Abstract
Conflict connotes negative impact as is viewed in war, destruction, aggression, violence, and competition. Human beings interact with each other for their mutual give and take and as such come in conflict with one another. Evidences about interpersonal conflict show that it can be seen in the working relationship of the school principal and his subordinates, colleagues and even the community at large. The main objective of the study was to investigate the challenges facing conflict management in public secondary schools of Matete Sub- County, Kakamega County in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to establish conflict awareness challenges, examine the conflict management challenges and evaluate the role of the environment in conflict management in public secondary schools in Matete Sub-County. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design; the target population for the study was 170 participants, which included Principals, the Heads of Departments and the Bursars in public secondary schools in Matete Sub-county. The study used stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques to select the samples. Both open ended and closed ended questionnaires were used to collect data. Piloting was done to validate instruments. Reliability was ascertained using split halves method. Thematic data analysis and interpretation of the research findings were done to summarize, interpret data and communicate the results in a meaningful way. Statistical tools like percentages, pie charts and bar graphs were used to present the findings. In conclusion, the study established that conflict prevalence in schools was due to personality clash, poor leadership as well as communication breakdown. Dialogue was identified as the best way to deal with conflict challenges in schools.
