Thesis:

Role of principals in the implementation of Projects for centres of excellence in Secondary schools in Meru county, Kenya.

This study investigated the role of principals in implementation on centers of excellence in Meru County. The objectives of the study were; (i) To find out whether delay in funds disbursement was affecting the role of principals in implementation of centers of excellence, (ii) To find out if political interference interfere with the role of the principals in implementing centers of excellence, (iii) To find out if the level of supervision was a challenge in the role of the principals in implementing centers of excellence. The literature review includes the past studies done by other researchers on the variables under study, gaps filled by the study and the conceptual framework. Qualitative descriptive survey was used that required the formulation of hypothesis or research questions and a detailed research strategy. The target population was 55 members who were actively involved in the management of centers of excellence secondary schools in Meru County. They include DEOs, BOM chairmen and head teachers. Sample sizes of 28 members were selected and it represented 50 percent of the target population. Stratified random sampling was adopted to give the appropriate and representative sample for each section. The researcher used a questionnaire to collect the data from all the respondents in the sample size. The researcher established the reliability of the instrument by distributing the same questionnaires to Center of Excellence Secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County which has similar characteristics to Meru County. The researcher then contacted the District Education Officer to be allowed to carry out the research in the district. The sampled schools were visited and the principals informed about the study. After the collection of data, the researcher scrutinized the instrument for completeness, accuracy and uniformity. Coding was done to classify the answer to a question into meaningful categories so as to bring out their essential pattern. Data collected by use of a questionnaire was analyzed and categorized in order to simplify it for presentation. Data was analyzed and presented descriptively using data presentation techniques like frequency tables, bar graphs and pie-charts. The study concluded that; (i) the idea of schools as centers of excellence was well thought especially during this era of technological innovation, (ii) The funds should be used for the right purpose and tender awarded to the qualified bidders and also that there should be a high degree of supervision of the projects to ensure quality buildings and all the infrastructure intended for improvement by the funds all the stakeholders involved, (iii) the community members should also be included in the implementation of the projects as it is for the benefit of the whole community. From the study, the following recommendations were made; (i) that the government should release funds in time to ensure the projects are implemented on time so that other schools also should be improved to ensure there was quality education in the country, (ii) Politics undermines development and politicians should keep off the government projects. This has much contributed to stalling of these projects and also caused warring between communities in fight for the scarce resources, (iii) There should be a high degree of supervision of all government projects as most tenders are awarded non ethically leading to corruption hence substandard structures because the funds cut to bribe are recovered through such means. Good supervision ensures quality structures.