Implementation of Safety Policy in Girls’ Boarding Secondary Schools in Bungoma East District, Kenya: Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

This study sought to establish challenges faced in implementation of safety policy in girls boarding secondary schools in Bungoma East District, Kenya. The study population comprised of 14 principals, 14 boarding mistresses, 276 teachers, four Quality Assurance and Standards Officers, 14 Board of Governors and 14 Parents Teachers Association chairpersons.  Saturated sampling technique was used to select 13 principals, 13 boarding mistresses and three Quality Assurance and Standards Officers. Board of Governors and Parents Teachers Association chairpersons were selected through purposive sampling technique while 92 teachers were selected through simple random sampling technique. Data collection instruments included questionnaires and interview schedules. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to analyze data through descriptive statistics in form of frequency counts, frequencies, percentages and graphs and content analysis to establish patterns and trends as themes and sub themes emerged. Some of the major findings of the study indicated that the Ministry of Education funded only 23% of provincial boarding schools in acquisition of fire-fighting equipments yet safety policy implementation is a lot more for schools. Financial constraints and sometimes mismanagement and inadequate community support were major challenges faced in implementing safety policy. Strategies varied from financial sourcing, capacity building to expert consultation. The study concluded that lack of both financial and human resources failed Quality Assurance and in carrying out regular assessment, monitoring and evaluation of implementing safety policy in girls boarding secondary schools. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education increases its budgetary allocation to cater for safety policy implementation while other relevant stakeholders step in to assist schools implement safety policy to the letter.

Keywords: safety policy, implementation, challenges faced, strategies, girls’ boarding