Thesis:

Influence of school management strategies on reduction of teenage pregnancy in public primary schools in Kitui central sub-county, Kitui county, Kenya

School management plays an important role in formulating policies and strategies geared towards reducing incidences of teenage pregnancy in schools. However, in Kitui Central Sub-county, many public primary schools have reported cases of increased teenage pregnancy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the influence of school management strategies on reduction of teenage pregnancy in public primary schools in Kitui Central Sub-county, Kitui County, Kenya. The objectives were; to assess the influence of guidance and counseling strategies, implementation of child protection policies, involvement of parents and provision of socio-economic support on reduction of teenage pregnancy in public primary schools. The study was guided by the school management theory and theory of planned behaviour. The study adopted mixed methodology and thus, applied concurrent triangulation design. Target population was 1182 respondents which comprised 25 headteachers, 457 teachers, 200 parents’ representatives and 500 prefects from which a sample of 284 respondents was determined using Yamane’s Formula. Stratified sampling was applied to create four strata based on the number of zones in Kitui Central Sub-county. From each zone, 3 headteachers, 3 parents’ representatives and 50 teachers were sampled using purposive sampling. However, from each sampled primary school, 6 prefects were selected using simple random sampling. This procedure realized a sample of 12 headteachers, 200 teachers, 12 parents’ representatives and 72 prefects. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers while data were collected using interviews with headteachers and focus group discussions from prefects. Piloting was conducted among 30 respondents from a sample of public primary schools in Kitui Central Sub-county to establish validity, reliability, credibility and dependability. Validity was ascertained based on the views of experts in educational management. Reliability was determined using test re-test technique and reliability coefficient, r = 0.722, was obtained using Cronbach’s Alpha Method which indicated high internal reliability. Credibility was ascertained by involving multiple analysis and dependability through detailed reporting of data collection process. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented thematically in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 25) and presented using tables. The study established that many public primary schools in Kitui Central Sub-county have had most of their pupils fall victims of teenage pregnancy for the last five years (2019-2023). This is attributed to school management strategies such as include guidance and counselling, implementation of child protection policies, headteachers’ involvement of parents and provision of socioeconomic support. Thus, the study recommends that headteachers should provide age-appropriate and culturally sensitive sexual education that covers reproductive health, contraception and consequences of teenage pregnancy. They should ensure that policies promote a zero- tolerance approach to discrimination against pregnant pupils. Schools should foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners. They should facilitate regular and open communication with all key stakeholders. Headteachers can organize frequent parent-teacher meetings to discuss issues related to teenage pregnancy, sexual health and responsible behavior. The Ministry of Education should establish financial aid programmes for pregnant learners and teenage mothers, ensuring they can access childcare, transport, and school materials.