Publication:

Challenges principals face in enhancing students discipline in Public secondary schools in Mwea East Sub County-Kirinyaga County

Discipline is the epicenter of success of a school and members of a school are required to strictly adhere to various standards or codes of behavior. Student discipline is a crucial factor in not only academic achievement but also success in other school activities. Principals in Mwea East Sub County have experienced various discipline problems leading to student’s strikes and poor academic achievement. This study therefore seeks to investigate the challenges principals face in enhancing student discipline. The purpose of the study was to identify challenges principals face in enhancing student discipline in Mwea East Sub County. The study was guided by four objectives that revolve along methods used by principals in dealing with student discipline in secondary schools in Mwea East Sub County; To determine unique challenges principals faced in enhancing student discipline in secondary schools in Mwea East Sub County and to determine alternative approaches that would be used to address the challenges principals face in enhancing student discipline in Mwea East Sub County. Literature review explored on the challenges that principal’s face in enhancing student discipline. The research design that was used in this study is descriptive survey. A sample of 25 principals in public secondary schools was respondents in this study. All the secondary school principals in Mwea East Sub County were thus the study sample. A questionnaire and an interview schedule were employed as research instruments for data collection. The instruments were validated by the supervisor. In this study qualitative data was generated. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. Content analysis was also applied on the qualitative data generated. The findings of the study indicate that principals in Mwea East Sub County face challenges when enhancing student discipline. These include; humiliation by students, resistance from some parents, students strikes, political interference, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, divergent cultural values, advance in technology and age gaps. The findings of this study would be useful for school administrators, Quality Assurance and Standards Officers and practicing teachers in addressing the challenges faced in enhancing student discipline.