Influence on Effective BOM Competence: Exploring Dynamics in Public Secondary School Management in Meru South Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Proper management of financial resources in public primary schools is imperative to performance and academic productivity. Prudent school management has resulted to improved performances in financial management over the past years worldwide. However, there arose financial challenges characterized by failed education trainings for empowerment to assist in effective finance management. This study intended to determine the influence on effective BOM competence: exploring dynamics in public secondary school management in Meru South Sub County, Kenya. It was guided by the following variables as the research objectives; To determine influence of School Board of Management skills and abilities on budgetary process influence competence of BOM; To determine the extent to which School Board of Management ability on financial planning influence competence of BOM; To establish the extent to which School Board of Management ability on financial audit processing influence competence of BOM; To establish the extent to which Board of Management Procurement practices influence competence of BOM in management of public secondary schools in Meru south sub county, Kenya. The study was guided by two theories; Administrative Theories by Edwards (2018) and Lunenburg (2011). Theory of Motivation also known has Expectancy Theory of Motivation. The study used Descriptive survey design. The target population was 9746, comprising of 391 BOM members, 253 teachers and 9100 students the 23 principals,391 BOM members, 253 teachers and 9100 students . The sub-county director of education and the sub-county quality assurance and standards officer were also targeted. The sample size was 370 and comprised of the SCDE, SCQASO, 184 BOM members, 69 teachers and 115 students. Data collection tools were Questionnaires for the BOM, teachers and students in the 23 secondary schools and interview schedule for the SCDE and SCQASO in charge of Homa-Bay Sub County. Questionnaires’ reliability was estimated using Cronbach Alpha. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. The data was analyzed and presented in percentages, frequencies, figures, tables and means. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between the variables and predicted the influence of Board of management members on financial management. The findings of the study established that financial management was important undertaking that lead to school development and eventual academic achievement. The study also established that trainings for Board members empowerment was on high demand in the area under study. It was recommended that the: BOM members should be involved in regular financial training and budgeting to overcome the ever increasing economic challenges and changing trends in financial management. Headteachers should involve BOM in the Planning to provide cost effective educational programs that meet children’s needs. The school administrators should be accountable as far as expenditure within the budget is concerned and should show a high degree of transparency and accountability.