A comparative study of the levels of adherence and implementation of safety standards guidelines in secondary schools in Machakos district, Kenya

Abstract

The study focused on finding the levels of implementation of the M.O.E.S.T's safety standard guidelines by the headteachers of secondary schools in Machakos District, Kenya. The study also focused on the headteachers attitudes towards these guidelines. The purpose of the study was to establish the levels of adherence and implementation of safety guidelines of the M.O.E.S.T. The main aim of the study was to find out if the above mentioned guidelines have been taken serious and whether they are being used to provide suitable physical facilities whenever new structure are being put up and whether the facilities which had not been put up in conformity with the existing regulations have been modified. The data was gathered using a questionnaire. Part A dealt with the head teacher's knowledge of the safety standard guidelines. Part B deal with altitudes of the headteachers towards the guidelines; Part C dealt with the levels of implementations and Part D dealt with the physical facilities of the schools as they compare with the M.O.E.S.T requirements/recommendations of the safety guideline. To establish whether the instrument would collect the relevant data, a pilot study was carried out. The results from the pilot study were used in making modification on the instruments. The population consisted of 187 headteachers and their respective schools. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 41 headteachers and schools. The rate of return was 38/41. Data analysis was done using the statistical package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Mainly descriptive and inferential analysis was used. Frequencies and means were used to summarize the data. The research showed that most headteachers had a positrve attitude towards the safety standard guidelines and if means to achieve it were .available most schools -in the district could have met the guidelines fully. Lack of finance was raised by most headteachers, as the main cause of failure in the levels of unplementation. The research recommends that the MO.E.E.ST avail-more financial assistance to school and monitoring of the putting up of structures in schools making sure the guidelines are observed by all heads of institutions.