Influence of Boards of Management Members’ Practices on Pupils’ Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools in Kahuro Sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to find out the management practices used by the Boards of Management and their influence on pupils’ academic performance in public primary schools in Kahuro sub-county in Murang’a County. The objectives that guided the study were; provision of teaching and learning materials, provision of physical facilities, employment of teachers by BOM and provision of incentives to motivate improvement of pupils’ performance. The study employed descriptive survey design and the population of interest was the head teachers, BOM members and the sub county Director of Education. Stratified random sampling method was used for sampling purposes. The strata were the education zones. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview guides and focus group discussion guides. Analysis was by use of qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative methods entailed descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative analysis entailed deciphering meanings of the provided answers and comparing them to other documented works in the field. Data was presented by use of tables. The study found out that: programs of events that were adhered to enabled provision of the required teaching and learning materials. Regular interaction between BOM members and teachers enabled provision of teaching and learning materials. BOM members were involved in evaluation of physical facilities demands of the institutions. BOM members could effectively make forecast and budget for physical facilities independently. BOM members were versed with the teacher pupil ratio requirements. BOMs were fully aware of the pertinent needs of the staffing deficits in the schools. Individuals serving in BOM had high standards of moral and social probity and could be trusted with incentives by the community. BOMs had autonomy in decision making in determining incentives to provide. The study recommended that:-The ministry of education should ensure that only competent persons sit on the Boards of Management of the public primary schools. This may ensure procurement and provision of teaching and learning materials is done in the requisite manner. The exchequer should make provisions for budgetary allocations to be expended in the procurement of physical facilities for the public primary schools. The Ministry of Education should make sure that the requirements for the teacher pupil ratio are met. In the event of shortfalls, the public primary schools should be empowered through capitation to employ teachers. These may ensure academic performance improvement. The BOMs should be facilitated in terms of making provisions for kitties which should be earmarked for incentive facilitation.