Abstract:
Students are important in any education system. Despite the efforts that have been made by the national and county governments to improve literacy and retention of learners in schools .student dropout rates is still a great challenge. The study therefore sought to establish the influence of leadership style on dropout rates in Emgwen Division, Nandi County. The objectives of the study were to estimate the independent and dependent variables influencing students drop out rates. The study was predicated on the assumptions that the school management practices influence dropout rates and the respondents would give honest responses which are a true reflection of the situation in the study area. The study was guided by Social Systems Theory which postulates that the interaction of any interrelated and interdependent parts affect the whole system. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research method (mixed methodology).The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The targeted population comprised of 45 Head teachers and 353 teachers. A sample of 106 teachers and 14 head teachers formed the respondents of the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the Headteachers. A questionnaire and interview schedule was used to obtain data from teachers and head teachers. The validity of instruments was achieved by ensuring that they are based on stated objectives and critical review by the supervisors and examiners in department of examinations. Cronbach alpha was used to estimate the reliability. Research permit was sought from National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation and also the introduction letters from the County Education Officer and the County Commissioner to carry out the study .Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. The study established 68.8% of the respondents agreed that the head teachers adopted the democratic leadership style and about 50% of them indicated that Head teachers demonstrated exemplary leadership characteristics. In addition, 52.7% of the respondents noted that students were never rewarded when they perform well. In conclusion the study findings revealed that school management practices specifically leadership styles, leadership characteristics and motivation approaches have influence students‘dropout rates in schools. The study recommends the enhancing of capacity building for head teachers and teachers and establishing the means of ensuring motivation of students and teachers is done regularly. The implementation of the stakeholders will enhance retention and thus minimizing students drop out rates in schools
