| dc.description.abstract | The study was to investigate the factors that influence headteachers’ financial management in public primary schools in Kisumu Municipality, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine the influence of head teachers’ exposure to management training, administrative experience, academic qualifications, professional support groups and availability of funds on their effective financial management. The study employed descriptive survey design. The population consisted of 41 primary school head teachers and 1 Municipal Education Officer. Purposive sampling was used to select the 41 head teachers. Questionnaire for head teachers and in-depth interview for municipal education officer were used for data collection. Qualitative data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings of the study revealed that there are various factors influencing head teachers’ financial management in public primary schools. The study found out that exposure to management training influences head teachers’ financial management. Administrative experience of head teachers influences head teachers’ financial management in that it helps them gain some experience. Level of education enhances competency, understanding, efficiency and knowledge hence influences financial management of the head teachers. Professional support groups influence financial management by providing a forum where head teachers can exchange ideas on school administration including financial management. In terms of availability of funds, it was observed that public primary school head teachers in Kisumu municipality are provided with funds by the government but the funds were not enough to fully cater for the educational needs of the pupils. The study made the following recommendations:- appointment of qualified persons in matters of financial management as head teachers, the government should train head teachers in financial management and funds allocated to schools be increased. Despite the study findings obtained, there are still some areas which may have not been covered and therefore call for suggestions for further research such as: Do factors influencing head teachers’ financial management in public primary schools in Kisumu Municipality influence other districts or counties? The study suggested further research on the influence of School Management Committee (SMC) on financial management in public primary schools. The study found out that exposure to financial training management, administrative experience, level of education, professional support groups and availability of funds influence financial management of head teachers in public primary schools. The study made the following recommendation Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should appoint headteachers of public primary schools who are qualified in matters of financial management and that the Ministry of Education should facilitate nationwide training of headteachers in financial management of public primary schools through Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI). | en |
