Influence of Board of Management Practices on Infrastructural Development in Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Muranga South Sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

MostschoolsinKenyapresentimpedimentstoexcellenteducationandschoolplanning for children. Most schools seldom fulfill the minimum health and inspection criteria, because their planning, coordination and maintenance are inadequate. The study assess the influence the board of management has on infrastructural development in public boarding secondary schools. The traditional management theory was chosen to anchored the study. The design chosen for the study was the cross-sectional survey which helped in describing the phenomenon under investigation. 25 public boarding schools in Muranga sub-county made up the target population. Inallofthe25schools, allofthe14 members of the BOM were targeted for the study. Therefore, the target population of the study was 350 respondents. Stratified random samples were used for this investigation. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability while face and content validity assessed the instrument’s reliability. Semi-structured surveys were formulated for primary data gathering. The quantitative data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. To test the independent effects of BOM supervision of projects, BOM utilization of financial resources, and BOM utilization of resources on infrastructural development, a multiple linear regression analysis was undertaken.The study concluded that they participated in checking the physical facilities in the schools that contributed to a good study environment for students, thus improving their performance. The study concluded that the board members of the secondaryschoolarerequiredtovisittheinstitutionduringprojectimplementation.The study concluded that the school budget committee oversees the construction of infrastructural projects. In the absence of a committee the management may make unilateral decisions on the priorities of the school and how it is being spent. The study concluded that all projects are implemented following a strict budget approved by the BOM in the secondary school. The study concluded that the level of stakeholder involvement in infrastructural development in the institution is adequate. Involvement of students and instructors in BOM decisions enhances the opportunities for improved developmentof infrastructure. The BOM has the responsibility to not only improve infrastructure development but to ensure stakeholder involvement in decision making. The study concluded that the school can afford to mobilize more resources to ensure efficient infrastructural development in the school. The study concluded that BOM hireshuman resourcesforlongtermassignmentsbasedonmeritforeffectivemanagementofhuman capital in schools. Based on an examination of future needs, talent available both inside and outside the school, and present and expected resources that can be expanded to recruit and keep such talent, board members develop strategies to fill or eliminate future job opportunities. According to the research, the board of management should aim to provide suitable infrastructural facilities, such as classrooms, labs, libraries, teaching and learning materials/resources, well equipped computer lab, workshops for technical subjects, sanitary facilities, utilities e.g., continuous power source and clean water, dormitories, dining area, and playgrounds in order to foster a favorable environment for teaching and learning in public secondary schools.