Analysis of Effectiveness of Boards of Management in the Governance of Public Secondary Schools in Nyandarua County, Kenya
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Date
2017-10
Authors
Paul, Muchiri Wachira
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Boards of Management (BOM) is a committee established by the state department of
Education to supervise education in government schools in conjunction with other
education stakeholders such as the Parent Teachers Association (PTAs), the County
Education Boards (CEB) and the local community. The effectiveness of the newly
restructured BOMs in the governance of basic education institutions in Kenya is an
issue that requires in depth interrogation considering that the process of constituting
them has neither been studied nor their efficiency investigated. The objective of the
study was to analyze the effectiveness of BOMs in the governance of secondary
schools in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Specifically, the study analyzed how skills,
knowledge, the process of BOM constitution and the challenges they face in
carrying out their roles, influence the governance of public secondary schools in 35
schools located in Nyandarua North Sub-County. The researcher anticipated
hesitancy of respondents to divulge sensitive information regarding the study
however, the researcher assured the respondents that the data collected would be
purely utilized for academic purposes and would remain confidential to overcome
the challenge. The study theoretical framework was based on the collegial models of
education management. The study employed descriptive survey research design and
used both stratified and purposive sampling, targeting a total of 475 respondents
who included 35 principals, 158 teachers’ representatives in the BOM, 245 BOM
members and 35 PTA chairpersons. It also included both the D-QASSO and the
County Education officer. The study purposively selected 20% of the target
population that gave a sample size of 44. Questionnaires and an interview schedule
were used to obtain both qualitative and quantitative data. To enhance validity and
reliability a pilot study was conducted in Nyandarua Central Sub-County. To boost
the possibility of giving honest the respondents were encouraged to give their views
anonymously. Descriptive data was analyzed using SPSS. Results of data analysis
were presented using frequency and percentage tables, while graphs were included
for clarity. The study revealed that most BOM do not have sufficient managerial
competencies which enable good governance of public secondary schools. The study
also revealed that the process of appointing board members has some shortcomings.
The study recommends that the MOEST should train BOM members on requisite
management and governance skills and should hold regular refresher training for
them. Recommendations from this study are important to States Education
Department as well as County Governments and would generally help improve
education standards and services.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Education in Fulfillment of the Degree of Master of Education of Kenyatta University