An investigation into the procurement of capital development works in day Secondary Schools in Murang'a north District

Abstract

The study investigated the procurement of capital development works in District Day Secondary Schools. Methods of works implementation were classified as externally managed also called contract method and internally managed also called self managed method. Mixed builder method was also observed in the investigation. The study involved 28 schools out of the previously targeted 44 schools. Pilot study showed that some of the District Schools had a life of about five years and lived on borrowed property from their mother primary schools. They had low rolls. Some schools had approval to charge capital development levy, but did not have projects as funds had not been collected. Self administered questionnaires were served to school principals who filled the details as the investigator waited. Some Principals requested for more time. These questionnaires were collected later but some were never given back. Collected data was analysed using frequency tables, graphs, ratios and percentages. Self managed project procurement was found to be commonly used in District Day Secondary Schools with a 65% use. Projects which did not attract external funds took longer periods of time to complete. Contracted projects took an average of two and half years. Capital development funds charged by schools was found inadequate in funding projects worth over Ksh 1.3 million in District Day Secondary Schools. Half of the providers of funds could not benefit. District Day Secondary Schools were found to procure capital projects through self managed method. This method used less funds and principals found it convenient.