- Victor Ochieng’ explains the governance structure, leadership roles and organisational framework for Senior Schools under the Competency-Based Education guidelines.
- The Senior School organogram provides a clear governance structure for implementing Competency-Based Education.
- It defines the roles and responsibilities of school leaders, teachers and non-teaching staff.
- Effective governance and collaboration are essential for successful curriculum implementation.
I decided to abut this 20th treatise on Competency-Based Education (CBE) on Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education (2025). Organogram, also known as organigram, is an organisational chart. Or a visual representation of the structure of an organisation, which in our context is Senior Schools (Grades 10-12). The chart I am delineating depicts relationship between managers, administrators, departments, employers and employees in Senior Schools in the new education dispensation.
Actually, the stupendous structure and governance of Senior Schools facilitates effective decision-making, accountability and community involvement. This in turn, enhances exhilarating educational experience for learners. It defines roles and responsibilities in response to the needs of all stakeholders. In the structure and governance of Senior School, at the apex, we have Board of Management (BoM). Then, it cascades to Head of Institution (HoI) or Principal.
On the left of the organogram, we have the Deputy Head of Institution (DHoI) or Deputy Principal. Thereafter, we have the Senior Master. Under the Senior Master, we have three Heads of Departments (HoDs), which include: HoD Contemporary Issues, HoD STEM, HoD Social Sciences and HoD Arts and Sports Science. Below the HoDs, we have Heads of Tracks (HoTs). Then, Heads of Subjects (HoSs); boiling down to subject teachers. Then, there are teachers assigned under Contemporary Issues.
Likewise, on the right of the organogram under HoI, we have Parents’ Association (PA). Then, the bursar or school administrator. This boils down to other members of the Non-Teaching Staff (NTS) that include: Secretary or administrative assistant, accounts clerk, Human Resource Officer (HRO), librarian, store keeper, laboratory technician, ICT technician, caterer or cook, janitor or cleaner, security guard, Guidance and Counselling Officer (GCO), maintenance officer and driver.
Board of Management
Board of Management (BoM) is made up of representatives from various stakeholders such as representatives of parents, teachers, Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) and community members. Head of Institution (HoI) or Principal is the secretary to the BoM, which is in line with the provisions of Section 62 of Basic Education Act (2013).
Then, it will be incumbent upon the BoM to be in charge of Human Resource Management (HRM). How? (a) Advise the County Education Board (CEB) on staffing needs of Senior Schools, (b) ensure there is peaceful co-existence among members of the school, and the neighbouring community, (c) establish structures for psycho-social support and wellness of the whole school fraternity or sorority, and (d) to be responsible for disciplinary issues affecting both teaching and non-teaching staff.
Head of Institution or Principal
Head of Institution (HoI) or Principal, is mandated to play the key role in the overall administration, leadership and management of Senior School. The HoI performs duties in accordance with Basic Education Act (2013), TSC Act 2012 and Code of Regulation for Teachers. Deputy Head of Institution (DHoI) or Deputy Principal is the Principal Assistant (PA) to the Head of Institution (HoI). DHoI is in charge of the discipline of both staff and learners. DHoI is also in charge of the Timetabling Committee.
Timetabling Development Committee
Timetabling Committee members in Senior Schools include: (a) Deputy Head of Institution (DHoI), (b) Senior Masters in charge of Career Pathways, (c) Heads of Subjects, and (d) Class Teachers of Grades 10, 11 and 12. The onus is on the committee members to convene planning meetings at the beginning of every term for purposes of development. Or review of school timetable and quotidian routine.
Parents’ Association
Senior Schools should establish a Parents’ Association (PA) in perfect agreement with the 3rd Schedule and Section 55 (3) of the Basic Education Act (2013). The HoI serves as the secretary to the PA. The PA is instrumental in the co-ordinating parental involvement in school governance, mobilising resources, addressing learners’ welfare and discipline, communicating, advocating, and supporting curriculum delivery.
Senior Management Team
Every Senior School is to establish a Senior Management Team (SMT) that should include: HoI, DHoI, HoDs and other key administrative staff. The SMT is responsible for the following: (a) Co-ordinating academic programmes and co-curricular activities, (b) managing staff development and performance, (c) assisting the HoI to implement the Strategic Plan, and (c) maintain discipline by setting clear expectation and promoting positive behaviour.
School Academic Committees
It is incumbent upon every Senior School to establish functional academic committees; that will weld together departmental heads and teachers. Academic committees for each Career Pathway is responsible to the Senior Master for the following key responsibilities: (a) Supervising implementing curriculum, (b) carrying out formative assessment of learning outcomes, (c) addressing performance-related issues and innovation, (d) ensuring there is proper syllabus coverage, (e) ensuring that teachers maintain proper schemes of work, lesson plans, records of work, and (f) ensuring inclusion of regular parental engagement to promote accountability of children’s progress and success.
Human Resource Officer
Human Resource Officer (HRO) is to manage human resources within the school. HROs duties include: (a) Handling staff recruitment, orientation and documentation, (b) managing staff records, attendance, leave and payroll, (c) ensuring compliance with labour laws and handling employee-relations, and (d) facilitating professional development and training opportunities.
Non-Teaching Staff
Every Senior School is to establish a Non-Teaching Staff (NTS) coterie of employees who are under BoM. Somewhat, NTS complement teaching. They perform important tasks, which include offering assistance in: Science laboratories, computer laboratories, workshops, libraries and secretarial services. They are also indirectly involved in curriculum support in areas of accounting, cooking, laundry, stores, security, health management and care-giving of SNE learners. They maintain and manage school environment. Others are engaged in schools’ income-generating activities (IGAs) such as school farms, laundry and bakeries.
Guidance and Counselling Officer
Guidance and Counselling Officer (GCO) is to provide emotional and psychological support to students as spelt out in the following duties: (a) Offering counselling services for students with academic, social or personal challenges, (b) working closely with teachers and parents in addressing manifold needs of learners, (c) conducting workshops on mental health, peer relations and study skills, methods or habits, and (d) identifying students who are at risk hence providing robust support.
ICT Technician
Being that CBE advocates for ICT integration, there is the exigent need of an ICT technician in every Senior School to provide technical support for ICT infrastructure in line with: (a) Setting up and maintaining computers, networks, and other ICT equipment, (b) trouble-shooting and resolving technical issues, (c) assisting teachers and students with ICT issues, and (d) ensuring data security and conducting regular systems update.
Student Council
The Student Council in Senior Schools will be made up of selected and elected representatives from the students’ body.
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Their key responsibility will include: (a) to facilitate communication between students and school leadership, and (b) to present students’ interests and concerns to the school administration.
By Victor Ochieng’
Victor Ochieng’ rolls out leadership talks and training services in schools. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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