(Tangaza University College, 2001-05) Macharia, Pauline
The researcher undertook this study to look into the whole issue of prefects in the
Kenyan Secondary Schools with a view of giving recommendations for a prefect
system that is workable in the 21st Century.
The research was undertaken in Loreto Valley Road, a girls' day school situated
along Valley Road, Nairobi The data were collected from the students, teachers,
parents, prefects and the administration. 60 questionnaires were given to
students,teachers, prefects and parents while the administration represented by the
headmistress and her Deputy were interviewed in person.
The research findings showed that the prefects in Loreto Valley Road are selected
and elected by students and later on endorsed by the teachers. Although the prefect
system would still do with some improvement it has been working well in the
school so far.
The respondents appreciated in many ways the role of the prefects in the school
especially that of linking the administration/teachers with the students. It is no
wonder many of them asserted that prefects are still needed in Loreto Valley Road
and indeed, in the Kenyan Secondary Schools.
The research concluded by giving a few recommendations among them - redefining
the role of the prefects in the secondary schools so that the prefects and the whole
school know the boundaries within which the prefects are to operate and to ensure
support from all the concerned parties.