Nyamhanga, Emanuel Matobela2026-05-142026-05-142017-07https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/33085A Research Report Submitted to the School of Education in Partial Fulfilment for the Award of the Degree of Master of Education (Education Management) of Kenyatta University, July 2017. Supervisor 1. Dr. Samuel N. WaweruThe main concern of this study was to explore the roles of head teachers in the management of school pupils living with HIV/AIDS. The specific objectives were to examine head teachers’ perceptions towards the management of pupils living with HIV/AIDS, determine the roles of head teachers in managing school pupils living with HIV/AIDS, identify the challenges faced by head teachers in managing pupils living with HIV/AIDS, and describe the importance of effective management of school pupils living with HIV/AIDS in primary schools in Tarime District. The study used both primary and secondary methods of data collection, which included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, documentary review, and questionnaires constructed by the researcher and completed by the respondents. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.2). In analyzing the data, descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, and percentages, as well as content analysis, were used. Regarding head teachers’ perceptions toward management, the study found that there was a need for confidentiality in the management of pupils living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, school offices needed to be equipped with guideline documents to support management practices. The study established that the roles of head teachers in the management of pupils living with HIV/AIDS included maintaining confidentiality concerning the pupils’ HIV status, ensuring that pupils living with HIV/AIDS were not discriminated against, and monitoring their academic performance. Concerning the challenges faced by head teachers, the study revealed that there were inadequate policies to support pupils living with HIV/AIDS, insufficient knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and lack of support from parents and teachers. The study concluded that effective management of pupils living with HIV/AIDS is of paramount importance in increasing school enrolment, improving academic performance, and reducing HIV transmission. The study recommended that the challenges faced by head teachers in managing pupils living with HIV/AIDS should be addressed through the development and implementation of supportive policies from the school to the national level. More knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS should also be provided in schools and communities so that head teachers and teachers can better understand the importance of supporting pupils living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, there should be a strong and positive relationship among parents, head teachers, and the community in order to effectively manage pupils living with HIV/AIDS in schools, rather than leaving all responsibilities to head teachers alone. The study further noted that it contributes to the achievement of three Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Goal 2, “Achieve Universal Primary Education,” Goal 4, “Reduce Child Mortality,” and Goal 6, “Combat HIV/AIDS.”enThesis