The experiences of female head teachers in rural primary schools in Kenya

Abstract

This paper attempts to provide an overview of the extent of women leadership in schools in Kenya. It pays particular attention to importance of women in leadership; barriers to become women school leaders; the women and leadership in the Kenyan education sector; factors that would encourage women to scramble for leadership positions in Kenyan schools; and efforts to address gender disparities in school leadership. The findings reveal the commitment of the Kenyan government, through various policies, to eradicate gender disparities and the impact of gender stereotyping. With the under-presentation of women in educational leadership positions more in-depth national studies on school leadership and female representation in leadership in Kenya are necessary to guide policy and programme development on gender equality.