ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS OF PRINCIPALS AND STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LANGATA CONSTITUENCY NAIROBI, KENYA

Abstract

Schools exert their influence on the students’ attachment, commitment, involvement determination, among others, which are necessary virtues for high academic achievement. This study examines administrative skills of principals on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Langata constituency, Nairobi, Kenya. Five research questions guided the study as follows: What administrative skills are adopted by principals to enhance students’ academic performance in Langata constituency, Nairobi, Kenya? How does the preparedness of school principals influence students’ academic performance in Langat Constituency, Nairobi, Kenya? In what ways do principals’ administrative skills enhance students’ academic performance in Langata constituency, Nairobi Kenya?, What challenges are encountered by principals in enhancing students’ academic performance in Langata constituency, Nairobi, Kenya? What strategies are adopted by principals in enhancing students’ academic performance in Langata constituency, Nairobi, Kenya? The study was anchored in Transformational and Path-goal leadership theories. Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Research Design guided the study. For the quantitative paradigm, cross-sectional survey design was used whereas in qualitative design, phenomenology design is used. The target population comprised of all principals, teachers, students and Board of Management members in public secondary schools. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. Descriptive statics involving the use of frequencies and percentages summarized quantitative data and presented using tables. Qualitative data was organized into themes and presented in narratives and direct quotes. The study concluded that the principals’ administrative role was important for the students’ academic performance and the principals play vital roles in the school especially through challenging lack of enough resources. It was recommended that the principal should be sensitized on the importance of students’ academic performance also principal should enlighten workshops and seminars to get new ideas. Also, the principals should give morals and encouragement for both students and teachers all the time. The county should have induction training at for the newly employed principals.