Effectiveness of Student Councils in Conflict Resolutions and Communication in Secondary School Management in Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

Schools in Nyeri County continue to face diverse conflicts in the day to day running of the schools. Amongst these conflicts include burning of school dormitory at Giakaibei Secondary in Mathira in 2016; injuring of deputy principal at Kirimara Boys High School in school riots in the same school in 2018; and school unrests in Giakabii High School, Watuka High School, Wamagana Girls, and Mwiyogo Girls in 2016. To mitigate the negative consequences of conflicts, there is need for conflict resolutions. This study sought to examine effectiveness of student councils in conflict resolutions and communication in secondary school management in Nyeri County, Kenya. Amongst the objectives of the study included examination of the challenges affecting student councils in communication for effective school Management in Nyeri County and establishing the challenges affecting student councils in conflict resolutions for effective school Management in Nyeri County, Kenya. Amongst the challenges that student councils faced in conflict resolution included lack of skills in conflict resolution, making decisions based on friendships, and threats from other students amongst others. The study thus noted need for organized forums to train students on conflict resolutions as well as need for guidance and counselling. The study found the communication challenges of the student councils to be poor masterly of English and Kiswahili language, lack of communication channels, and speaking in vernacular. The communication challenges of student councils can be mitigated through use of suggestion boxes, banning of vernacular languages, and encouragement of conversation without fear of intimidation. Keywords: Student councils, conflict resolution, management DOI : 10.7176/DCS/9-3-06 Publication date :March 31 st 2019