Perceived effectiveness of decentralized teacher recruitment in primary schools in Gucha district, Kenya

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the education sector in Kenya and lack of policy reviews has led to ineffective and inefficient delivery of services resulting in inequitable distribution and wastage of teachers. In order to alleviate this problem of inequitable distribution and wastage of teachers, TSC decided to have the districts to do teacher recruitment through a demand-driven process that started in 2001. However, the Decentralized Teacher Recruitment has been perceived as ineffective by the stakeholders due to abuses perpetuated by TSC agents. The stakeholders argue that the recruitment process is marred by malpractices and irregularities including, corruption /bribery, tribalism, nepotism/ favouritism, disregard of the guideline given by TSC, and political interference in the recruitment process. The literature review was carried out under the themes, the concept of perception, the concept of decentralization, factors that affect the implementation of decentralization, teacher recruitment abroad, and decentralization of teacher recruitment in Kenya The study used descriptive methods in both data collection and data analysis. Sampling was done using a multistage random method and a questionnaire was used to collect data from 103 teachers out of 120 (86%) in 20 primary schools in Gucha District. Data analysis and interpretation was done manually using frequency tables, pie charts, bar charts and percentages The study found that generally the teachers perceived the Decentralized Teacher Recruitment differently. There were both positive and negative perceptions by the teachers. The key positive findings included: equitable distribution of teachers in the country as a whole and in the districts in particular and opportunities for employment for local candidates hence reducing transfer requests. The negative perceptions included discrimination of non-local candidates, manipulation leading to irregularities and political interference. The teachers also expressed that stakeholders should be sensitized to create better understanding and perception of the exercise and involved in decision making to enhance acceptance of the Decentralized teacher recruitment. The study recommends that: • Stakeholders be sensitized on the new policy of Decentralized Teacher Recruitment • Changes of policy on Teacher Recruitment be communicated to stakeholders who should also be involved in decision making on the same • The TSC should monitor the Decentralized Teacher Recruitment process to ensure that the guidelines are adhered to, and specifically ensure that: o The recruitment panel co-opt religious persons (pastors or priests) who will not be compromised or manipulated; o The TSC deals with the problem of malpractices; o The TSC discourages political interference with the recruitment process Taking into account that the study was delimited to Gucha district, the study made the following suggestions for further study: • A similar study to be carried out in other districts of the country in order to elicit a more accurate national perception of the effectiveness of Decentralized Teacher Recruitment. • A study to be carried out on the impact of Decentralized Teacher Recruitment on the standards and quality of education