Influence Of Boards Of Governors Management Capacities On Implementation Of Economic Stimulus Projects In Secondary Schools In Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

The Economic Stimulus Package was an attempt by the Government of Kenya to boost its economic growth and lead the economy out of a recession or economic slowdown. In the financial year 2009/2010, the Government of Kenya proposed to stimulate its economy. The main objectives of the economic stimulus infrastructure projects in education sector were; to empower communities economically by initiating labor intensive construction projects; develop facilities in the schools to national school status level to encourage national cohesion by admitting learners from all parts of the country into the resulting national schools. Some of the projects were delivered behind schedule while others stalled. This study investigated management issues focusing on the influence of management capacities of members of the boards of governors on the implementation; it specifically investigated the effect of training and experience in project identification, budgeting, procurement, monitoring and evaluation; the results may be a break-through in identifying a factor that ails physical infrastructure projects implementation in the education sector. The related literature that was reviewed was that of researches done on schools management boards and principals; and that of other projects but related to the objectives. The researcher carried out a descriptive survey targeting all BOG members (182) of the thirteen secondary schools that received economic stimulus funds in Kakamega County, Kenya. The researcher interviewed principals, administered questionnaires to both the principals and boards of governors’ members and content analysis of records of the projects and training manuals to obtain data for the study. Statistical data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 and presented in frequencies, percentages and cross tabulations of frequencies. The study found low knowledge of objectives, processes and requirements; low level of utilization of available capacities and minimal influence of capacities on implementation of the ESP projects. It was recommended BOGs be accorded adequate capacities and the BOG harness those capacities to influence implementation of projects.