Influence Of School Resources Allocation On Disaster Risk Management In Public Secondary Schools In Nairobi City County Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how allocation of resources influenced disaster risk management (DRM) in Nairobi public secondary institutes of Kenya. The study was guided by the Emergent Norm theory and Risk Management theory. Methodology: A mixed methodology and a concurrent triangulation study design were used in carrying out this study. The study population comprised of 282 individuals and sample size of 167 respondents (principals, heads of departments (HODs), boards of management (BOM) and Sub-County quality assurance and standards officers (Sub-QASOs)). Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was gathered using interview guides. Closed ended answers were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages as well as inferential statistics which were tested at 95% confidence level using linear regression and results presented in figures and tables. However, qualitative data was analysed thematically and results presented narrative form based on themes derived from objectives. Findings: Study results on the extent of availability of resources for management of disaster risks established that most public secondary schools had security personnel, had adequate space in classes, and did not have safe classrooms and dormitories while most schools in Nairobi County did not have any fire extinguisher. On the other hand, the study found that in public secondary schools of Nairobi County, hiring of security personnel was the aspect of disaster risk management most influenced by schools resource allocation, followed by fencing of school compounds, regular disaster management drills for staff and students, introduction of DRM in the school curricula, fitting rooms with grill free door and windows with provision of manuals on DRM having the least influence. Unique contributions theory, practice and policy: The Emergent Norm Theory proposed observes that during emergency/disaster, people come together with one objective in mind; that is to successfully manage the said catastrophe. Through this process the individuals in a collective action work for better ways of not only to manage the disaster after occurrence but also best preventive measures. This study shows that one of the preventive measures for DRM is resource allocation by the school managers. On practice, the study recommends that the government should provide adequate funding and other requisite resources for management of disaster risk in schools throughout the country. Lastly, with regards to policy, the study recommends that teachers' service commission of Kenya should also revise the policy on appointment of school managers' to focus more on merit.