Influence of principals’ administrative strategies on students’ Kenya certificate of secondary education performance in Mathioya district, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of head teachers administrative strategies on students’ academic performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. The objectives were- to determine how the principals’ strategy on ensuring adequate staffing levels influence students’ performance in KCSE; establish the extent of principals’ strategy on provision of teaching learning resources on students’ performance in KCSE; assess how principals’ strategy on facilitation of teachers’ development affect students’ performance in KCSE and lastly establish principals’ strategy on creation of enabling environment on students’ performance in KCSE. The study employed descriptive survey design. The sample comprised of 8 principals and 85 teachers. This study used questionnaires to collect data from principals and teachers. Data were analysed by use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. The key findings were that principals’ strategy on ensuring adequate staffing levels affected students’ performance in KCSE. Schools had inadequate teachers; that principals’ strategy on provision of teaching learning resources influenced students’ performance in KCSE. Principals indicated that the classrooms were not adequate, schools did not have adequate text books, schools did not have adequate playground, and schools did not have adequate laboratories and libraries. Principals indicated that textbooks and playground in their schools were not adequate. It was also revealed that principals’ strategy on facilitation of teachers’ development influenced students’ performance in KCSE. Findings also revealed that principals’ strategy on creation of enabling environment influenced students’ performance in KCSE. This was revealed by the principals who indicated that they enabled a conducive environment for students very often. Based on the findings, the researcher concluded that principals’ strategy on ensuring adequate staffing levels affected students’ performance in KCSE. The researcher also concluded that strategy on provision of teaching learning resources influenced students’ performance in KCSE. The study concluded that schools did not have adequate resources which affected performance in the schools. The conclusions were that principals’ strategy on facilitation of teachers’ development influenced students’ performance in KCSE. The study also concluded that principals’ strategy on creation of enabling environment influenced students’ performance in KCSE. The study recommended that principals should ensure there are adequate staffing levels so that teaching and learning can be effective and hence improved academic performance. Secondary school principal should ensure that there is adequate provision of teaching learning resources to enhance students’ academic performance. Principals should seek ways of facilitating teachers development which will equip them with skills that will enhance students’ academic performance and lastly principals should ensure that they create enabling environment to facilitate teaching and learning which will eventually lead to improved academic performance.