EFFECTIVENESS OF BOARD OF MANAGEMENT IN PRIMARY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT IN KAJIADO CENTRAL SUB-COUNTY, KENYA.

Author

Dr. Jirm B. Elle, Dr. Joshua Keter , Alice Jebet

Abstract

 The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Board of Managements (BOMs) in primary school management in Kajiado Central Sub-County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to: examine BOM participation in resource mobilization, assess the influence of BOM involvement on resource utilization, explore the impact of BOM participation in decision-making processes, and identify challenges faced by BOMs in mobilizing community support for education. The study employed a descriptive research design, targeting a population of 759 respondents, including BOM members, head teachers, teachers, and sub-county education officers. A sample of 120 respondents was selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data collection involved questionnaires for teachers and BOM members and interview schedules for head teachers and sub-county education officers. Pilot testing was conducted in Machakos County to assess validity and reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The Chi-square test was used to examine differences between observed and expected variables, and results were presented in charts, tables, and frequencies. The study found that 38% of respondents (17) disagreed that BOM involvement significantly increased school resources, and 40% (18) disagreed that BOM members were trained in fund mobilization. However, 51% (23) agreed that BOM participation fostered partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. In terms of resource utilization, 51% (23) agreed there were adequate classrooms, but 58% (26) disagreed that there were enough teachers, and 76% (34) disagreed that resource usage was properly monitored. Regarding decision-making, 51% (23) disagreed that BOMs were involved in decisions between teachers and head teachers, and only 18% (8) agreed that learners participated in decision-making. The study also found that 60% (27) of respondents agreed that BOMs were committed to their duties, but challenges such as poor resource utilization (51%), poor decision-making processes (49%), and embezzlement of funds (60%) persisted. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education provide targeted training and capacity-building programs for BOM members, implement regular monitoring and evaluation of BOM activities, and ensure that school administrators actively involve teaching staff, parents, and BOMs in decision-making processes to improve resource management and academic outcomes.

Keywords

Board of Management; primary school management; resource mobilization; resource utilization; decision-making; Kajiado Central Sub-County.

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