Relationship between role clarity and student council effectiveness in public secondary schools in Mvita Sub-County, Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

Student councils provide a platform for student representation, participation and collaboration with school administration. Their effectiveness, however, depends on members' understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This study examined the relationship between role clarity and student council effectiveness in public secondary schools in Mvita Sub-County, Mombasa County, Kenya. Specifically, it investigated the influence of defined roles and responsibilities, role expectations, operational guidelines, training, accountability and supervision. Guided by Role Theory and Path–Goal Theory of Leadership, the study adopted a mixed-methods descriptive survey design covering all 15 public secondary schools. A sample of 189 respondents was targeted, of whom 179 participated, representing a 95% response rate. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews and analysed through descriptive, regression and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that clearly defined roles, operational guidelines, training and orientation, and accountability and supervision had significant positive relationships with student council effectiveness. The regression model explained 83.4% of the variation in effectiveness (R² = 0.834), with guidelines and policies (β = 0.595) and training and orientation (β = 0.334) emerging as key predictors. Role expectations were not statistically significant when other factors were controlled. Qualitative findings emphasised written procedures, leadership development, reporting mechanisms and administrative support. The study concludes that effective student councils require clear operational frameworks, structured capacity building and supportive accountability mechanisms. It recommends strengthening school policies, providing regular leadership training and mentorship, and enhancing administrative supervision to promote meaningful student participation and effective school governance.