Challenges to Engaging Students in the Management of Secondary Schools in Kenya

The involvement of students leaders in school management is seen as a precursor to stability and overall school success. Stability in learning institutions is a fact that immensely contributes to the realization of the learning institutions goals and objectives. School Prefects have been in place for a long time with the sole purpose of acting as a link between the teachers, school management and fellow students. In a recent development, a student representative will be required to be on the Board of Management as an ex-officio member according to the basic education Act 2013. Despite the bold steps aimed at ensuring harmony in secondary schools through student inclusivity in decision-making, cases of student unrests are still prevalent within secondary schools in Kenya. This study investigated the extent of the involvement of the students representative councils in the management of secondary schools in Kisumu County, with specific focus on the challenges to involvement of the students representative councils in secondary school management. The study was guided by Douglas Mc. Gregors Theory Y which encourages participatory approach to management. The study involved 199 public secondary schools that have existed for at least five years. The respondents, who included the principal, deputy principal, board of management chairperson and student leaders were drawn from 60 secondary schools. Data were collected by use of questionnaires, document analysis, and observation. This study adapted a descriptive survey research design aimed at collecting information from respondents on their attitudes and opinions in relation to integration of the students representative councils in secondary schools management. The data collection instruments were questionnaires, document analysis guide and observation schedule. Data were analyzed by use of SPSS and subjected to a chi-square test for verification. Qualitative data were taken through content analysis. The study found that there are significant challenges to integration of students representative councils in secondary schools management, namely absence of council offices and board rooms. This study recommends that the members of the students council be inducted into the performance of their roles, students council offices and boardrooms be part of the school physical infrastructure, and that further research be conducted focusing on the challenges to involvement of the students council as pertains academic excellence in secondary schools be conducted.