The influence of gender and school related factors on performance of prefects in public secondary schools in Central Division, Machakos District, Kenya

Abstract

This study focused on the influence of gender and school related factors on performance of prefects in public secondary schools in central division of Machakos district, Machakos County. The sample was drawn from 9 secondary schools in central division. The collected data was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The findings indicated that gender and school related factors influenced prefect performance for varied reasons.

Majority of the respondents believed that motivation was important in making prefects more effective. In the light of these findings, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education should review its policies on selection and training of prefects with a view to determine the level of competence required.

The study recommends that induction courses for newly appointed prefects be made compulsory to curb unnecessary friction between students and prefects body. The study also recommends that schools should hold regular consultative meetings between teachers, prefects and students in order to address discipline problems.