suggestions for improvement are made. (RM)