Challenges faced by head teachers in the management of free secondary education: Implication for quality education: a case of Usigu Division in Siaya County

Abstract

Head teachers play a key role in the achievement goals and objectives in schools. The quality of school depends largely on their leadership. The purpose of the study was to determine challenges t faced by secondary head teachers in the management of Free Secondary Education (FSE) in Usigu Division of Siaya County. Six secondary schools were sampled in the criteria of boarding or day status, type i.e. boys, girls or mixed. In each school head teacher, 3 teachers, B.O.G chairman, PTA chairman and 10 students were the target population. In total the sample population was 96. The researcher used questionnaires and interview schedules as the main data collection instruments. The collected information from the respondents were edited and checked for any blank spaces left. The researcher then classified the data according to patterns of responses. The responses were coded and tabulated using frequency distribution tables. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, bar graphs and pie charts. The study revealed that most of the head teachers, experienced such challenges as inadequate teaching staff, inadequate instructional materials, lack of finances, indiscipline among pupils and lack of physical facilities hence interfered with the provision of quality education since the introduction of FSE. The study concluded that head teachers experienced several challenges in relation to finance, discipline, physical facilities e.t.c. The researcher therefore recommended sensitization of Parents, financial management training for head teachers intensification of supervision of the use of instructional materials, training of guidance and counseling teachers among others. Finally the researcher suggested that the study could be replicated in other districts as well to give a general picture of the whole country.