Headteachers’ Provision of Conducive Working Conditions: A Predictor of Teachers Job Satisfaction in Public Primary Schools in Nandi County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of headteachers’ provision of conducive working conditions on teachers’ job satisfaction in public primary schools in Nandi County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was used. The target population for the study was 5470 teachers, in 691 primary schools in Nandi County. A sample of 548 teachers from 117 schools was done. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting teachers, 4 teachers per school to fill out the questionnaires. The instrument used in the collection of data was a questionnaire for teachers. The data from questionnaires were interpreted by quantitative analysis using Frequencies, percentages, and means were used to report the data was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The parameters of the working conditions include:  Provision of sanitary facilities, Availability of adequate staff facilities, Provide subsidized meals and water, Provides teacher's houses and security, Working well-ventilated rooms, Provide adequate teaching-learning materials and Provide ICT for communication. The results show that there was a statistically significant difference between groups as determined by one-way ANOVA (F (4, 91) =6.033, p=.000), (F (4, 91) =4.096 p=.004) for Provide open communication channels and Provision of sanitary facilities increase job satisfaction respectively. There was no significant difference between groups for: Providing subsidized meals, Availability of adequate staff facilities and water, and Providing teachers houses and security show (F(4,91) =1.166p=.331), (F(4,91) =1.686 p=.160 and (F(4,91) =1.718 p=.153 respectively. From the findings, it was established that head teachers' provision of conducive working conditions influenced teachers’ job satisfaction.

Further it was established that variables open communication channels and provision of sanitary facilities increased job satisfaction. It means that the more head teachers provided favorable working conditions, the more teachers were satisfied with their work.  The recommendations made to the Ministry of Education may support the teachers’ by financing, this can be realized through the mobilization of parents, politicians and other well-wishers to provide these funds for incentives and rewards in order to provide a good working conditions to teachers. Teachers Service Commission may through the head teachers and other TSC agents provide teachers with a conducive environment to enhance better result. The Board of Management ought to ensure that the head teachers provide conducive working conditions.