Abstract:
ackground
In Kenya, as elsewh
ere in the world, corporal punishment has been banned as a disciplinary
mechanism in schools. The perception exists that this has resulted in an increase in misconduct
and indiscipline among secondary school learners. It should, however, be acknowledged th
at
there is a variety of other factors that also impact on the status of discipline in schools and that
this increase in misconduct might not have been caused solely or mainly by the banning of the
cane.
Purpose
The purpose of this investigation was to
identify such factors and their influence on secondary
school discipline in Kenyan secondary schools.
Design and methods
This is a position paper that unpacks these factors within the Kenyan context. The concept of
discipline is presented through some o
f its definitions and its aim, the recent manifestation of
indiscipline in Kenyan schools is described, factors that impact on discipline are
presented
and
the effects of indiscipline are briefly indicated.
Conclusions
Finally, some recommendations are
made on the way forward towards improving discipline in
Kenyan schools. These recommendations would also be of value in other contexts where corporal
punishment is no longer allowed.
