Principal leadership and its impact on student discipline in Kenyan secondary schools: a case of Koibatek district

Abstract

This paper attempts to establish the relationship between leadership approach and students’ discipline in secondary schools. A descriptive survey design was adopted to obtain data allowing the accurate description of situations or relationships in schools in Koibatek District. The study targeted principals, teachers and students in the schools; the results are presented in form of descriptive statistical techniques. The study found that principals frequently or sometimes involve other stakeholders, particularly teachers, students and to some extent parents, in the management of their schools They communicate clearly to students but frequently retain the final authority over most issues. The study found the existence of a significant relationship between leadership approach and student discipline. It is recommended that principals embrace democratic leadership in their capacities as school leaders by involving teachers, students and other stakeholders in decision making processes.

Key words: Leadership style, discipline, secondary schools, Koibatek District, Kenya