INFLUENCE OF STAFF TURNOVER ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BONDO SUB COUNTY, SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study's main objective was to look at how staff turnover affected pupils' academic achievement in Kenya's public primary schools in Bondo Sub-County. The study's inquiries were: what is the extent of staff turnover in public primary schools in Bondo Sub County Siaya County, Kenya? Which factors influence staff turnover in public primary schools in Bondo Sub County? What are the influence of staff turnover on pupils’ academic performance in public primary schools in the Sub County? What mitigation measures could be adapted to reduce staff turnover in Bondo Sub County? The study was based on the hypothesis that there was no significant influences between staff turnover and the academic achievement of pupils in public primary schools. This study was anchored on Adam Smith's Equity Theory and adopted the convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Director of Education for Sub County, 129 head teachers of public primary schools, 1461 teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission, and 457 teachers who left teaching in Bondo Sub County made up the intended audience. A sum of 218 respondents were selected for the study through the use of stratified, purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected using interview guides, and questionnaires. The research used face, content and criterion validity to determine validity of the research instruments, and Cronbach’s Alpha technique to determine the reliability of Likert Scale items. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential, while qualitative data were analysed using content and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that there was no significant influence between staff turnover and pupils’ academic achievements in government primary schools in Bondo Sub County, Siaya County. In conclusion the research established that the trend of staff turnover was above 45% in some zones, major factors contributing to turnover of teachers were poor working environments, poor remuneration, and dissatisfaction with teaching profession, staff turnover also affect syllabus coverage, and increase workload to remaining teacher thus affecting academic achievements of pupils. The study recommended that mechanisms of monitoring the trend of teacher turnover to be put in place, develop a workable strategies to improve the working environment of teachers, allocation of hardship allowance, and employment of more teachers.