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Item Influence of non-teaching staff’s idea Sustainability on service delivery in Secondary schools: a study of Embu County, Kenya(African Journal of Emerging Issues (AJOEI)., 2025-08) George, Mbijiwe Mungeera; Paul, Gichohi Maku; Severina, MwirichiaPurpose: The study sought to examine the influence of idea sustainability by non-teaching staff on service delivery in secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya. The investigation was guided by the Modified Quantitative Service Delivery Theory and addressed the persistent challenges of poor service delivery despite the critical role of non-teaching staff in school operations. Methodology: The study used a mixed-methods cross-sectional survey targeting 2,219 participants, with 337 sampled through stratified and systematic sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, with validity confirmed and reliability at α = 0.895. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and through Pearson correlation, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results: The findings revealed a statistically significant and moderate positive relationship between idea sustainability and service delivery (r = .527, p < 0.01). However, overall levels of idea sustainability were low, hindered by lack of managerial support, inadequate recognition, resource constraints, poor communication, and insufficient capacity building. Schools with higher levels of idea sustainability recorded better service delivery outcomes, including responsiveness to complaints, reduced sluggishness, and improved stakeholder satisfaction. Conclusion: Sustaining viable ideas from non-teaching staff significantly improves service delivery in secondary schools but remains low due to leadership, resource, and motivation gaps. Recommendations: Secondary schools should institutionalize inclusive leadership, establish innovation oversight structures, enhance capacity building, introduce robust recognition systems, allocate sufficient resources, and promote a culture that tolerates experimentation.Item The Influence of Idea Generation by Non-Teaching Staff on Service Delivery in Secondary Schools in Embu County((IJPP) International Journal of Professional Practice, 2025) George, Mbijiwe Mungeera; Severina, Mwirichia; Paul, Gichohi MakuThe engagement of the non-teaching staff in secondary schools is expected to contribute to effective service delivery. However, in Kenyan secondary schools, poor service delivery continues to be reported despite the critical role the non-teaching staff play in school development. The main focus of the study was on the effect of idea generation by the non-teaching staff on service delivery in secondary schools in Embu County. Adopting a cross-sectional survey research design, and grounded on pragmatist philosophy, the study employed a mixed-methods approach. The target population included 1,803 non-teaching staff, 208 principals, and 208 Board of Management (BoM) chairpersons. Stratified and proportionate systematic sampling ensured representative selection across school categories and sub-counties. A sample size of 337 respondents was achieved with 10 principals selected from 5 sub-counties, 10 BoM chairs from 5 sub-counties and 317 non-teaching staff from 140 secondary schools. The study utilized questionnaire tools on the non-teaching staff, an interview guide on principals and focused group discussions for the BoMs. Validity and reliability of the instruments were confirmed through construct, content, and face validity, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), and correlation analysis for quantitative data; and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results were presented using tables, and themes. The results indicated that idea generation was low with key barriers including fear and intimidation, poor communication channels, lack of confidence and low self-esteem, lack of opportunities and platforms, and resource constraints. However, drivers such as effective communication, inclusive leadership, recognition, collaborative leadership, regular staff development forums and training emerged as essential for fostering innovative work behaviour, trickling down to enhanced service delivery by non-teaching staff. The study concluded that there is a positive and significant relationship between idea generation and service delivery in secondary schools in Embu County. The study recommends that school management, led by principals and supported by Boards of Management (BoM), establish structured and inclusive platforms for harnessing idea generation among non-teaching staff in secondary schools.Item Influence of Principals’ Innovation on Financial Management in Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya((IJPP) International Journal of Professional Practice, 2023) Sarah, Njeri Mungai; Severina, Mwirichia; Paul, GichohiPrincipals’ receptivity to innovative ways of running the operations of their institutions should be based on methods that minimize costs, save time and allow excellence. However, there is inadequate financial resources that disallow adequate use of digital resources in secondary schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principals’ receptivity to innovation on financial management in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The study used descriptive research design, and targeted a population of 389 secondary schools. The study used simple random sampling method to get a sample of 117 secondary schools. It further used purposive sampling method to obtain 117 principals. The study used drop and pick method to administer questionnaires to the respondents. Piloting of research instruments was done in twelve secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County. The study analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean. It also carried out correlation analysis to test hypothesis. The results revealed that 80(92%) were in agreement on a mean of 4.93 that donors and sponsors were more convinced in investing their financial resources in the schools. However, 66(76%) were not in agreement on a mean of 2.82 that the school had made plans to ensure that all departments adopted various technological and social innovation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was r=0.286** at α < 0.000 and 99% significance level, hence as a positive influence; thereby rejected the null hypothesis. The study concluded that digitalization was only used by the management, while departments required to prepare departmental budgets manually. This slowed the process of decision making for the principals. The study recommended that the ministry of education considers increasing annual funding for secondary schools. Principals should also explain to the management boards the need to digitalize the whole school as opposed to a few departments.Item Principal’s Visionary Leadership and Financial Management in Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(Journal of Education, 2023-05) Njeri, Mungai Sarah; Severina, Mwirichia; Paul, GichohiAn ideal funding system in a secondary school provides a key avenue for ensuring that its operations are running smoothly. It should have reliable structures of administration with competent staff such as the bursars and accounts clerks. Nevertheless, that has not been the case due to delays caused by the government when releasing funds and fees paid by the students to secondary schools. The purpose of the study was to investigate principals' visionary leadership and financial management in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The study used a survey research design that was descriptive and cross-sectional. The target population was 389 secondary schools which were sampled through a random sampling method to get schools. It further used a purposive sampling method to obtain 117 principals and 117 bursars. The study administered questionnaires and also collected secondary data. Piloting was done in twelve secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County. The study analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean. It also carried out correlation analysis to test hypothesis. The study found that there was low professional advancement of staff working in the accounts office which was attributed to a failure of principals to push for the same, fearing that the staff may leave the school for greener pastures after the training. The study recommends that principals should make the initiative of ensuring that they motivate the accounting staff by equipping themselves with the skills and expertise for career advancementItem Democratization of Student Leaders’ Elections and its Effect on Students’ Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP), 2021-09) M’muyuri, Misheck Mutuma; Kibaara, Tarsila; Severina, MwirichiaDemocratization of student leaders’ appointment by way of allowing students in public secondary schools to elect their leaders is one of the approaches designed to enhance student discipline. However, the link between this approach and students’ discipline has been unclear considering the rise in misconduct among students, which is manifest in periodic destruction of properties in schools and the deterioration of morals among students. This study sought to determine the effect of involving students in electing their leaders on students' discipline in public secondary schools in Meru County. The Bandura’s social learning theory of 1977 was critical in guiding this study. The study applied a descriptive survey research design to select ten principals, 196 deputy principals, and 384 student leaders. Schools were stratified into categories, before a systematic sampling technique was applied in each stratum. Both the principals and the deputy principals were purposively selected, while simple random sampling was used in selecting students’ leaders. Questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis were utilized in collecting data, while factor analysis, frequencies, percentages and means were computed with the help of SPSS. Ordinal logistical regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis, while the thematic technique was used to analyze the qualitative data. Cases of indiscipline were prevalent in most public secondary schools in Meru County. The study found out that only 52% of schools allowed students to elect their leaders, while 48% had students’ leaders appointed by teachers. Many schools lacked elaborate electoral processes and a profound orientation program for students’ leaders. Students' involvement in electing their leaders was statistically significant in affecting secondary schools' discipline. The study recommended the Ministry of Education to liaise with principals of secondary schools in streamlining the electoral processes, develop student leadership electoral policy, and devise holistic involvement mechanisms to ensure free and fair elections of students’ leaders. Further, the study recommended that principals should educate students on electoral processes and train the elected leaders on effective leadership. The findings of this study have implications on election democracy and methods for electing students’ leaders in public secondary schools in Kenya.Item Assessment of Students’ Participation in Making Decisions on their Welfare Matters towards improving Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(Journal of Education, 2021-09) M’muyuri, Misheck Mutuma; Kibaara, Tarsila; Severina, MwirichiaThe discipline of students in secondary schools is a global concern. Research has shown that failure to involve young people in decision making affects their conduct and behaviour. The government of Kenya directed all schools to embrace democracy by applying students in making decisions. Nevertheless, despite this initiative, most public secondary schools in Meru County have continued to report many cases of indiscipline, leading to the disruption of learning and property loss. This study aimed to determine the effect of involving students in making decisions regarding their welfare matters on students' discipline in public secondary schools in Meru County. It was guided by the Bandura's social learning theory and applied a descriptive survey research design to select ten principals, 196 deputy principals, and 384 student leaders. A stratified sampling technique was applied in selecting the schools. Individual schools in each category were selected systematically. Two students' leaders and deputy principals from the sampled schools were selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires, documentary analysis, and interviews. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and factor analysis were computed. Ordinal logistical regression was conducted using SPSS to test the research hypothesis, while the thematic technique was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study noted many cases of indiscipline in most public secondary schools in Meru County. Only a few of schools were involving students in making decisions on their affairs. Partial involvement was noted in a sizeable number of schools. Poor involvement was attributed to the unrealistic demands from students, weak systems, lack of elaborate policy and structures for involvement. Despite the dismal participation of students in making decisions on student's affairs matters, it individually accounted for 74.6% variation in the students' discipline in public secondary schools. Clear policy framework from the Ministry of Education was critical in guiding the areas of involvement and how principals should involve students' leaders in making a decision on students' matters in the school. Principals should also devise creative methods of soliciting, vetting and moderating ideas from the students. The findings have implications on policy, structures and practices on t