Challenges facing School Board of Management in the implementation of the Procurement policy in Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to identify challenges facing the implementation of the procurement process of instructional materials in Kenyan Public Primary Schools in Wareng District, Uasin Gishu County. The study was to asses SIMSC’s knowledge and skills in the procurement process and challenges that hinder compliance to the procurement policy in place. The study was based on the Systems theory as expressed by William and E. Thorndike (1903) which focuses on the need for a school (system) to function as a whole. A descriptive survey design was adopted; research was both quantitative and qualitative; the aspect of qualitative data was analyzed for their qualitative value; questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis were used to collect data. Research instruments were tested for validity and reliability. A sample size of 152 respondents comprising 38 head teachers, 76 panel heads, and 1 DQASO were drawn from 38 public primary schools to participate in the study through quarter, purposive and stratified simple random sampling techniques. Data was analyzed using qualitative descriptive statistical technique, specifically frequencies and percentages. A bar graph, pie charts, and tables were used to present data. The study revealed that, inadequate, late disbursement of funds, SIMSC’s lack of knowledge and skills in the procurement process, and un- procedural procurement practices adopted by schools compromised the implementation of the procurement process. Finally, the study established that, the level of compliance to the procurement process is still low and majority of schools still flawed procurement rules. The study recommends that the process and policies be simplified and proper monitoring and evaluation strategies on procurement be put in place