Influence of Financial Stewardship on Effective Management of Public Secondary Schools in Msambweni Sub-County, Kwale County, Kenya

Robert Kioko Muathe & Ronald Kikechi
School of Education
Mount Kenya University
Email: robertmuathe77@gmail.com

Abstract: Performance contracting in the teaching profession is a new concept which was introduced in January 2016 to Principals and Head teachers in all public schools in Kenya. Therefore, there was need to examine if the performance contracting to the Principals and Head teachers has or is achieving its objectives. The aim of this research was determining the influence of Principals’ performance contracting practices on financial management in public secondary schools in Msambweni Sub-County. The research employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, involving a total of 470 participants from 18 public secondary schools in Msambweni Sub-County. A combination of stratified, purposive, and random sampling methods were used to select the sample. Data was collected using questionnaires for teachers, oral interviews with Principals and the Sub County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, and document analysis for heads of departments. The research instruments were pre-tested in two schools in Lunga Lunga Sub-County, Kwale County, and found to be reliable and valid. The study found that the implementation of performance contracts by Principals significantly influenced the effective management of public secondary schools in Msambweni Sub-County, Kwale County, Kenya. This was through financial stewardship as it enhanced school management through the performance contracting practices having led to development of school service delivery charter. The findings of this study may help the Ministry of Education to adopt the sensitization and in-training of the principals on the upholding of financial stewardship in management of public secondary schools as enshrined in the Basic Education Act 2013.