Influence of School Board of Management Ability on Financial Planning Process in Public Primary Schools in Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

This study intended to investigate the influence of School Board of Management on financial planning in public primary schools in Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. Various studies have been done globally in support to financial planning in public primary schools however the current study was to cover Tharaka South Sub County. The study used Correlation Research Design. The target population was 2801 comprising of 2464 Board members 336 Head Teachers and one Sub County. A sample size of 338 was considered composing of 296 Board members, 41 Head Teachers and one Sub County Director of Education. The instruments used were; Board of Management Questionnaire, Head Teacher Questionnaire and Sub County of Education Interview Schedule. Piloting was done in the neighboring sub county of Tharaka North which had similar characteristics with the location of the study. The researcher purposively sampled 26 Board of management members and 26 Head Teachers has respondents who were thought to have useful information on financial management. Questionnaires’ reliability was estimated at 0.852 for Board members and 0.826 for head teachers. The instruments were found reliable for data collection because the reliability was above 0.700 and hence accepted for the   study. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0 for windows. The instrument’s face and content validity were ascertained by the experts of Faculty of Education of Chuka University. The study established that Board of Management significantly predicts the financial planning process in public primary schools. The findings of the study found that financial planning was important undertaking that lead to school development and eventual academic achievement. The study established that trainings for Board members empowerment was on high demand in the area under study.  It was recommended that the: BOM members should be involved in regular financial training and budgeting to overcome the ever increasing economic challenges and changing trends in financial management.  Head-Teachers should involve BOM in the Planning to provide cost effective educational programs that meet children’s needs. The school administrators should be accountable as far as expenditure within the budget is concerned and should show a high degree of transparency and accountability. 

Keywords:Financial Management, Board of Management, Financial Planning.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-35-01

Publication date: December 31^st 2021