Headteachers’ Use of Guidance and Counseling on Students’ Retention in Secondary School Education in Masinga Sub County, Kenya

Improving retention in education has been accorded a high priority in the policies of most third world countries which clearly reflects a global recognition of the contribution that only education makes to development. Non completion of secondary schooling continues to be a matter of concern for policy makers and practioners worldwide. The purpose of this study was therefore to establish the influence of head teachers’ use of guidance and counselling on students’ retention in secondary school education in Masinga Sub County, Machakos County. The study used descriptive survey design and was guided by open systems theory. Data was collected from 25 head teachers and a target of form 3 and 4 population of 5022. A sample size of 370 students’ was used in this study. Simple random sampling was used to determine the male and female students while purposive sampling was used on the head teachers and deputy head teachers. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis guides. Reliability was ascertained through test – retest method and a reliability co-efficient of 0.70 was realized. In order to ensure face validity of the instruments, the researcher sought expert judgement from university lectures. Descriptive statistics and correlational analysis were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic framework. The findings showed that guidance and counselling has a positive influence on student retention (r = 0.746, p = 0.00) hence the hypothesis was rejected and an alternative hypothesis accepted. This suggests that increase in effective use of guidance and counseling by the head teachers’ will be associated with high rate of students’ retention. The study concluded that head teachers’ use of guidance and counselling influence student retention in secondary school education. The study recommended that head teachers should create supportive school environment where students’ feel comfortable seeking guidance and support. The study recommended that guidance and counselling in secondary schools should be supported by providing teacher counselors with resources needed for effective guidance and counselling. Key words: guidance and counseling, head teachers, students’ retention, secondary school. DOI : 10.7176/JEP/15-11-12 Publication date : October 30th 2024