HOIs’ leadership practices in vision communication for CBE sustainability in public junior schools in Kisii County, Kenya

Rosalia Bosibori Nyamwamu
Department of Educational Administration, Planning & Economics, Kisii University, Kenya.

Justina Ndaita
Department of Educational Administration, Planning & Economics, Kisii University, Kenya.

Benard Omenge Nyatuka
Department of Educational Foundations, Kisii University.

ABSTRACT

Curriculum reform is vital for ensuring an education system meets societal demands. In Kenya, the sustainability of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) in public junior schools has become a critical concern in the wake of on-going educational reforms. Despite significant government investments in teacher training, retooling, instructional resources, and infrastructure, the rollout of CBE in public junior schools has encountered persistent hurdles including resistance to change among Heads of Institutions (HOIs) and restrained relationship with educators due to their deficient leadership practices as change agents. Particularly, their unpreparedness in CBE implementation is evident both at the institutional and national levels. Among others, sustaining this educational system requires more than policy directives; it necessitates visionary leadership at the school level. This study aimed at establishing HOIs’ communication practices of vision in CBE application. A mixed-methods research design was employed, while data were collected using a questionnaire and an interview schedule. The study results from descriptive analysis showed high mean score for vision communication (M = 4.23, SD = 0.58). Additionally, qualitative findings corroborated the quantitative results by emphasizing shared vision, innovation, collaboration, and adaptability as key factors for sustaining CBE. The study concluded that visionary leadership practices of HOIs significantly influence the sustainability of CBE in public junior schools.

Keywords: Competency-Based Education (CBE), visionary leadership, vision communication, sustainability, change management, Kisii County, Kenya.

Article Type: Open Access

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