Catherine Barasa Aujata, Enose M.W. Simatwa and Ayieko J. Yalo
Deputy Principals play a pivotal role in management of schools. The prerequisite of good job performance by a deputy principal is job satisfaction. However, when they are not satisfied they are likely to decline the position of deputy headship. From 2008 to 2012, four deputy Principals resigned, 2 were demoted and 15 refused to take up deputy headship in Hamisi Sub County, citing deputy headship position as not fulfilling. This was contrary to other neighbouring sub counties like Sabatia, Vihiga and Emuhaya which experienced only 3 cases of refusal to take up deputy headship position. The study established that the following factors influenced deputy principals job satisfaction: deputizing principals, acting as a principal in absence of the principal, disciplining students, student adherence to school rules and regulations, salaries, medical allowances, house allowance, celebration of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education results, delegation of duties to teachers, proximity of the school from the road network and proximity of deputy principal’s office to the principal’s office. The study concluded that the terms and conditions of service and principal’s leadership factors influence job satisfaction of deputy head teachers. The study recommended that Teachers Service Commission should improve on salaries and medical allowances for teachers while the principal should provide for housing. The findings of this study are significant to the Ministry of Education, students and teachers, Teachers Service Commission, County Directors of Education, Deputy Principals and Principals in formulating policies that promote job satisfaction and add to the body of knowledge on job satisfaction.
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