BOARD OF MANAGEMENT PARTICIPATION IN IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLANS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN ELDORET EAST SUB-COUNTY, UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The uses of Strategic plans in modern institutions have developed indicators of successes in both public and private schools. It enabled stakeholders to define priorities, nature innovation and develop creativity. Strategic plan encourages co-ordination, provides efficiency and effectiveness in mechanisms of an organization. The study sought to investigate whether or not roles assigned to BOM based on the Ministry of Education Science and Technology Strategic Plan, (2006–2011) in Eldoret East Sub-county influence implementation of Strategic plans. The study was guided to conclusion by four objectives namely, to assess the role of commitment in implementation of strategic plans in primary schools; to determine role of active participation in the implementation of strategic plans in primary schools; to establish the challenges facing BOM in the implementation process of strategic plans and to identify measures to mitigate the challenges facing BOM in Implementation of strategic plans in primary school in Eldoret East Sub-County. The study was limited to strategies on provision of adequate physical facilities, Financial Management, Curriculum and Instructional delivery plans and Pupils Discipline. The study employed descriptive research design where the researcher used a 10% of total target population of 3066 to select 310 BOM members from 62 Primary Schools. The study used 30% of the total 14 BOM in each school. The study purposively sampled 2 Sub-County Directors of Education and random sampled 15 head teachers from primary schools as Key informants. Data was collected using questionnaire, interview schedules and use of secondary materials. Quantitative data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, Statistical measures of central tendency and standard deviation. The Microsoft excels 2010 and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 assisted in the data analysis. Bar and line graphs, frequency distribution tables and pie charts were used to analyzed and present the data collected. Qualitative data was analyzed by building themes from the data collected based on the objectives. Data was presented using narratives. The study established that BOM were committed to ensuring that there were enough classrooms for children in schools. The study established that BOM in Eldoret East Sub County commits to improving literacy on finance in schools. Furthermore, the BOM commits to providing resources for pupils to participate in co-curriculum activities and improve social behavior. On extent of participation, the study found out that BOM actively participated in ensuring separate waste disposal facilities for both boys and girls. Majority of BOM availed annual report on revenue collection and expenditure to the stakeholders. In addition, teachers and pupils participated in co-curriculum activities where both regular guidance and counseling and pupil’s social behaviour received higher responses. In conclusion, the study identified major challenges facing BOM as lack of funds and skills to implement strategic plan. Therefore, the study recommends that the BOM be adequately funded and trained on strategic plan implementation.