Impact of QASO Quality Assurance Inspections on Educational Outcomes in Public Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the influence of regular school inspections by Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) on educational outcomes in public secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. Study Design: Descriptive correlational research design. Place and Duration of Study: Public secondary schools across five sub-counties (Imenti North, Imenti South, Igembe, Tigania, and Buuri) in Meru County, Kenya, with data collected over a period of one month. Methodology: The study's target population comprised 10,202 stakeholders, including 10 QASOs, 392 principals, 1,960 Heads of Department (HODs), and 7,840 classroom teachers. Yamane’s formula and stratified proportionate random sampling were used to select a sample of 385 respondents (10 QASOs via census, 15 principals, 74 HODs, and 286 classroom teachers). Data were collected using structured Likert-scale questionnaires for school staff and semi-structured interview guides for QASOs. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 31, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results: Of the 385 administered questionnaires, 372 were completed and returned (96.62% response rate). Regular school inspection demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with educational outcomes across classroom teachers (r = .58, P < .001), HODs (r = .50, P < .001), and principals (r = .67, P = .013). Simple linear regression models indicated that regular school inspection accounted for 33.2% of the variance in outcomes among teachers (R2 = .33, F1, 273 = 135.88, B = 0.66, P < .001), 25.3% among HODs (R2 = .25, F1, 69 = 23.36, B = 0.54, P < .001), and 44.4% among principals (R2 = .44, F1, 9 = 7.18, B = 0.58, P = .025). Inspection frequency recorded low mean scores (2.34–2.36), reflecting operational constraints. Conclusion: Regular school inspection by QASOs significantly enhances educational outcomes, driving curriculum compliance and school effectiveness. Addressing staffing and logistical challenges to increase inspection frequency is crucial for maximising academic impact.