| dc.description.abstract | The introduction of devolution in the management of funds in Kenya has often left both very positive and negative sentiments in equal measure. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of devolved funds on the enrolment of students in Secondary Schools. Specifically, the study assessed effects of usage of devolved funds; to establish the effect of type of devolved funds; to investigate the effect of availability of facilities and determine the effect of efficacy of devolved funds on enrolment of students in secondary schools in Matungu district. The study population was stakeholders in the education sector including devolved funds Committee members, Principals of secondary schools and the District Education Officer in Matungu District. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with both quantitative and qualitative aspects.
A total of 37 subjects took part in the study in which purposive sampling and stratified random sampling techniques were used. Primary Data was collected using Questionnaires while Secondary Data was sourced from documentary analysis. The data collected was then coded and organized into means, frequencies, standard deviation and percentages then presented in form of tables. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 17.0. The results of the study indicate the devolved funds are channeled to bursary disbursement (66.7%), school infrastructure specifically health facilities (63.3%) and water distribution (36.7%). Projects/ programs such as sports and games, education days and school feeding are not given much attention. The types of devolved funds present in the district were found to be; Free Secondary Education (FSE), Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Local Authority Transfer Fund (LATF) and Constituency Bursary Fund (CBF) respectively.
The other sources reported include Economic Stimulus packages (ESP), African Development Bank (ADB) and Government of Kenya / Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OOK/OPEC. Majority of the respondents (66.7%) reported that devolved funds supported classroom construction and toilets. Dormitories and laboratories were also supported equally. Respondents (76.7%) also cited that political influence is the biggest challenge in the management of devolved funds. Lack of necessary skills to administer the fund was pointed out by respondents (46.7%) as a major challenge.
Efforts should be made to complement government funding. This can include charging fees and PTA levies to students and schools to operate some income generating projects. Similarly, funds allocation must be purely based on the principality of needy and worthiness of the subjects as well as the vitality of the intended projects but not out of familial and political influence. Modes of realizing more funds must be opted for, for the devolved funds to be efficient and effective. Devolved funds committee and major stakeholders in education Sector should be subjected to vocational training or refresher courses on proper utilization of devolved funds for the beneficiaries to realize maximum potential benefits. | en_US |
