Factors influencing the effectiveness of decentralized recruitment of teachers in public secondary schools in Nandi south district, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing the effectiveness of decentralised recruitment of teachers in public secondary schools in Nandi south district, Kenya The objectives of the study were find out how the location of a school affects the effectiveness of the recruitment of public secondary school teachers, the gender of the recruiting panellists and the effectiveness of the recruitment of public secondary school teachers, the adherence to the TSC guidelines and the effectiveness of the recruitment of public secondary school teachers and the level of education of the recruiting panellists and the effectiveness of the recruitment of public secondary school teachers. The study employed descriptive survey. The research instrument used in this study was questionnaires with both open ended and closed ended questions. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the results was presented using frequency tables, pie charts, bar graphs and percentages to make meaningful conclusions. From the findings of the study, it was established that majority of the teachers were comfortable in their stations as well as satisfied as teacher and agreed to process being fair, grading system being appropriate but that the panel was not fully inclusive. They agreed to malpractices existing. The majority of other teachers faulted the process and recommended for continued evaluation as there were malpractices in the process. The findings from the head teachers revealed that although the required teacher was recruited, the best candidates missed due to tough rules. The BOM members indicated from the findings that while the process was all inclusive the guidelines were difficult to follow and the best teachers could not be recruited. Findings from the sub county director revealed that the BOM followed the guidelines except the challenge of the last 5marks which varied from panelist to panelist. It was also established that recruited teachers prefered areas near main roads. Further, it was established that malpractices such as of tribalism, nepotism and predetermination of candidates existed. The study recommends that academic qualification should be put in to consideration in choosing BOM members for the interview panel to enhance competent in recruitment. The study further recommends that advertisement of the vacancy posts and the entire recruitment process should be open and transparent and also be conducted in professional manner so that the best candidate among the applicants can be chosen. The study further recommends that the board should strictly follow the TSC recruitment guidelines so that no biases or complaints arise from the recruitment process.