Strategic Actions of Board of Management and the Performance of Public Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya

Performance has remained poor in most of the public secondary schools in Kenya. This is despite the governments commitment to improve standards of education through the constitution of school board of management (BOM). The strategic approaches by the BOMs can be attributed to the performance of public secondary schools. This study therefore purposed to examine strategic actions of boards of management and the performance of public secondary schools in Nakuru County Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives: To establish the effects of BOM decisions, resource management, allocation of responsibilities and risk management on the performance of public Secondary schools in Nakuru County. The target population included 350 board of management from 25 public secondary schools in Nakuru County. The sample size for the study was 75 board members who were purposely selected. Descriptive research design was used where questionnaires were the main data collection tool. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of computer software; Statistical Programme for Social Scientist (SPSS). Descriptive statistics entailed counts, percentages and cross tabulations. Inferential statistic on the other hand entailed performing a multiple regression analysis. The study established that most schools involve their BOM in decision making and these decisions have an influence in the performance of public secondary schools. On resource management, BOM were not involved in budget preparations however they undertook monitoring, supervision and budget approvals. On allocation of responsibilities, most tasks were given basing on individual expertise knowledge and the involvement is geared towards a better management of the schools. It was further established that most BOM were not aware of the operational steps involved in risk management. All the four variables had significant effect on performance of public schools. However, decision making followed by allocation of responsibilities, resource management and risk management subsequently. The study recommends that decisions made during board meetings should be shared to help avoid any unseen conflict. The BOM needs to involve all its members and assign them responsibilities that they can handle effectively. Lastly, the BOM needs to encourage all its members to be part of the risk management process.