Abstract:
The study investigated the challenges to effective implementation of Artisan and Craft courses in Catholic sponsored community colleges in Nairobi region. Adopting mixed methods research design, 172 students, 18 teachers and four directors were sampled for the study. The study triangulated questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data summarized in form of narratives and excerpts. The findings revealed that the inadequacy of resources, students’ negative attitude, students’ inability to pay school fees, students’ low entry behavior and participation in co-curricular activities posed a challenge in implementation of Artisan and Craft curriculum. Moreover, teachers’ inappropriate instructional skills, lack of government support and poor management hindered the effective implementation of Artisan and Craft curriculum. The study recommends that constant monitoring, provision of playgrounds for co-curricular activities, employment of more qualified teachers, enhancing strong stakeholder networks and collaborations and enhancing funding sources for community colleges. In addition, college management should foster good relationships between teachers and students; enrich guidance and counseling programs and motivational talks. Finally, further research should be conducted on perceptions of students on management of community colleges and replicate this study on a wider geographic scope to generate findings with a wider implication.
