IMPACTS OF INSTITUTIONAL CHILD PROTECTION POLICIES ON THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF LEARNERS IN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN KENYA
Amos Muiruri Mburu - Masters of Security Management and Police Studies, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Child protection in educational settings has emerged as a critical concern globally with international schools facing unique challenges in safeguarding learners. The rapid expansion of international schools in Kenya has necessitated the implementation of robust child protection policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of learners. However, this study aimed to examine the impacts of institutional child protection policies on the safety and wellbeing of learners in international schools in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives; to examine the extent to which child protection policies are implemented in international schools in Kenya, to assess the influence of staff training and awareness on the effectiveness of institutional child protection policies, and to determine the effect of reporting and response mechanisms on the safety and wellbeing of learners. The study was anchored by Attachment Theory and Social Ecological Theory. The research employed a phenomenological research design. The target population for the study consisted of stakeholders involved in child protection within international schools in Kenya. This included school administrators, teachers, counselors, child protection officers, parents and representatives from child rights organizations. The study utilized purposive sampling techniques to select participants who had relevant knowledge and experience related to child protection in international schools. Therefore, a sample size of 30 selected stakeholders. The primary research instruments used in the study were semi-structured interviews. Data collected were analyzed thematically. The study revealed that nearly 72% of the participants acknowledged the existence of formal child protection policies in international schools in Kenya. However, only 38% reported that these policies were comprehensively implemented and consistently enforced. Participants noted significant variations in implementation effectiveness between different schools, highlighting disparities in resource allocation and institutional commitment. Further, the findings indicated that only 33% of the stakeholders believed that adequate staff training and awareness programs were in place to ensure effective child protection. Additionally, 41% of participants reported that reporting and response mechanisms were sufficiently robust to address child safety concerns promptly and effectively. The study concluded that while most international schools in Kenya have developed child protection policies, implementation remains inconsistent and often lacks the necessary institutional support and resources The study recommended that international schools in Kenya should prioritize comprehensive implementation of child protection policies with adequate resource allocation and institutional commitment.