Influence of Administrative Factors on Principals’ Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: A case of Kilifi North Sub-county.

Abstract

Studies show that the performance of schools relies much on the administration. The study purposed to investigate the administrative factors that influence the principal’s performance in public secondary schools in Kenya, Kilifi North sub-county. This was done by examining the influence of delegation of duties to school personnel and the influence of contributions of the Board of Management and Parents-Teachers Association. The research focused on Henri Fayol’s suggestions on administrative management concepts. A descriptive survey design was used. The target population comprised 10 principals, 50 heads of departments, and 40 board of management members, totaling 100 from which a sample of 80 was selected based on a sampling chart by Krejcie and Morgan (1990). Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from respondents. Pilot testing was done to determine the validity of the instruments, and the test-retest approach was employed to determine the instrument’s reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed thematically with the help of Statistical Package for social science (SPSS 23) findings were presented through frequency tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and percentages. Qualitative data from interview schedules was transcribed organized into themes and presented in prose according to the objectives. The study established that principals were ineffective in Kilifi North Sub-county due to insufficient and incompetent personnel to delegate duties to ineffective Board of management, minimal support from the community and inadequate infrastructure. Based on the findings the study concluded that principal’s effectiveness relies heavily on delegation of duties, effective BOM/PTA, community support and effective management of infrastructure. Therefore, the study recommended that there was need for TSC to employ more teachers in schools and ministry to release more funds for payment of workers. BOM/PTA should be on front line to source for funds to run the school.