An Investigation into the Deputy Principals’ Preparedness in Discipline Management in Secondary Schools in Kenya

Abstract

Discipline from time immemorial has never been a soft landing for any manager. The need and procedure of discipline has not been welcomed by the one to be disciplined. Secondary schools inherit discipline problem from the primary school or families where the child come from. The study was aimed at investigating the preparedness of deputy principals in the management of discipline under the following objectives: To establish the level of preparedness of deputy principals in the management of discipline and to examine the extent to which deputy principals apply the discipline policy guidelines in managing discipline in secondary schools. The population yielded 37 deputy principals of secondary schools in Murang’a South District Murang’a County. Mixed methodology with descriptive survey design was used to collect data. 12 schools were sampled using Simple random sampling. This yielded 30% of the population. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed and presented in simple statistic of mean, percentages and bar graphs. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS and presented using table and charts. Discussions were done on the objectives under study. The respondents suggested on review of discipline policy, fair participation of the principals and Board of management (BOM) and listening to students in the disciplinary procedures. They too affirmed that the discipline policy was available and clear to follow. The study concluded that the preparedness of deputy principals in discipline management in secondary schools in Kenya have been a difficult experience. It recommended on a review of the discipline policy, more participation of teachers, the principal and BOM members in the management of discipline.