The Determinants Influencing The Implementation Of HIV/AIDs Policy At The Teachers Service Commission In Kenya

ABSTRACT

Over the years, HIV / AIDS has become a major threat to the socio-economic development in the world especially in economically poor countries. HIV/ AIDS continues to be the leading cause of death in the region with 2.1 million AIDS related deaths. A total of 33.2 million people worldwide were also living with HIV/AIDS (WHO, 2007).Due to high prevalence of HIV/ AIDS worldwide, HIV/ AIDS policies have become crucial in many organizations for the purpose of addressing the scourge. These policies have implications in productivity, attainment of harmonious working relationships, facilitation of equal opportunities and availability of certain privileges to employees who are HIV positive (Krammar, 2001). Although the TSC has developed a sub-sector workplace policy on HIV/ AIDS the implementation of this policy has remained a major challenge. However no scientific research has been done to establish the determinants influencing the implementation of the HIV/ AIDS policy at the Teachers Service Commission of Kenya. This study therefore sought to establish the determinants influencing the implementation of the HIV/ AIDS policy at the Teachers Service Commission of Kenya. As part of the specific objectives, the study sought to establish the effects of education and training, discrimination and stigma, monitoring and evaluation, care, treatment and support and resource allocation on the implementation of the HIV/AIDS policy at the Teachers Service Commission of Kenya. The study design was descriptive. The target population was 2400 secretariat staff comprising of 24 Commissioners, 200 senior management staff, 976 Middle management staff and 1200 junior staff. A stratified sample of 10% (240) was selected from the population of 2400. Data collection tool used in the research was a questionnaire which was administered to the respondents. The questionnaire had both closed and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data through the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Data was presented in form of frequency distribution, percentages or pie charts. The findings established low level of the Teachers' Service Commission (TSC) management supports for education and training of staff with HIV/AIDS. This study recommends that the TSC management need to sensitize staff on issues of HIV/AIDS through organizing seminars and workshops on HIV/AIDS policy. 1n addition, the management needs to embark on a consorted effort to support education and training for all staff without any form of discrimination. This will go along way in improving the employees output in the organization.