Factors influencing preparation of strategic plans in secondary schools in Kikuyu District, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence preparation of the Strategic Plans in the Secondary Schools Kikuyu District. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The research objectives sought to; establish how school administration; cooperation of teachers, students’ involvement and lastly how cooperation by the Board of Governors influence preparation of strategic planning in Secondary Schools in Kikuyu District. The study employed descriptive survey design. The sample comprised on 19 principals and 190 teachers. Data were gathered by use of questionnaires. Data were analysed by use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings revealed that the school administration facilitated the preparation of strategic plan through involvement of teachers, parents and BOM. Findings also revealed that preparation of strategic plan was enhanced by the cooperation of teachers and their willingness to participate in the process. Principals’ leadership styles had a high positive influence on the preparation of strategic plan. Teachers indicated that allocation of human resources had a positive influence. The role of B.O.G in school management had a high positive influence on the preparation of strategic plan. It was also revealed that there were several challenges that school faced in the preparation of strategic plan. Based on the findings the study concluded that school administration influenced the preparation of strategic plan. It was also concluded that there was cooperation from the BOM on preparation of strategic plan. The study also concluded that. The BOM members were ready to meet to discuss the strategic plan preparation. The study concluded that school culture and visionary leadership had contributed to effective strategic plan formulation in their school at a great extent, the same number of principals said that allocation of financial resources had contributed to a very great extent. The current school culture supported formulation of school Strategic Plan. The study recommended that the school administration should involve students in the formulation of the strategic plan. It was also recommended that the school administration should create a culture that supports strategic plan formulation and lastly that parents should be educated on the importance of strategic plan. The study suggested that a study on the institutional factors affecting formulation of strategic plan should be conducted. A study on influence of students’ involvement on the preparation of strategic plan should be conducted and lastly, since the study was carried out in one administrative district, similar studies should be conducted in other districts.