Influence of School-based Factors on Teacher Turnover Intentions: A Case of Public Secondary Schools in Rachuonyo North Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish school-based factors that influence teacher turnover intention among secondary schools in Rachuonyo North Sub County, Kenya. While a total of 390 secondary school teachers constituted the population, Fisher’s model guided the sampling of 132 teachers as respondents. The questionnaire was presented to two experts who examined it and advised on what to do to improve it. A pilot test was conducted by administering the questionnaire to respondents not involved in the study and the Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.7 and above was obtained which allowed the researchers to proceed with data collection. The researchers obtained permission from NACOSTI and the Director of Education at Homabay County before going to the field to collect data. The study concludes that most of items in the questionnaire had either low or very low influence toward teachers’ turnover intention. School-based factors that had high influence included poor communication strategies and frustration. School management, especially the principals and deputy Principals, have a role in creating attractive environments by treating teachers professionally and ethically, maintaining effective communication and offering such incentives as meals and snacks in order to prevent potential turnover intentions.