Influence of Principals' Administrative Practices on Students’ Performance at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Butere Sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, the education system has been hit by students’ poor academic performance every year the results are announced. Some schools have maintained good academic performance while others have always lagged behind. These differences are brought about by many factors and one major factor is the principals’ administrative practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the principals’ administrative practices on students’ academic performance at KCSE in Butere Sub- County. The objectives were to determine how principals’ provision of instructional materials, routinely class visitation, facilitation of teacher development and provision of enabling working environment influence students’ performance at KCSE. The study employed descriptive survey design. The sample comprised of 9 principals, 105 teachers and 360 students. This study used questionnaires to collect data from respondents. Data were analysed by use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. The key findings were that principals’ 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 routinely classroom visitation 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.