Impact of the CDF in the development of public secondary schools in Mwala constituency
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Date
2011-08-12
Authors
Muchiri, Nthakyo Ndungwa
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Abstract
The Kenya Government established the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in 2003, within auspices of Social Dimension of Development Programme (SDDP) aimed at channeling resources to local levels for poverty reduction and regional development. The CDF provides funding to various community-based projects such as construction of schools, dispensaries, public toilets and improvement in service delivery like water. Despite the rationale for introduction of CDF, there are concerns on its efficiency to develop secondary schools' physical facilities. Some of the shortcomings experienced include; inadequate allocations and disbursements, low participation levels of parents and community members in decision making and monitoring of the projects, inadequate skills and knowledge on project management by head teachers and BoG members. The main purpose of the study was to assess the impact of Constituency Development Fund in development of public secondary schools in Mwala Constituency. It was also concerned with identifying the level of participation of parents and community members in decision making and monitoring of CDF projects as well as skills and knowledge on project management possessed by Head teachers and BoG members.
The study sampled 9 public secondary schools, using stratified sampling technique based on divisions. A total of 9 head teachers and 9 PTA chairpersons for the sampled secondary schools were involved in the study. A sample of 5 councillors in whose wards the sampled secondary schools were located and 1 CDF programme manager were also involved in the study. Making use of descriptive research design, the research sourced its data through questionnaires for head teachers, area councilors, and CDF Programme Manager. Interview schedule was used for PTA chairperson and observation schedule to investigate on-going projects in sampled secondary schools. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistical technique of distributions, computing percentages and making conclusions. The major findings indicated that several CDF projects including; science laboratories, library, dormitories and staff house have been established but they were incomplete due to inadequate funds. Parents and communities were not adequately involved in decision making and monitoring of the projects. Head teachers and BoG members do not have adequate skills and knowledge for proper project management. Conclusions made were that funds allocated and disbursed to public secondary school for development of physical facilities are inadequate. Participatory approach has not been used to involve parents and community members in decision making and monitoring of the CDF projects. Head teachers and BoG members lack adequate skills and knowledge to manage the CDF projects efficiently.
Description
Department of Education Management,99p.2010