Demographic and school factors that influence administrative challenges faced by public day secondary school head-teachers in Nairobi province

Abstract

The study endeavored to find out the demographic and school factors that influence administrative challenges faced by public, day secondary school head-teachersin Nairobi Province. To meet this main objective, the researcher developed research objectives and subsequently research questions. Literature related to the topic under study was reviewed and a conceptual framework was also provided capturing the various variables which influence administrative challenges faced by headteachers. The study used ex-post facto design method to study the variables. A target population of 100 administrators including headteachers, deputy headteachers, senior teachers and deans of study was used. A questionnaire was developed and administered to the school administrators. The data were then analyzed and reported. The major findings of the study were that many public day schools in Nairobi province experienced demographic and school related challenges. Challenges related to the location include: Students easy access to drugs in the neighborhood (31.3%), unsupportive community / negative influence (31.3%), noisy neighborhoods (12.5%), insecurity, burglary and theft (6.3%), uncooperative parents (3.1%), schools are near homes hence students sneak back home (3.1%). The challenges faced by administrators when dealing with teachers included lateness, lack of team work and unwilling to do extra work.The administrators mentioned absenteeism by students (75.0%), lateness to school by students (40.6%), drug and alcohol abuse (40.6%), laziness (21.9%) and fights among students (15.6%) as common disciplinary problems they face while dealing with students. Based on the above findings, it was concluded that; the location of the school can pose a challenge to school administrators, lateness and absenteeism is common among teachers and many students came late to school, engaged in drug and alcohol abuse. The study recommended that teachers should attend refresher courses to refresh their skills in school management and on how to handle discipline cases in schools. The community should help in controlling access to drugs and alcohol to students. Students should be helped by the school community and parents to have the right attitude to academic work.