Enhancing Student Councils Effectiveness at Public Secondary Schools in Bungoma North Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Involvement of students in the management of secondary schools in Kenya as key stakeholders through their student councils is widely adopted as recommended by the Ministry of Education. But even with the existence of student councils, most secondary schools in Kenya continue to experience student unrests and demonstrations. This study sought to identify the challenges inhibiting the successful execution of the mandate of student councils at public secondary schools in Bungoma North Sub-County and recommend appropriate strategies to enhance their effectiveness in the performance of designated roles for the better operations of the secondary schools. An exploratory qualitative survey research design was adopted for the study which targeted 10 public secondary schools that were randomly selected from among a total of 40 public secondary schools in Bungoma North Sub-County with respondents constituting Deputy Principals (who are the designated in-charge of student councils affairs in secondary schools), student council members, and ordinary students. Data was collected using open ended questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions and analysed through content analysis with the arising findings organized under common themes. The study identified the lack of adequate support to the student councils as well as leadership and managerial skill gaps among the student council members as the key inhibitors of the successful execution of their mandate. Consequently, the implementation of the following ten strategies were suggested as appropriate remedy to enhance the effectiveness of student councils within the public secondary schools in Bungoma North Sub-County: appropriate induction and continuous capacity building for student council members; holding regular student council meetings; supporting the student councils members in their roles and activities; delegating reasonable authority to student council members; allocating workstations and support infrastructure to student council members; avoiding work overload and inadequate representation; safeguarding confidentiality; ensuring impartial discharge of duties; academic and social support for student council leaders; and finally according student council leaders the respect they deserve.