Managerial skills gap analysis of newly appointed headteachers in public secondary schools in Kiambaa Division, Kiambu District

Abstract

There has been serious need to train and expose educational administrators to continue in development in professional activities. This study aimed at analyzing the managerial skills gaps or newly appointed head teachers in public secondary schools in Kiarnbaa Division, Kiambu District. The objectives the study aimed at achieving included need for financial management skills I()!" newly appointed hcadteachers, their students management skills needs, staff management skills needs. plant management skills needs and co-curriculum organization skills needs which require this newly appointed headteachers to undergo in-service training. Literature review was organised under need for professional training for hcadtcachers. the activities of Kenya Educational Staff Institute ~KESI) participation or trainees in the design and evaluation of their programmes and subsequent appraisal or this programmes.

The study used descriptive survey method to carry out the research. The study sampled

22 head teachers out or whom 18 filled and returned the questionnaires. The data was analysed and reported using frequencies and percentages. The respondents reported a skills gap in financial management particularly in accounting and bookkeeping. They also reported a skills gap in discipline management and delegation. The study also found that there was a skills gap for the newly appointed head teachers on co-ordination of co-curricular activities. The head teachers suggested that there was need to incorporate the trainees in planning the courses offered by KESI. The study concluded that there was need to train the newly appointed head teachers on financial management. student management and delegation of duties to teachers. The

study also concludes that there was need to involve the trainee headteachers in planning of the courses to be offered during the KLSI ill-service programmes. The study made the following recommendations:

• The newly appointed hcadteachcrs he trained 111 coordination or co-curricular activities and allocation or funds to the various school activities . • The study recommended that future training or head teachers he based on need and be consultative in planning or the courses. The study offered suggestions for' further research on the attitude of headteachers on the

programmes offered by the Ministry of Education.