Abstract:
The Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MoEST) developed the Education
Sector Policy on HIV and AIDS in 2004 and tasked school managers amongst other
stakeholders with implementation. Provision of HIV & AIDS education is aimed at
prevention and management of HIV & AIDS. Care and support of learners made
vulnerable by HIV & AIDS in academic institutions aimed at ensuring that their academic
journeys are not interrupted. The study investigated the challenges facing implementation
of the Education Sector Policy on HIV & AID Sand provision of care and support to
orphaned and vulnerable learners (OVLs) in public secondary schools in Kenya. The
objectives of the study were to find out effects of teacher preparedness, external
circumstances, time, resources, policy content and organizational factors on
implementation of the Education Sector Policy on HIV & AIDS. The study was guided
by Gunn’s argument which advanced the independent variables of this study. The
independent variables were teacher preparedness, external circumstances, time, resources,
policy content and organizational factors while the dependent variable was
implementation of the Education Sector policy on HIV & AIDS. The research
methodology was both qualitative and quantitative and the study employed survey
research design. It was carried out in Kajiado County in Kenya. The study targeted public
secondary schools in the County. Stratified and simple random sampling methods were
used to select schools across the five sub counties of Kajiado County. Purposive sampling
method was used to select head teachers, deputy head teachers, class teachers and
guidance and counseling teachers. Data was collected using questionnaires and
interviews. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data which was presented in charts,
tables, percentages, means and standard deviations. Correlation and regression analyses
determined the relationship between the independent and dependent variables and the
strength of that relationship respectively. The study findings indicated that teacher
preparedness, organizational factors, time, resources, policy content and external
circumstances influence implementation of the Education Sector Policy on HIV & AIDS
in providing HIV & AIDS education and care and support to OVLs. Correlation and
regression analyses established that there was a relationship between the independent and
the dependent variable and this relationship was strong. The study recommended that
these factors need to be considered in any effort to boost implementation of the policy on
HIV & AIDS education and provision of care and support to OVLs in public secondary
schools. The study further recommended that teachers be trained on the content of the
policy and guidance and counseling programs and activities in schools be strengthened to
address education on HIV & AIDS adequately. In addition, the study recommended that
HIV & AIDS education programs and activities be allocated more time in the school
curriculum and adequate resources and funds be availed. The study recommended that the
teachers be given support to enable their participation in HIV & AIDS education
programs and activities in schools and providing care and support to OVLs.