Factors Affecting Teachers Satisfaction in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Case of Nanyuki Municipality, Laikipia County

Satisfaction of teachers when carrying out their duties is important for the learners to benefit fully. This study examined factors affecting teachers’ satisfaction in public secondary schools in Kenya, basing the same on Nanyuki municipality in Laikipia. The main objective of the study was to assess how three factors namely workload, opportunities in career advancement and regular performance appraisals affected teachers’ level of satisfaction. To achieve the objectives of the research, both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to collect data. A total of 70 teachers were randomly selected from six institutions who responded to a questionnaire. The principals of the six institutions and the TSC County Director were purposively selected to give factual information. The study found out that government employed teachers were not enough in schools and that the gap is usually filled by BOM employed teachers. Also, the teachers in boarding schools were dissatisfied because they worked for more hours than those in day schools and that their pay was not commensurate with their contribution. Further, teachers needed some prescribed training that they would undertake in career development and failure of the same had resulted to dissatisfaction. Finally, the appraisal of performance was being supported, but teachers wanted to participate in the designing of tools for operations. Recommendations were that the role being played by BOM teachers was vital, and the government can give subsidies. Teachers in boarding schools do more work and there is need to recognize their contribution. All teachers should be scheduled to attend development courses to grow their careers. In line with the principle of participation embraced in governance in Kenya, the trade unions to be allowed to give input to enrich the performance management system.