Management Constraints Facing Board of Management in the Implementation of Educational Policies in Public Secondary Schools in Mandera County, Kenya

Abstract

The study examined the management constraints facing board of management in the implementation of educational policies in public secondary schools in Mandera County, Kenya. The study was premised on the Goal Path Leadership Theory propounded by Martin Evans and Robert House which contends that people are satisfied by their work if they believe that their work will lead to things that are highly valued. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study involved a survey design of fivesecondary schools in the County. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw 5 principals and 30 members of the Board ofManagement in the selected schools to yield a sample size of 35 participants. Focus group guideline for members of Board of Management was the main research instrument used to collect data.The qualitative data obtained through interviews were analyzed thematically. The study established that most ofthe members of the Board of Management lacked requisite knowledge and skills to manage these institutions asa result of their low level of formal education. As a result, there were challenges including: lack of monitoring of most decisions made by the Board; frequent political interference especially from powerful politicians and members of the provincial administration; general school mismanagement, insecurity due attack by radical Alshaabab group and inter-clan conflicts among others. It was recommended that members of the Board of Management should be appointed on merit and provided with appropriate managerial training to enable them effectively play their respective roles as school managers in the study localeof Mandera County(256 words).