Proficiency of Management Practices in Responding to Implementation of Free Primary Education (FPE) Policy in Kenya
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Date
2015-01
Authors
Ogola, Martin O
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, January
Abstract
Many countries now increasingly recognize that the cost of education is not
affordable for the poor and may negatively impact enrolments and learning. To
counter this, a variety of measures have been put in place in different countries to
mitigate the hurtful effects of fees (United Nations Development Group, 2010). These
measures include reducing or eliminating tuition fees for the poor, offering
scholarships to attend school, providing free textbooks and other learning materials,
and providing free uniforms. This paper’s focus is therefore to assess whether the
management practices in primary schools is proficient in responding to the
implementation of FPE that eliminated user fees in public primary schools in Kenya.
It is based on a study that sought to determine whether the management practices of
headteachers reflected competent execution of their duties as chief executives in the
school organisation. The study was conducted in Kakamega and Kajiado districts,
Kenya. From the 59 schools sampled, 59 headteachers were used in the data
collection. Fourteen (14) Area Education Officers (AEOs), 118 parents, 118 School
Management Committee (SMC) members, 2 District Education Officers and 7 senior
officers from the Ministry of Education headquarters were also interviewed. The
study employed questionnaires, interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for
data collection. It is concluded that, with regard to the performance of their roles as
managers, headteachers generally regard themselves highly. However, many
headteachers still have inadequate competence in bookkeeping or accounting,
management of financial resources, public relations and guidance and counselling.
Members of School management Committees (SMCs), who form an important
component of the management of FPE funds, lack the requisite competencies and
skills for preparing school budgets.
Description
A Research Article in African Journal of Education, Science and Technology
Keywords
Free Primary Education Policy, Implementation, Management Practices, Proficiency, Response
Citation
Ogola,M. (2015). Proficiency of Management Practices in Responding to Implementation of Free Primary Education (FPE) Policy in Kenya" African Journal of Education, Science and Technology (AJEST). Vol 2 (2)