Strategic Planning in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: Challenges and Mitigations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges in the adoption of strategic planning in public secondary schools in Kenya and suggest mitigation strategies. The study was conducted in Kirinyaga Central district. The objectives of the study were: to establish leadership, policy, resource and institutional factors influencing the adoption of strategic planning in public secondary school in Nakuru Sub-County. The research adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was public secondary schools in Nakuru Sub-County. Sampling was done through stratified, purposive and simple random sampling methods. The sample size was twelve (12) secondary schools, 12 principals, 96 teachers and one DQASO. Structured and semi structured questionnaires were used as data collection tools. Interview and observation schedules were also used. The responses to the items were tabulated and data organized through frequency tables and percentages based on the research questions and were used to generate conclusions and recommendations. The study revealed that the adoption of strategic planning in schools was greatly hindered by leadership, resource, and policy challenges. The findings hence indicate a need for training on strategic planning and proper resource and financial management in schools to allow for continuous improvement.