Personal Related Factors Influencing Performance of Boards of Management of Public Secondary Schools in Vihiga Sub-county, Vihiga County, Kenya

Abstract

Boards of management in the Kenyan public school system are formed in order to promote quality education and the best interests of the schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate personal related factors that influence the performance of boards of management of public secondary schools in Vihiga Sub-County. The objectives of the study were to establish the extent to which academic qualification of BOM members influence their performance in management of public secondary schools, establish the extent to which management skills of BOM members influence their performance in management of public secondary schools, assess the extent to which management experience of BOM members influence their performance in management of secondary schools and determine the extent to which the level of commitment of BOM members to school matters influence their performance in management of public secondary schools in Vihiga Sub-County. The study was guided by the systems theory which proposes that a system consists of various parts which must function and operate together for the system to function effectively. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The study targeted all the 28 public secondary schools in Vihiga Sub-County and the SCQASO in the sub-county. A sample size of 31 which comprised of 10 principals, 10 chairpersons of BOM, 10 chairpersons of PA and the SCQASO was used and participants selected using stratified and purposive procedures. Data was collected using questionnaires, document analysis and an interview guide. Primary data was collected and analysed using quantitative and qualitative techniques and presented in tables, graphs and narratives. The findings indicate that academic and academic qualifications contribute to performance of the BOM members in public secondary schools. BOM members with experience in fields such as education, human resource management and law are better suited for a role in the school boards. The study also established that BOM chairpersons from the sampled schools were highly qualified and experienced, though same schools were not well managed with majority of BOM members visiting their schools only when summoned. Based on the findings, the study concluded that BOM members with higher academic and professional qualifications were more effective in performing the management role in the schools with managerial experience making BOM members more suitable for their role due to better understanding of what is expected of them and their skills to make the correct decisions. The commitment of BOM members depends on the structures put in place by the school to enable BOM members’ make desirable contributions in support of effective management. Overall the study concluded that there may be other intervening factors that contribute to effectiveness of BOM in public secondary schools. The study recommends that, Board of Management members should have the optimal academic and professional qualifications so as to make a positive contribution to the management of public secondary schools, the ministry of education, in conduit with local education offices should make sure this is adhered to, the Education office at county and sub-county level should organize managerial workshops for newly inducted BOM members and regular refresher courses for older members, BOM members should be facilitated at school level so that they can be more committed to their role.