Influence of head teachers’ tenure on the levels of compliance With health and safety standards in public secondary schools in Mandera County Kenya

Abstract

School Safety are the measures undertaken by the learners, staff, parents and other stakeholders to either minimise or eliminate risky conditions or threats that may cause accidents, bodily injury as well as emotional and psychological distress. Accidents can lead to disability or death while emotional and psychological trauma can result in lack of self-esteem and ultimately lead to poor performance of tasks and responsibilities.. Descriptive survey design was used in this study. This type of research design depicts the state of affairs as it exists. Half of secondary schools in Mandera County were used for the study leading to a total of 15 secondary schools. Adopting survey design, data was collected from a sample of 15 schools with 15 headteachers and 117 teachers. The researcher used questionnaires and an observation guide. Data collected from the field was coded and keyed into the computer for analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data was analyzed by arranging responses according to the research questions and objectives. Descriptive statistics including percentages and frequency counts was used to analyze the quantitative data obtained. The study established that despite the fact that secondary schools did not have safety precautionary strategies, some took precaution measures like putting up perimeter fences, cutting branches that hung over roofs and also ensuring that hazardous materials were kept away from students. It however emerged that windows, doors and corridors were strategically placed. The study also established that there were no emergency doors in most schools and in the few that had, they were not well labelled. Students reacted to emergencies by reporting to their teachers and asking their friends for help. Teachers administered first aid and informed parents. The biggest challenges faced in enhancing safety were: lack of financial resources, lack of knowledge on safety and inadequate infrastructure. The study recommends that: Teacher Education should include aspects of health that enhance or hamper safety within schools; The Ministry of Education and relevant line ministries should intensify supervision of secondary schools physical infrastructure and safety levels.