Factors Influencing Headteachers’ Management Of Finances In Secondary Schools In Kisumu West District, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing head teachers management of finances in secondary schools in Kisumu West District, Kisumu County, Kenya. The study sought to fulfil four objectives; to determine the extent to which administrative support provided by the district education officers and the county director of education’s office, in-service training, pre-services training and cash flow in secondary education financing influences the management of secondary school finances. The survey research design was used. The target population was 40 headteachers. The sample size was not large therefore the researcher used all the 40 headteachers. The research instruments used were a questionnaire and an interview schedule. The study was limited by the fact that it was not very easy to get the school principles because most of the time they were busy and away from school. The study was delimited by being confined to headteachers of Kisumu West Only. Literature was reviewed under the following sub themes: Headteachers pre-service training and financial management, inservice training of headteacher and financial management, administrative support for secondary school headteachers and financial management and cash flow in secondary education financing and financial management. The study adopted the relevant theoretical and conceptual framework which guided the researcher in determining variables. The survey design which involved qualitative and quantitative strategies to data collection was employed. Data was collected through a questionnaire and an interview schedule. The data was analysed using frequencies and percentages presented in tables and discussed as per the literature reviewed in chapter two. The study indicates that factors influencing headteachers’ management of finances in secondary schools were because many heads were promoted to that position having only the pre-service training where they are only given the basics of financial management. They should therefore be given more training on financial management at this level. The in-service training was also critical because it equipped the headteacher with more skills in the management of finances. Administrative support given to the headteachers was not enough because 22 headteachers indicated that they were only visited once. 36 headteachers were not satisfied with the cash flow in education financing because there is a big delay. The study concluded that pre-service training is an important part in the life of a teacher and before being promoted to headship must be one promoted to headship must be one must be inducted on financial management and the course should be integrated in the college curriculum. In –service training should be thorough so that aspects of financial management are all taken care of. There is also need for the ministry of education through the county director of education to visit schools in order to offer guidance. The government should also send funds at the right time so as to be able to cater for the needs0 of the school at the right time. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that the Ministry of Education together with the government should train headteachers at college level during their pre-service training. In-service training should also be done a county level. Administrative support should be done regularly and funds from the government should be disbursed early enough.