Determinants of effective utilization of school funds in public secondary schools in Kenya: a case of Wareng sub County.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence utilization of funds in Kenyan secondary school and its effects on the role of value based leadership in Wareng sub county -Uasin Gishu County. Among its specific objectives were: assess the role of value based leadership on effective utilization of school funds, find out the effect of school characteristics on effective utilization of school funds, investigate the effect of school policy on effective utilization of school funds and to establish the effects of Board of Governors chairperson (B.OG),parents teachers association chairperson (P.T.A) and head of department chairperson (H.O.D)characteristics on effective utilization of school funds. The study was based on value based leadership theory that was propounded by Chen, J. (2009). The conceptual framework assumes that head teachers effectiveness in financial management was determined by personal, institutional, and moral factors that guide schools. A descriptive survey design was adopted. A sample size of 49 respondents comprising 12 head teachers, 12 PTA chairpersons, 12 H.O.D, 12 BOG chairpersons and 1 Auditor were drawn from 12 public secondary schools to participate in the study through, purposive and stratified simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules for different categories. The study analyzed data using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).Tables were used to present data. Based on the results or the data analysis, the study established that most of the head teachers were experienced in administrative position, had knowledge and basic skills in financial accounting management. This shows indispensable need to prudently manage school financial resources. It was further revealed that majority head teachers supported that KESI workshops were very good in financial management. The study also revealed that most head teachers follow the rules of school budgets and record transactions often as they occur. It was further revealed by the study that PTA does a good job of evaluating the performances of head teachers /board of governors measuring results against effectiveness. Moreover, the study also indicated that, there is a productive working relationship between the BOG,PTA and the head teacher on funds utilization (characterized by good communication and mutual respect).That school organization resource are used efficiently (good value for money spent).This study is significant in that, understanding the determinants of effective utilization will therefore be of value to educational management at institutional and policy making levels as well as other stakeholders interested in effective financial management for institutional and education sector development. The study therefore recommends that a comprehensive in service training be establish in order to empower the management with more relevant knowledge through information technology application on financial management. In addition close monitoring and evaluation be done in order to minimize chances of misappropriation of funds.