Vol. 2, Issue 12, Part G (2016)

Abstract
Kenya Gazette supplements No. 25:199 dated 30^th March 2001 bears the Legal Notice No. 56 that spelt out the misdemeanor of corporal punishment in Kenyan schools. Corporal punishment was forbidden in schools in Kenya and since then school discipline has deteriorated considerably and soon the school system may be rendered out of control due to the unruly behaviour of the learners (Kindiki, 2009). Therefore, with the challenges facing the education system the government has put in place measures geared towards curbing the indiscipline issues in learning institutions. Effective classroom management practices as well as counseling units not to forget inclusion of learners in formulation of the school rules and regulations has been introduced by the ministry (MOEST 2005) as an alternative to corporal form of punishment. In the face of the fore mentioned changes there have been reports of teachers continued use of the outlawed practice and this implies that the interventions put in place are not worth the salt in as far as improving the school discipline is concerned. This article considers the effect associated with abolishment of corporal punishment in as far as management of school discipline is concerned. It also explores the efficacy of alternative methods of curbing indiscipline in schools and how effective the outcome has been. Teacher’s preparedness towards this goal in the paradigm shift was discussed as well. The discussion draws heavily from the Neo-skinnerian model as well as the Roger model associated with shaping desired behaviour Critical analysis methodology was used in the study to review effects of corporal punishment abolishment on the management of discipline in Kenyan schools. A non- interactive research design that uses the existing literature was adopted to endorse the methodology utilized. The study conclusions were that alternative methods of dealing with discipline may not be effective if the key players in education adopts a hard line stance without proper consultations on how effectively the transition can be made smooth for teachers as well the learners. The study recommends that teacher education syllabus be reviewed to encompass the new development of abolishing corporal punishment for alternative methods in order to equip them with the required skills for managing discipline in Kenyan schools.