Teacher-related factors and quality of education in secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Quality education is one that prepares the child for life and not just for examination and testing. The teacher is an important stakeholder in the providing quality education in schools. Teacher quality is the most critical factor that determines student achievement. However, teacher characteristics have not been exhaustively discussed in relation to quality of education in secondary education cycle in the country. A case in point is Kiambu County where the quality of secondary school education in has been quite low despite the county being a high economic potential area having high socio-economic status in comparison to other counties in Kenya. This study, therefore, sought to find out the connection between teacher factors and quality of education in secondary schools in Kiambu County. The study adopted the scientific management theory by Frederic Tylor and targeted 224 respondents, students, and teachers randomly selected from 120 schools in the area. Data was collected through questionnaires and was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The findings revealed that teacher-related factors had a significant correlation with the quality of education in Kiambu County secondary schools. It was, therefore, recommended that the principal and the school Board of Management must ensure that the calibre of staff recruited is qualified, competent and disciplined.