Strategies for Effective Teacher Supervision in the Implementation of the Early Years Education Program in Lurambi Sub-County, Kenya

James Bill Ouda
Department of Educational Psychology
School of Education
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0942-6169
Email: jouda@mmust.ac.ke

Abstract: This study examined stakeholder perceptions of effective teacher supervision strategies and explored the association between perceived strategy effectiveness and perceived Early Years Education (EYE) program implementation status in Lurambi Sub-County, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The population comprised 65 schools, 65 EYE teachers-in-charge, 65 head teachers, 165 assistant teachers, 65 parent representatives, one Program Officer, and six ward representatives. Stratified random and purposive sampling techniques selected 85 respondents, of whom 66 returned completed questionnaires. Questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis guides were used for data collection. Because formal implementation records in the sub-county are inconsistent, stakeholder perceptions were treated as the most viable indicator of systemic functioning. Data were analysed and the findings showed that current teacher supervision practices are perceived as less effective (Mean: 1.9–3.0). A strong, positive, and significant association existed between perceived supervision strategy effectiveness and perceived program implementation status (r = .613, p < .05). The three strategies perceived as most effective are promoting professionalism (M = 4.25), instituting classroom visitation (M = 4.09), and providing targeted in-service training (M = 4.04). The study concludes that these strategies are perceived as essential for supervision, yet a severe perceived implementation gap undermines their practical impact. It is recommended that education authorities strategically empower administrators, reduce barriers to execution, and prioritize these evidence-based strategies to close the perceived supervision–implementation gap and ensure the EYE program delivers on its national objectives in Lurambi Sub-County.