Influence of selected factors on disbursement of constituency secondary education bursary funds in Kitui Central District, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing disbursement of constituency secondary education bursary fund (CSEBF) in Kitui Central District. The objectives of the study were: To determine the awareness of deserving children for CSEBF awards. To determine if political system influences the CSEBF disbursement. To establish the adequacy of the amount of money allocated for CSEBF. To determine if CSEB funds allocations are regular and if policy or guidelines influences the CSEBF disbursement. Literature review on the documented information about factors influencing disbursement of Constituency Secondary Education Bursary according to the objectives of the study was presented in chapter two.

This study used descriptive survey design. Questionnaires were administered to all headteachers and students who had benefited from the CDF bursary and an interview guide was used to collect data from purposively selected constituency bursary committee (CBC) members. The instruments were validated by colleagues and lecturers in the University of Nairobi who were knowledgeable in research methodology and techniques of developing research instruments. To establish the reliability of instruments, a test-retest method was used by a means of a pilot study. The participants were asked not to write down their names on the questionnaire. They were also assured that their identity remained anonymous in order to uphold their privacy. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency. Qualitative data were categorized thematically and narratives as quotations from the respondents.

The findings were that the laid down guidelines on the bursary allocations were not adhered to in the district. This denied the right students (bright and needy) the opportunity to access this bursary funds thus keeping them out of school. The researcher concluded that to enhance the disbursement of CBF funds there was need to allocate the CBF funds through the head teachers, have transparent vetting systems, and involve the community in identifying the beneficiaries and increase bursary allocations for the needy students. Redirecting the funds to the school head teachers, involving the community in the selection of beneficiaries and the head teachers to working with the teachers in the allocation of the bursary would go along way into improving the use of CBF funds.

It was recommended that CBF guidelines should be followed in selection of the CBFC members who should have a time frame for serving. The already serving CBFC members should be trained or in-serviced in financial management and other relevant management areas. The following issues emerged from the study and were suggested for further investigation. A further study on the influence of politics in the disbursement of CBF in Kenyan secondary schools; An investigation into the levels of involving the community in the Disbursement of CBF in Kenyan schools; A study on the effectiveness of disbursement of public secondary school education bursary through constituency bursary fund (CBF) in other parts of the country.