Factors influencing implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Rachuonyo south district, Homabay county

Abstract

This study sought to analyse the factors influencing the implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Rachuonyo South district, Homabay- County, Kenya. It was prompted by the fact that although it is a ministerial requirement in Kenya that all public secondary schools formulate and implement strategic plans, implementation of strategic plans poses greatest challenge in strategic management of public secondary schools. These challenges limit the ability of secondary schools to achieve their goals as envisioned in the strategic plans. The objectives of the study were; to analyse the extent to which school leadership influences implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Rachuonyo South district; to investigate the influence of resource allocation on implementation of strategic planning in public secondary schools in Rachuonyo south district and to determine the contribution of communication on implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Rachuonyo south district. The study was also meant to assess the extent to which involvement of employees influence the implementation of strategic plans in Rachuonyo South district. Literature review composed of; the influence of school leadership roles on implementation of strategic plans, the influence of resource allocation on implementation of strategic plans, the influence of employee involvement on strategic plans implementation and the influence of communication on implementation of strategic plans. Contingency theory was used to form the basis of the study. The research adopted a descriptive survey design with a target population of 1469. Stratified random sampling technique was employed to arrive at a sample size of 346 respondents. Questionnaires containing structured and semi structured questions were used as the main data collection tool. Validity was ascertained through expert judgement in the field as well as by fellow masters students. A pre-test sample of 10% was used in conducting a pilot study. Data was then administered, responses tabulated, data organized and coded. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The information was then presented in form of tables and percentages. A summary of the findings were the discussed, conclusions made and recommendations recorded.