Abstract:
The study sought to investigate challenges affecting utilization of funds in public primary schools in Trans-Nzoia East Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia County- Kenya. The study also sought to determine the knowledge and policy related challenges, school and community related challenges faced in managing school funds in public primary schools. Stratified sampling technique was employed to select two divisions and 5 zones having 93 public primary schools. Random sampling technique was used to select 29 head teachers and 328 Teachers from the 29 schools and Purposively ;the DEO, the QASO, 2 AEOs and the 5 TAC tutors were selected thereby constituting 366 respondents. Questionnaires, interview schedules, document analysis and observation techniques were used in collecting the data and descriptive statistic was used in data analysis where data was presented in tables, graphs and charts. The study found that schools receive policies and guidelines on school financial management practice. Consequences of misappropriation of school funds were clear to all stakeholders. Further, there opportunities for head teachers' personal professional development. Also the study findings found that, schools receive policies and guidelines on utilization of school funds and that they ensure that scarce financial resources were maximally utilized in schools. Finally, wrangles were evident among the school management members even though schools have vision, mission and development plans that guide their activities. There is need for the government and other stakeholder to provide adequate training to all heads regarding financial management, and the need to ensure qualified auditors audit books periodically at school level in order to avoid financial problems. In schools, supervision should include financial aspects and returns be filed and submitted to their higher level for transparency and accountability void of shifted blames through the various levels of educational management. This study benefits education planners, policy makers, educators and human resource development managers.
