Head Teachers Role in Enhancing Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Baringo North Sub-County, Kenya

The head teachers are agents of quality assurance within the schools under their head ship. Since 2006 however, the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) analysis has indicated low academic performance, with most schools performing dismally, raising a great concern on the quality of learning in secondary schools vis--vis the academic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the strategies put in place by head teachers towards improving student academic performance. The study employed mixed method approach and used descriptive survey design. The population studied included 30 heads of schools and 120 teachers which yielded a response rate of 100 % and 67 % respectively. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews whose reliability and validity were assessed accordingly. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study noted that few schools laid strategies to ensure improved academic performance. Head teachers did little about resource mobilization while capacity building for teachers was a rear occasion. It is recommended that head teachers be apt in formulating and implementing strategies geared towards quality education. Such strategies should include mentorship program for teachers, individualized programs for learners and empowering parents to observe fees payment policies.