A survey of the response strategies adopted by Provincial Secondary Schools in Nairobi to respond to student unrest

Abstract

Conflict is a fundamental force governing all aspects of life. When conflict is managed effectively, it can contribute to individual and organizational efficacy. This is a study motivated by the recent wave of violence witnessed in secondary schools- a direct result of destructive conflict (Fritz, 1989). Student unrest in secondary schools occurs primarily between students/student groups and teachers, neighboring community or other stakeholders. Usually, it emanates from particular leadership styles and decision-making processes or when one partylindividual perceives that they have or are about to be affected negatively on something they care about. For instance, it is noted that students and schools' management response to environmental changes in varied ways that are yet to be harmonized. In addition, traditionally, the schools' management has enjoyed utilizing leadership styles that are currently being challenged- they were used to not being questioned- by the students in particular. Consequently, student unrest is a prevalent occurrence in schools that has resulted in far-reaching negative effects that range from personal unhappiness- death, serious injuries, shattered academic careers- to rampant destruction of property dotting the schools' landscape. In spite of the prevalence of student unrest in secondary schools, scanty research has been done in the area. It is noted that largely reactive measures have been adopted to try and address student unrest e.g. setting task forces to determine the causes/challenges of student unrest long after the damage has been done. Similarly, press reports and commentaries- bear some insights into student unrest (Daily Nation: August 13, 2008). However, such kind of approach and comments do not qualify as research in the field under study because of their elementary and -, generalized approach. Consequently, a knowledge gap and therefore a need for this study: A survey of the response strategies adopted by Provincial Secondary Schools in Nairobi to respond to respond to student unrest. Hence the basis for this study. The objectives of this study were to determine the challenges of student unrest and also establish the response strategies adopted by provincial secondary schools in Nairobi to respond to student unrest. This research was seen to be of great benefit to school's management, parents, students and researchers. It shall act as an eye opener in designing preventive strategies to address student unrest. In addition, the research re-emphasizes the parents' specific and special role in taming student unrest. The study shows that parental guidance and keenness on their school going children is significant in preventing deviant behaviors. Equally, students also will understand the damaging effect of student unrest to their academic career and life in general. The development of such understanding among the students will enable them to support the formulation and implementation of the student unrest policy. Similarly, schools will need to play their unique role in intervention and prevention of the challenge of student unrest because students spend much of their time in school. and because schools are a major influence in transmitting appropriate standards of behavior. Schools can contribute to the national efforts of developing and enforcing firm and consistent policies that discourage the emerging culture of violence that leads to student unrest. On the other hand, researchers will delve into further study of related areas (referred to at the end of chapter five of this study report), to contribute to the pool of knowledge. The research therefore took the form of a survey provincial secondary schools in Nairobi. A survey is believed to give a fair representation of student unrest in Nairobi and Kenya as a whole. Questionnaires were distributed to heads of departments whose response rate was 70% and therefore giving a fair representation of the findings. The findings of the research established that secondary schools faced challenges such as political, socio-cultural, technological, economical, curriculum, amenities, among others. At the same time the research established various response strategies have been adopted to address student unrest. This includes empowering and strengthening schools' management, restructuring the internal school environment and proper use of the delegation strategy. It also includes intensifying guidance and counseling to encourage change of attitude and incrementally respond to environmental change.