- Victor Ochieng’ examines the mandate, composition and responsibilities of Boards of Management in Kenya’s basic education institutions.
- He explains how effective boards can strengthen governance, financial management, learner welfare and institutional development in schools.
- The writer also highlights challenges that can undermine boards, including conflicts, political interference and inadequate understanding of their roles.
Ideally, this treatise revolves around the Board of Management: Rationale, functions, appointment, terms of service, dissolution, qualifications, composition, co-option, inauguration, committees, effectiveness and challenges.
Rationale
The Basic Education Act 2013 spells out the existence of BoM for every public pre-primary, primary, secondary, adult and continuing education centres, multi-purpose development training institutes and middle-level institutions of basic education.
Functions
BoMs represent the Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Education in schools. Then, BoMs are in place to manage institutions, make decisions and take part in budgeting. It is incumbent upon BoM to promote development in schools. BoM promotes quality education. BoM ensures there are adequate physical facilities in schools. BoM ensures that there is strict adherence to safety and health standards in schools.
Moreover, BoMs advises the County Education Board (CEB) on the staffing needs in schools. BoM determine discipline cases and submit them to CEB. BoM prepares comprehensive termly reports. BoM ensures there is effective guidance and counselling of learners. BoM promotes welfare, rights and safety of learners, teaching and support staff. BoM encourages dialogue and democratic governance of schools. Likewise, BoMs should promote the spirit of cohesion, peace, tolerance and inclusion. BoM should eliminate hate speech and all forms of corruption in schools. BoM encourages all stakeholders to play their part. BoM mobilises resources and manages resources available. BoM receives, collects and accounts for school funds. Then, BoM recruits, employs and remunerates staff where applicable.
Appointment
Nominations of BoM members happen at the school level. County Education Board (CEB) vets and approves the nominees. The County Director of Education (CDE) shares letters of appointment on behalf of CEB.
Terms of Service
The law stipulates that the BoM stint in office should take a span of 3 years, which shall be renewable for 1 further term.
Dissolution
Dissolution of BoM can occur due to gross misconduct and corruption. Or when it becomes incapable of discharging its cardinal duties. Or when the institution changes its mandate or ceases to exist. Or when CEB dissolves the BoM, it appoints an Interim Committee of 5 members to manage the institution.
Qualifications
In schools or middle-level colleges, BoM members should wield a degree from a recognised university and a KCSE certificate. It is important to consider ethnic and regional diversity of the people of Kenya. Then, the need for gender balance. BoM members should be people with integrity.
Composition
There should be: 1 representative of the teaching staff in the school elected by teachers; 3 members to represent sponsor or church; 1 person to represent special interest groups in the community; 1 person to represent persons with special needs; 6 people elected to represent parents or guardians of students in the school or local community; 1 person nominated by CEB.
Co-option
BoM from time to time, co-opts into its meetings people it perceives possess requisite skills. For instance, during a particular session, the BoM may invite the area chief or a certain consultant due to the need at that time.
Inauguration
After the appointment, there is the inauguration of the BoM, which marks the commencement of its operation. During inauguration, there is a confirmation of receipt of letters of appointment by the new members. Confirmation of acceptance of appointment by members follows suit. Then, confirmation of the principal as secretary to the BoM. There is the election or confirmation of the chairperson and vice chairperson. Election of executive committee members takes place, followed by the election of signatories to the school accounts.
Committees
The BoM of an institution establishes some key committees to assist it in execution of some core functions. These are some examples of BoM committees: Finance, Procurement and General Purpose Committee, Academic Standards, Quality and Environment Committee, Discipline, Ethics and Integrity Committee, Audit Committee, Human Rights and Student Welfare Committee, Infrastructure Committee, et cetera.
Effectiveness
When an institution has an effective BoM, there is prudent financial management. There are regular meetings marked with objective discussions. When the BoM is effective, the level of dedication and devotion among members to the affairs of the institution is top-notch. BoM participates in major events staged by the school. Then, when the management is deft, it is keen to provide teaching and learning materials. Effective BoMs ensure that there is cordial relationship between the community and the school. When the BoM is effective, it mitigates disasters that can paralyse teaching and learning (TL) process. Effective BoMs prioritise welfare of students and staff.
Challenges
Finally, some challenges BoMs face include lack of focus on the main mandate. Conflict of interest. Wrangles and differences among members. Preposterous demands from the school sponsor. Political interference. Lack of knowledge revolving around roles and responsibilities.
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Conflict between BoMs and Parents Association (PAs). Due to cash crunch in some schools, BoM members may fail to get reasonable remuneration and allowances when need be. Dearth of interest and commitment in members can also pose a chilling challenge.
By Victor Ochieng’
Victor Ochieng’ rolls out talks and training services in schools. He also assists schools to write lustrum (5-year) Strategic Plans. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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