County Directors Research Articles

Effectiveness of government policy interventions towards enhancing access to pre-primary and primary education by street children in North Rift Kenya

An estimated 150 million children live on the streets globally, with many not enrolled in school. This growing issue requires urgent attention. UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, Target 5, aims to eliminate educational disparities for marginalized groups like street children, emphasizing the need to address prejudice in education access.The Kenyan government has developed measures to improve all children's access to education, particularly at the pre-primary and primary levels, in light of its signature on the United Nations convention. Government funding for the creation and execution of policy initiatives targeted at improving the access to education for these socially marginalised populations has been consistently large. Many street children still do not go to school though. In this regard a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of government policy interventions towards enhancing access to pre-primary and primary education by street children. The study used mixed method research and pragmatic paradigm. By using both purposeful and random sampling, a sample size of 322 was selected. The respondents comprised of Street children, county directors of education, quality assurance officers, officers in the Department of Children Welfare, urban primary school teachers, non-governmental organisations, and community-based organisations that assist street children. Data was collected using observation guides, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as theme analysis were used to analyse the data, respectively. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between government policy interventions and street children's access to pre-primary and primary education in North Rift Kenya; specifically, the national pre-primary education policy had a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.711, while the inclusive education policy had a coefficient of 1.0. The research additionally demonstrated the necessity of reinforcing the involvement of other relevant parties in improving street children's access to pre-primary and primary education.

The Role of Environmental Audits in Enhancing Sustainability in Industrial Property Management. Insights From Nairobi County

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is experiencing significant environmental challenges, with pollution levels reaching unprecedented heights. This issue is particularly evident in the Nairobi River Basin, which comprises the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathare Rivers. The basin is a focal point of concern due to the widespread discharge of untreated industrial waste into its waters. The city's high population density, coupled with the concentration of industries, exacerbates the environmental impact, making Nairobi the most affected region in the country in terms of pollution. Among the various sources, industrial pollution emerges as a major contributor, prompting the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to intervene and hold accountable the industries responsible for these environmental violations. This study set out to analyze the role of environmental audits in the management of industrial properties, focusing on a case study of industrial properties in Nairobi. The research targeted three key industrial areas: Nairobi Industrial Area, Baba Ndogo, and the industries along Nairobi-Mombasa Road. The study's target population consisted of 487 respondents, comprising 440 property managers and 47 NEMA County directors. Using Yamane’s 1967 formula, the sample size was determined to be 211 respondents. The study employed a simple random sampling method for data collection, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to gather information. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 24, and interpretation was guided by a theoretical framework and previous research. The study found that environmental audits significantly enhance industrial performance by improving organizational effectiveness, ensuring regulatory compliance, and boosting competitive advantage. They also raise awareness of environmental impacts, enhance corporate reputation, and provide valuable data for investors. However, challenges such as corruption, regulatory bias, and high audit costs persist. The research underscores the importance of environmental management and recommends that property managers strategically implement audit systems to support sustainable industrial growth and regulatory compliance

Influence Of Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) Capitation Grants On Participation Rates In Public Secondary Schools In Makueni County, Kenya

Adequate funding of the education sector is crucial to the provision of quality education for all (OECD, 2016). Financing of education is the greatest enabler of learners to participate in education and flow through education system from entry to exit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) on participation rates in public secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The targeted respondents included School Principals and their Deputies from 196 secondary schools in Makueni County as well as 9 Sub County Directors of Education from Makueni County. Data collection instruments included questionnaires for Principals, Deputy Principals and interview schedule for Sub-county Directors of Education. The instruments were ascertained through piloting and by research experts to ascertain content validity while reliability was achieved through piloting and testing reliability. Data collection registered a response rate of 91.8%. The data was analyzed by use of SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically through content analysis and the responses were presented in narratives. Tables and figures were used to present the analyzed data. The results revealed that there was statistically significant relationship between FDSE capitation grants and participation rates in public secondary schools in Makueni County. This was at R values of 0.67 which was positive and significant with values of 0.014. From this result the study concludes that Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) capitation grants influence students’ participation rates in public secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The qualitative results also confirmed that education subsidies influence students’ participation rates in public secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The study recommends that government should sustain and increase capitation grants to schools and also partner with other stakeholders in financing education to enhance students’ participation rates in education

Influence of Education Financing By Non-State Agencies on Participation Rates in Public Secondary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya

Governments around the world agree that the ability to provide quality education for all and to respond to new priorities depends on the availability of adequate funding in education (OECD, 2016). Financing of education is the greatest enabler of learners to participate in education and flow through education system from entry to exit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of financing by non-state agencies on participation rates in public secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive survey design where the targeted respondents included School Principals and their Deputies from 196 secondary schools in Makueni County as well as 9 Sub County Directors of Education from Makueni County. Data collection instruments included questionnaires for Principals, Deputy Principals and interview schedule for Sub-county Directors of Education. The instruments were piloted and tested for content validity and reliability. The response rate from the data collection exercise was 91.8%. The data was analyzed by use of SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically through content analysis and the responses were presented in narratives. Tables and figures were used to present the analyzed data. The results revealed that there was statistically significant relationship between education financing by non-state agencies and participation rates in public secondary schools in Makueni County. The adjusted R square of 0.630 indicated that 63% of the variation in the participation of students in schooling in public secondary schools in Makueni County could be explained by provision of funding by non-state agencies in financing education. From this result, the study concludes that financing by non-state agencies does influence students’ participation rates in public secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The qualitative results also confirmed that education subsidies influence students’ participation rates in public secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. The study recommends that government should increase funding to schools and also enhance the partnership with other stakeholders in financing education to enhance students’ participation rates in education

Successes and Challenges of Student Councils in Mitigating Student Conflicts in Secondary Schools in Kericho County, Kenya

Several incidences of student conflicts have been witnessed in the different schools, which have caused widespread material losses and other social impacts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Successes and Challenges of Student Councils in Mitigation of Student Conflicts in Secondary Schools in Kericho County, Kenya. The study was underpinned by the participative leadership theory. The study utilized the evaluation research design. The study targeted the following categories of respondents; students, teachers, school principals or head teachers, School boards of management, County director of education and Sub- County directors of education in Kericho county. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to obtain respondents. The total sample for the study included 384 students, 120 teachers, 19 school heads or principals, 19 deputy principals, 19 members of the school boards of management, 1 County director of education and 6 sub-county directors of education. The total sample for the study was568 respondents. Data was collected through Questionnaires, Interviews and Focus group discussions. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented through frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Qualitative data analysis utilized data coding and narrative analysis and presented in form of graphs, charts and tables. The study concluded that the councils are not as effective as they should because the leaders are not trained on skills of conflict mitigation. The student council which is formed with great influence from the administration has failed to assist in conflict mitigation because the students do not trust it. The study recommends that the administration in every school should ensure they offer proper training to the student council on conflict mitigation tactics.

Multiple Streams Approach and Implementation of Road Safety Policy Measures in Kisii and Kisumu Counties, Kenya

This study aimed to assess the implementation gaps in road safety policy measures in Kisii and Kisumu counties, Kenya, using the multiple streams framework. The study aimed to determine the impact of problem, policy, and politics on the implementation of road safety policy measures. A sample size of 335 was used, and interviews were conducted with traffic base commanders, county matatu owners' associations, and county directors. The reliability and validity of the study instrument were assessed using Cronbach's alpha, factor analysis, and expert opinion. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, with quantitative data examined through multilinear regression approaches and Pearson correlation analysis, and qualitative data using thematic content analysis. The findings showed a moderate influence of the multiple streams framework on the implementation of road safety policy measures among matatu operators. The study concluded that multiple streams significantly influence the implementation of road safety policy measures in Kenya.

Effectiveness of County Communication Approaches in Facilitating Public Participation in Kenya’s Devolved Governments

Purpose: The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of county communication frameworks in fostering public participation in Kenya’s 47 devolved governments. Effective communication is both a function and proof of good governance. Thus the significance of county communication facilitating enduring citizen participation in policy making and implementation processes cannot be overstated. The evaluation of county communication approaches was conducted in alignment with overall objectives outlined in the County Government Act of 2012. These objectives include: creating awareness on devolution and governance; promotion of peace and cohesion; advocacy for development, and promotion of the freedom of the media.
 Methodology: The present study adopted a qualitative research approach. The research targeted 8 counties clustered in county economic blocs of North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), Lake Region Economic Bloc LREB, Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) , South Eastern Kenya Economic Block (SEKEB), Mt Kenya and Aberdares Economic Bloc, Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani( JKP), Narok and Kajiado Economic Block(NAKAEB) and Nairobi City County. The counties purposely selected to represent each of these economic blocs include: Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Mandera, Makueni, Meru, Kwale, Narok and Nairobi. This study used both primary and secondary methods to collect data. In-depth interviews were used to collect primary data from 26 participants, specifically, from Council of Governors, Sub-County Administrators, County Assemblies Forum, County Directors of Communication and Community Based Organizations. They were purposively chosen for their role in communicating, facilitating, and monitoring public participation. Secondary data was collected mainly from national dataset, surveys, and reports from ministries, departments, and agencies.
 Findings: The findings show that concept of public participation is deeply rooted in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. County communication frameworks embed strategic communication approaches for policy making and implementation in devolved governments. The finds show that the level of understanding of devolution among Kenyans varies. Those in urban and city counties have a greater appreciation of decentralization while those in rural counties have limited understanding of devolution and its implication. Majority of Kenyans have difficulty distinguishing functions of devolved governments from those assigned to the national government by the CoK 2010. Additionally, county governments are required to promote peace and cohesion among the residents. The findings show that this objective receives less emphasis and is not a priority of counties, with the exception of frontier counties. However, counties promote development in their jurisdiction recognizing that they have a responsibility to stimulate investments that create jobs for unemployed and generally improve living standards of the residents. Finally, county governments have a role to play in ensuring media practice remain free from any interference even though this responsibility lie with the national government. 
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the review of the literature and findings of this study, the study recommends that county governments should meaningfully engage citizens in governance by first, empowering them to understand their responsibility and secondly, allowing them to engage meaningfully in issues that affect them. To achieve this, county governments should establish mechanisms that promote civic education, public participation and access to information as provided in the County Government Act 2012.

Talent Management Strategies and Service Delivery in County Governments in Kenya

A proactive human resource management (HRM) system in public sector organizations is critical for effective public service delivery. However, sub-national(county) governments (SNGs) in Kenya faced significant challenges in acquiring and retaining talented staff because of a labour supply and demand mismatch. Based on the challenge, the study evaluated the nature of the talent management strategies and their influence on service delivery in sub-national governments in Kenya. The study utilized the descriptive design and critically examined the HRM structures by sampling 140 respondents (47 county secretaries, 47 county directors of HRM and 46 municipality managers from municipalities based at the county headquarters of 46 counties) through interviews and questionnaires. The respondents were chosen based on their functional human resource management roles in the counties. The research instrument was validated through a panel review and piloted in three counties. The qualitative reports support the establishment and strengthening of county HR structure and systems, building staff capacity through training, and adopting talent management policies and practices to reduce staff turnover. This process would optimize staff competencies in sustaining service provisions at the county level. The correlation analysis indicated that service delivery positively correlated with talent management strategies (r = 0.6731, p< 0.05) at 0.05 significance levels, while the regression analysis revealed that talent management strategies explain about 45.30 % variance in service delivery with an effect size (β1 = 0.6210 (t = 10.6, p < 0.05). Based on the findings, the study concluded that talent management strategies are crucial to improving service delivery in Kenya's sub-national(county) governments. The study recommends proactive planning and adequately structuring the county's workforce based on knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. The study suggests that county governance structures should integrate and concretize the HRM initiatives geared towards talent management

Strategic Human Resource Planning and Service Delivery in County Governments in Kenya

Strategic human resource management in public sector organizations enables governance arrangements that promote efficient service delivery. However, service delivery in county governments in Kenya gets stymied by both human resource and funding constraints. Due to contextual gaps in the strategic human resource management practises in county governments in Kenya, the study evaluated the role played by strategic human resource planning on service delivery in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive design and systematically examined the HRM practises by sampling 140 respondents (47 county secretaries, 47 county directors of HRM and 46 municipality managers from municipalities based at the county headquarters of 46 counties) through interviews and questionnaires. The respondents were selected based on their operational and functional human resource management roles in various units in the 47 counties. The research instrument was validated through a review by a panel of supervisors and a pilot testing exercise. The qualitative reports indicated that the county governments can attract qualified and competent persons with critical skill sets to match the various job descriptions and optimally sustain service provisions at the county level. The correlation analysis indicated that service delivery positively correlated with strategic HR planning practises (r = 0.6510, p< 0.05) at 0.05 significance levels, while the regression analysis indicated that strategic HR planning practises explains about 41.61 % variance in service delivery with an effect size (β1 = 0.6451 (t = 8.97, p< 0.05). Based on the findings, the study concludes that strategic human resource planning practises hold a positive and significant potential impact on service delivery in county governments in Kenya. The study recommends proactive planning and proper structuring of the county workforce based on knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics

Principals’ Use of School Curriculum and Promotion of Social Cohesion in Public Secondary Schools in Machakos County, Kenya.

This study sought to investigate how principals’ use curriculum in promoting social cohesion in public secondary schools in Machakos County. The study was guided by the ecological systems theory of human development and socialization. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design wherein a target population of 375 principals’ and 9 Sub County Directors of Education were respondents. Further, the study used stratified proportionate sampling in selecting sample sizes for the study in which case a sample size of 113 principals and 9 Sub County Directors of education totaling to 122 respondents were surveyed. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis. Quantitative data was processed and analyzed using SPSS software version 26 and presented in tables. Simple regression analysis was employed in testing hypotheses of the study for inferences. While qualitative data was transcribed into themes and presented in narratives. The findings of the study revealed that principals use of school curriculum t (113) = 10.316; p was statistically significant in contributing to the promotion of social cohesion in public secondary schools in Machakos County. The study recommends among others that MOE makes value creating education mandatory in the school curriculum. Further principals should ensure language policy in schools is enhanced and prohibit the use of vernacular language in schools.

The Effect of Frequency of Teacher Performance Appraisal Activities on Teacher Progression in Bomet County, Kenya

Performance appraisal is critical for evaluating teachers' job performance and providing feedback. This study explores the frequency and effectiveness of teacher performance appraisals in relation to teacher progression in secondary schools in Bomet County, Kenya. The research involved 423 participants, including teachers, principals, and education authorities. Random sampling was employed to select teachers in the different sub-county. School principals, TSC County, and Sub-County directors were proposed, selected, and interviewed during the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers. The study revealed that regular performance appraisals allow teachers to enhance their teaching skills and monitor their progress. Most respondents (67.54%) reported being appraised more than three times, emphasizing the importance of frequent assessments for professional development. Teachers informed in advance of their appraisals (88.39%) reported better preparation, leading to improved student outcomes. Performance appraisals were seen as a means to enhance professional progress, with 84.31% of teachers reporting an improvement in their career development. Most teachers (67.83%) also received feedback after appraisals, contributing to their professional growth. The study highlights the significance of regular, well-informed, and feedback-rich performance appraisals in improving teacher progression. It underscores the need for educators and education authorities to maintain a structured appraisal process to support teachers in their professional development and enhance student achievement

Relationship Between Integrative Leadership and Performance of Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Selected Counties Under the FCDC Kenya: The Mediating Effect of Employee Motivation

An integrative leadership framework from an educational perspective is vital in understanding the efforts that are put in by school leaders to support overall school performance. Integrated leadership is also critical in the management and the development of partnerships aimed at increasing the quality of school performance. An integrative kind of leadership motivates members of the school community to maximize their overall performance. Integrative leadership combines the qualities of servant leadership, authentic leadership, and value-based leadership while simultaneously addressing their weaknesses. This paper sought to ascertain the mediating effect of employee motivation on the relationship between integrative leadership and the performance of public boarding secondary schools in selected Counties under the FCDC Kenya. This paper critiqued empirical studies linking the relationship between integrative leadership and performance and the mediating role of employee motivation. This study adopted a pragmatism research philosophy. This study also triangulated data using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population included all public boarding secondary schools from four FCDC Counties namely Lamu, Isiolo, Samburu, and Wajir. The study also targeted student leaders, teachers, principals, stakeholders (Board of Management representatives, County, and Teachers Service Commissions (TSC) Directors). The sample included 300 student leaders from 16 public boarding secondary schools in four FCDC Counties. A sample of 96 teachers, 16 principals, 16 Board of Management (BOM) stakeholders, 4 county directors of education and 4 TSC county directors; and 4 representatives of development partners also formed part of the sampling units. Therefore, the total sample size was four hundred and forty (N=440). Questionnaires were used to gather information from the teachers and students while interview guides were used to gather information from the school principals, BOM representatives, and County Directors of education. Interview guides were open-ended and detailed. Data was analysed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis approaches based on the research objectives. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize quantitative data and the results were presented in frequencies and percentages, while inferential statistics were used to test the study hypothesis. Qualitative data on the other hand was summarized and reported in themes. The study revealed that integrative leadership has a significant relationship with the performance of public boarding secondary schools in selected Counties under FCDC Kenya. Further, the study findings indicated a partial mediating effect on the mediating role of employee motivation on the relationship between integrative leadership and school performance.

A survey on the care and education leadership of private kindergarten directors in China: From the perspective of the post epidemic era

Care and education leadership is the core of kindergarten directors’ leadership to promote the professional development of kindergarten teachers. According to the relevant literature on kindergarten directors' leadership, there are very few studies focusing on care and educational leadership. Therefore, this study is based on the professional requirements specified by the Professional Standards for Kindergarten Directors and compiles the "scale of care and education leadership for private kindergarten directors". After the project analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis and other tests, the scale has good reliability and validity. Then, 461 directors among private kindergartens in Hebei Province were investigated on this scale. The survey found that the overall level of care and education leadership among private kindergarten directors is good but the development is uneven. In addition, the development of the care and education leadership level of the private kindergarten directors shows an increasing trend with age. The higher the educational level, the higher the care and education leadership level. The kindergarten directors who have served for 6-10 years have the highest level of leadership in care and education. There are significant differences in the division of administrative regions where the kindergartens are located. The score of urban kindergarten directors is the highest followed by county directors and the score of rural kindergarten directors is the lowest.

163 Assessment of implementation, needs, and challenges of equine Extension programs

Extension programs aim to provide quality education and solutions to problems in agriculture through the use of research-based information. While youth and adult equine Extension programs are available for implementation at the county, regional, and state level, equine-specific programs are not equally utilized or adopted compared with other livestock programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate how equine Extension programs are utilized and delivered in TN counties and to understand perceived barriers for program implementation by Extension personnel. An equine program needs assessment survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) was distributed to all Extension County Directors, Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) and 4-H Agents and Specialists in TN from February to May 2022. Respondents were prompted with programming questions including demographics, active programming, types of equine programs offered, resources needed, and perceived barriers to implementing programs. Based on removal of individual identifiers from this post collection data set, the University of TN Institutional Review Board deemed this work as non-human subject research and subsequent approval was not required. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Stata/SE 17 (College Station, TX). A total of 44 counties and regions were represented, where the highest proportion of respondent (n = 61) positionappointments were ANR County Agents (49.18%, n = 30), 4-H County Agents (34.43%, n = 21), and split appointment ANR and 4-H County Agents (6.56%, n = 4). Currently, active equine programming at the county level (n = 55) is mostly youth focused (52.73%, n = 29), and many counties currently do not have an active program (36.36%, n = 20). Respondents (n = 61) indicated the largest need for Extension publications (68.85%, n = 42), how-to videos (57.38%, n = 35), and news releases (57.38%, n = 35) for use at the county level. When specifically asked why developed programs were not adopted at the county level, respondents (n = 60) indicated time constraints (21.67%, n = 13), lack of interest (21.67%, n = 13), and cost (21.67%, n = 13) as the largest perceived barriers. Specific to cost, respondents (n = 61) felt program costs should include a manual and educational materials (55.74%, n = 34), program sign (49.18%, n = 30), and a state processing fee (44.26%, n = 27) when registration or program coordination is handled outside of the county. Equine-specific Extension programs do not appear to be well-adopted at the county level in Tennessee for various reasons. Creative efforts must be made to implement equine-specific Extension programs and meet equine clientele needs.

Influence of Strategic Leadership on Operation Efficiency of County Governments in Kenya: A Case Study of Baringo County

This research aimed to analyze the influence of strategic leadership on the operational efficiency of the County Government of Kenya: a case of Baringo County. The investigation was based on a study by Curteanu and Constantin (2010). This study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of the study was the 33 members of top management in the County Government of Baringo. The justification for the choice of the county Chief Officers and County Directors is that they are directly in charge of the implementation of the county government strategic plan and operations under their dockets. The researcher took a census of all the thirty-three members of top management (Chief Officers and Directors) by means of self-administered questionnaires. First, there was empirical evidence to prove that resource allocation influenced the operational efficiency of the County Government of Baringo. Secondly, it confirmed that there was empirical evidence to prove that integrity and ethical issues influenced the operational efficiency of the County Government of Baringo. Thirdly, the study established that strategic control influenced the operational efficiency of the County Government of Baringo. Finally, there was empirical evidence to prove that organizational culture influenced the operational efficiency of the County Government of Baringo. The study recommended that the office of the Auditor General should use the results from this investigation to update the management policy of the County Governments as a means of helping the County Governments to achieve more operational efficiency for optimal service delivery and optimized value for money in the County Governments in Kenya. Again, the study recommends that the County Assemblies, in their role of oversight and legislation, should also use the findings from the study to make laws that will enable the County Governments to enhance their performance and governance and be more operationally efficient. Such legislation should encompass resource allocations and internal control principles. Finally, County Chief Officers and County Directors, being senior managers charged with investment portfolios, are subject to fiduciary laws with strict requirements and controls. Therefore, the findings from this study are relevant to inform their undertaking.

Public Accountability Practice and Devolved Administrative Structures in Selected Semi-arid Counties in Kenya

Purpose: Devolved administrative structures serve a critical role in insulating public officials against power abuse and enhancing the stability of the political environment. Since the inception of devolution in Kenya, proper operationalization of devolved administrative structures ought to be in place. The problem lies in the operationalization of devolved administrative structures that has led to poor service delivery. This study intended toibridge the gap by determining the effect ofipublic accountability practices on theidevolved administrative structures.
 Methodology: The study incorporated institutional theory explaining an institution as entities that are dependent on each other to form complete systems that are concerned with internal interdependence. The target population was 500 respondents from Taita Taveta and Makueni Counties. Purposive sampling was utilized to sample the top leadership who are mandated to oversee functions in the devolved administrative setups; the governor’s, deputy governors, speakers of county assembly and clerks of county assembly. Random sampling technique was utilized to sample members of county assemblies, county executive members, chief officers, county public service board members, directors, sub-county administrators, ward administrators, and village administrators
 Findings: The study found significant relationship betweenipubliciaccountability andidevolvediadministrativeistructures.
 Recommendation: This study recommends that top leadership in Counties must come up with project ideas which are persuasive and create improvement of devolved administrative structures that give persuasive transformation.

INFLUENCE OF STUDENT COUNCILS’ INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNICATION ON MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KISII COUNTY

In the recent past, there has been a large number of secondary school unrests and other forms of indiscipline not forgetting that Kisii County in Kenya also got its share. This happens despite the inclusion of student councils in secondary school management. The specific objectives of the study were to; establish the influence of student councils’ involvement in communication between students and the administration and management of public secondary schools in Kisii County. The study was anchored on functional leadership theory. The study adopted a mixedmethod design. The target population was 140948 respondents comprising of 104 principals, 2080 teachers, 1040 student leaders, 137713 students, and 11 Sub County Directors of Education. The sample size was 1066 respondents comprising of 31 Principals, 336 teachers, 289 Student leaders, 399 students, and 11 Sub-County Directors of Education. Stratified, simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data collection was done through the administration of questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. Validity was established using expert judgment, while reliability was determined using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient. Data analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Correlation analysis and multiple regression with the aid of SPSS V26. From the linear regression model, (R2 = .525 shows that student councils’ involvement in communication accounts for 52.5% variation in the management of public schools. The study findings depicted that there was a positive significant effect of student councils’ involvement in communication on the management of public schools (β1=0.780 and p-value <0.05). Therefore, an increase in student councils’ involvement in communication led to an increase in the quality management of public secondary schools. It was concluded that creating networks and involving student councils in school administration reduces conflicts. School administration should put in place good communication systems in schools to ensure a smooth two-way flow of information to all students’ council/(prefects,) students, teachers, and support staff. It is recommended that the sustainable communication link between the students’ council and school administration be developed.

Fighting for Farmers

Fighting for Farmers

The Influence of Level of Funding on Implementation of Physical Infrastructure Projects in Public Secondary Schools

The free primary education and subsidized secondary levels resulted to high enrolment in secondary schools in Kenya. This led to congestion on the existing facilities, especially in government aided secondary schools hence creating the need to construct more relevant physical facilities. However, in many government aided secondary schools, there are examples of faulty project implementation in terms of; incomplete buildings, inadequate instructional materials in some schools, poorly developed play grounds, laboratories with inadequate equipment, congested class rooms and lack of departmental offices. This study therefore aimed at establishing the influence of level of funding on physical infrastructure implementation: a case of Trans-Nzoia and West Pokot Counties, Kenya. The study adopted the Critical Chain Project Management theory while the descriptive survey design was employed. The target population comprised of the principals, the Board of Management (BOM) members, Sub County and County Directors of Education. Questionnaires and interview guides were used in data collection. The validity and reliability of the tools was done by use of the expert’s opinions and a test re-tests technique respectively. The quantitative data was analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented by using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was organized thematically and analyzed alongside the corresponding quantitative data. The findings revealed that; West Pokot County government allocated more funds towards infrastructure compared to Trans Nzoia. There was more donor support in West Pokot County than Trans Nzoia. Allocation and disbursement of funds from the ministry of Education and Constituency Development Funds delayed. As a result, schools in Trans Nzoia charged parents fees for infrastructure development. Allocation and disbursement of Funds from the ministry of education and the Constituency Development Funds delayed. The study recommended that there is need for more capacity building on outsourcing of resources to help implement projects in secondary schools in the two Counties. The findings from the study would be helpful to policy makers in developing informed policy in financing and implementation in education sector.

Relationship between the Perceived Effects of Implementation of Performance Contracting Process and Head Teachers’ Performance in Public Day Primary Schools in Kericho County, Kenya

This study tries to check the association between perceived effects of performance and head teachers’ performance. The research context is public day primary schools in Kericho County, of Kenya of Kenya. Both quantitative and qualitative approach has been applied. A sample of two hundred twenty-seven head-teachers from Six Sub County Directors has been used for this study. The results also show that implementation of performance contracting process had a statistically significant relationship with head-teachers’ performance primary day schools in Kericho County.