INFLUENCE OF BACKGROUND CHARACTERISTICS OF FEMALE PRINCIPALS AND THEIR DEPUTIES TO THEIR UPWARD MOBILITY IN KENYA

This study analyzed how the background characteristics of female principals and their deputies might have affected their upward mobility to management positions in the education sector. Specifically, the study objectives were; established whether there is a statistical significant difference between the age of female principal?s teachers? and their upward mobility, determine whether there is a statistical significant difference between gender and career mobility of female principal teachers, and determine whether the level of education of female principal teachers was a hindrance to their upward mobility. With a sample size of sample size of 376 (n) respondents, comprising of; 76 female principals, 78 male principals, 178 deputy female principals,22 sub-county education officers, and 22 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers. The study used questionnaires and interview schedules to collect requisite data. The study established that there was no statistical significant difference between; age, gender, and level of education on upward mobility of female principal teachers. The study recommends that there is no justification for administrative or legal measures to insulate female principals against their background characteristics in enhancing their upward mobility to principalship.