Decentralization of Teachers’ Recruitment and Promotion of Teachers: Predictor of Service Delivery among Public Secondary School Teachers in Westlands Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate influence of decentralization of Teachers Service Commission functions on service delivery among public secondary school teachers in Westlands Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: To establish the influence of decentralization of teachers’ recruitment and to determine the influence of decentralization of promotion of teachers on service delivery in public secondary schools in Westlands Sub County, Kenya. The study was guided by functionalist perspectives theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample consisted of one Teachers Service Commission Sub County Director of Education, 13 principals and 60 teachers. Data were collected by use of an interview guide and questionnaires. Data were analyzed by use of descriptive statistics which included frequencies, percentages, and means.  The study established that secondary school teachers in Westlands Sub County, Kenya found that decentralization of teachers’ recruitment was based on the year of graduation and age rather than on competence. The study also found that the promotion of teachers had improved teachers’ delivery of service and motivated teachers to be readily available to assist the students. The study concluded that decentralization of teacher recruitment increases transparency in the recruitment exercise. It also concluded that decentralization of promotion of teachers increases teachers’ morale, and hence more teachers dedicate their time to students. The study recommended the recruitment panels at the county level should consider the time when the teachers graduated and the grade strength and that decentralized promotion of teachers should be above board all the time.