Influence of principals’ book-keeping skills on financial performance in public secondary schools in Banisa sub-county, Mandera County, Kenya.

Abstract

Purpose of the Study:To assess the influence of principals’ book-keeping skills on financial performance in public secondary schools in Banisa Sub-county, Mandera County, Kenya. Statement of the Problem:Financial book-keeping skills manifested by principals play a critical role for successful financial management in schools. However, financial performance ofpublic secondary schools in Banisa Sub-county has been low characterized by imprudent use of financial resources, lack of accountability and inefficiency. Methodology:The study applied mixed methodology and employed concurrent triangulation research design. The target population comprised33 principals, 500 teachers, 363 members of School Board of Management and the Sub-county Financial Auditor totaling 897. Using the Central Limit Theorem, a sample of 8 secondary schools, that is, 24.2% of 33 secondary schools and 201respondents, that is, 22.4% of 897, were selected. Stratified sampling was applied to create 4 strata based on the number of zonesin Banisa Sub-county. From each zone, two principals and 25 members of school board of Management were selected using purposive sampling. However, from each zone, 23 teachers were selected using simple random sampling to eliminate bias. The Sub-county Financial Auditor was also purposively considered for the research. Thissampling realized a sample of 8 principals, 92 teachers, 100 members of school Board of Managementand the Sub-county Financial Auditor. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers and interviews for principals, members of School Board of Managementand the Sub-county Financial Auditor. Data analysis began by identifying common themes. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the study objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis in Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS Version 23)and presented using tables. Findings:The study found that, over the past five years (2019-2023), financial performance in public secondary schools has been subpar due to widespread cases of irresponsible financial resource management, lack of accountability and inefficiency. Many public secondary schools continue to struggle with maintaining improved financial performance.This is attributed to inadequate or lack thereof of financial book-keeping skills manifested by principals. Recommendations: The Ministry of Education should continually organize refresher courses to equip principals with financial book-keeping procurement skills. EDUCATION