Volume : 1, Issue : 5, October - 2012

Hindrances to Student Participation in Decision Making in Secondary Schools in Kenya: The Case of Central Rift Region of Rift Valley Province in Kenya

Dr Catherine Kiprop, Betty J Tikoko, Dr. Joyce Kanyiri

Abstract :

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hindrances that were encountered by students and school administrators in involving students in decision making processes in secondary schools in Kenya. The study was prompted by the recent changes in secondary school administration in Kenya whereby the Ministry of Education allowed the formation of student councils in the schools to facilitate the participation of students in administration. The research was conducted in the Central Rift Region of Kenya focusing on boarding secondary schools. Cross sectional survey research design was adopted. Out of the 87 boarding school in the region, 15 were randomly selected to form the sample. Similarly, 150 students (10 from each school) were also selected to respond to the questionnaire. Purposive sampling was done to select 6 head teachers who were interviewed and 30 teachers who responded to the questionnaire. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire administered to students and teachers. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the findings. It was found out that students encountered challenges in their endeavors to get involved in decision making in schools. The challenges identified in the study included reluctance by adults to allow students to participate in decision making, students views not being taken seriously, intimidation by school authority and delay by school administration in effecting the suggestions of students. A further challenge was the lack of forum by students to express views; meaning that students were excluded from key decision making bodies. It is therefore recommended that a sensitization campaign be undertaken by the Ministry of Education for the purpose of changing attitudes and perceptions concerning student participation in the minds of all stakeholders.