PRINCIPALS’ PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING AND ITS EFFECTS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KALAMA SUB-COUNTY, MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Performance contracting is one of the management tools used to elevate learning of learners in public learning institutions. Principals of public secondary schools sign performance contracts with their employer (TSC) at the start of the year with key intention being to improve academic performance of schools. However, the academic performance of learners has dwindled between 2019 and 2023 in public secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County in Kenya. This study therefore was analysing principal’s performance contracting and its effect on the academic performance of students in secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya. The study was guided by four specific research objectives which include: to examine effects of implementation of work plan by principals, principal’s supervision, principal’s training and motivation of principals on the academic performance of students in secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya. The study was guided by the goal setting theory. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study was a census of all 33 principals from public secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County. Data was collected using questionnaires which was distributed through drop and pick method. Qualitative data from open ended questions in the questionnaires was analysed thematically through content analysis and presented in descriptive statements. Quantitative data was keyed in to a SPSS analysis software (Version 29.0) to elicit both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive data was analysed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics was analysed using multiple linear regression model at 95 percent confidence level to determine whether there is relationship between principals’ performance contracting and academic performance of secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya. The study findings indicated that all aspects of the process of performance contracting which include implementation of operational work plan by principals, supervision of principals, training of principals and motivation of principals had significant positive effect on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya. The study recommends that there should be training to the principals and BOM on policy guidelines and on how they can manage school resources prudently to achieve success of the school and MOE should train both principals and BOM on how to prepare operational and strategic plan and how to implement them effectively. Secondly, QASOs, CSO and other field officers need to be facilitated in order to monitor schools and how teachers prepare professional documents, management of learners’ discipline and classroom attendance. Lastly, there should be a proper system for rewarding any outstanding performance among teachers in schools.