Gender and leadership effectiveness among secondary school principals in Mtito Andei division, Kibwezi East sub county.

Abstract

Educational leadership has a critical role in the transformation of society, and for 0 to happen, effective leaders are key elements. Along with the widespread belief e quality of leadership makes a significant difference to school and student outcomes, there is also increasing recognition that effective school leaders and managers have to be developed if they are to provide the best possible education for their learners. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of leadership effectiveness among male and female principals in Mtito-Andei Division. The study used descriptive research design. The study targeted principals and teachers in public secondary schools within Kibwezi East Sub county, making a target population of 150 teachers and 28 principals. A sample size of 10 principals and 45 teachers were selected through random sampling methods. The researcher used questionnaires and interview schedules in data collection. Pilot testing was conducted to determine quality - e instruments used. Data was analyzed through the use of SPSS and the findings presented in frequencies, means, percentages, standard deviation and tables. The study concluded that there was a great difference in leadership effectiveness among school based on gender in public secondary schools in Mtito-Andei. The study further concluded that male principals tended to do better than their female counterparts in managing staff and students, enhancing discipline and managing financial resources in public secondary schools in Mtito-Andei Division. The researcher recommends that head teachers' should embrace male leadership styles. This because the male leadership styles in Mtito-Andei Division had more effectiveness among the school principals. The researcher further recommends that government policy makers should come up with policies or guidelines regarding the leadership