Administrative constraints faced by Secondary headteachers in Kabras Division of Kakamega District (Kenya)

Abstract

The primary concern of this study was to determine the administrative constraints faced by secondary school headteachers principals in the task of managing their schools. The study was used a sample of 15 head teachers of secondary schools and one Zonal Inspector of Schools in Kabras Division of Kakarnega District. The limitations were time and financial constraints. The two were insufficient in all respect to enable the researcher use a larger sample. The head teacher questionnaire and an interview schedule for zonal inspector of Schools. were the main tools used for the collection of data They were administered by the researcher to the 15 head teachers and the Z I S. The data collected were analyzed by use of descriptive statistics. It was found that the main constraint head teachers faced as they went about their administrative duties was "lack of instructional materials and in adequate training programmes." However, also noted as a major constraint was the area of finance and financial management. This was a problem experienced by all Head teachers regardless of their academic qualifications. They found it difficult to account for the expenditures used in school. The study also established that there were some specific types of problems, which had a serious impact on the schools growth and development. They have been discussed under the following five headings. Religious and political interference, School - community relationships, Drug abuse and alcoholism, Pregnancy in schools and, Students' truancy. The following were some of the recommendations of the research work:- (i) Ministry of Education should only appoint teachers who have done management courses to head schools. (ii) Guidance and counseling should be made mandatory in secondary schools (iii) There was urgent need to educate parents and community on their role in the school so as to enhance school community relationship. (iv) That religious and political organizations should be guided on their