Abstract:
There have been a number of cases reported mainly through the local print and electronic media regarding mismanagement of finances in public secondary schools. Gucha is one such district that experienced 47 cases of financial mismanagement between the year 2008-2010. This study was therefore set to establish the perceptions of stakeholders on the effect of financial mismanagement on quality education: school workers, students’ enrolment and performance in public secondary schools in Gucha district. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The study population consisted of 126 head teachers, heads of departments, Board of governors’ chairpersons, bursars, 1011 teachers, and 10 quality assurance officers. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 5 boarding schools, 37 day schools, 42 head teachers, 42 Bursars, 42 heads of departments, 42 BOG chairpersons, 337 teachers while purposive sampling was used to select 10 quality assurance and standards officers. Data was collected by the use of questionnaire, interviews schedule, Focus group discussions and observation forms. Quantitative data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of means, frequency counts and percentages. Qualitative data collected through interviews and Focused group discussions were transcribed, organized into themes and sub-themes as they emerged in an on-going process. The study established that financial mismanagement had adversely affected students’ enrolment, performance and the quality of workers. Based on the findings of the study it therefore emerged the need for the government to appoint a financial committee at the school level comprising of members from other stakeholders to assist principals in managing school finances. This will reduce the principals’ powers of controlling finances by themselves and increases levels of accountability and transparency.
