Factors influencing formulation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Embu North District, Kenya

Abstract

Organizations worldwide have been formulating and implementing strategic plans. Strategic planning gives forth possible ways in which the organization may be shaped for an efficient and effective performance over a long-term perspective of five to ten years. Schools in Kenya need to formulate the strategic plans for providing a strategic direction. The study aimed at finding out the factors influencing formulation of strategic plans in Public Secondary Schools in Embu North District. The specific objectives for the study were to find out how employee motivation, availability of funds, support by top school leadership, government policy and employees' know-how influences formulation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Embu North District. The study used descriptive research design targeting 360 members of top school leadership drawn from all 24 public secondary schools in the district. The study sample comprised of 72 respondents selected using census of the principals and purposive sampling of the B.O.G chairpersons and P.T.A chairpersons. The study utilized a questionnaire for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17. Descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation analysis were used to analyse data which was presented in form of tables, percentages and charts. The study revealed the following: First, formulation of school strategic plans can be enhanced by staff motivation through capacity building and effective communication. Second, funds needed for various uses can be sourced from parents, donors and various government agencies. Third, support by the top school leadership is essential in creating awareness on importance of strategic plans and approving the needed resources both human and financial in formulation process. Fourth, Government has not provided clear guidelines on what a school strategic plan should contain. Fifth, employees' know how is required to help the school develop appropriate strategies to suit its environment which can be enhanced through relevant training programmes. The study recommended that the government should create awareness to the school stakeholders on importance of strategic plans, provide clear guidelines on what school strategic plans should contain and enforce formulation through strict monitoring and evaluation.