FINANCIAL DETERMINANTS OF EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT FOR ENHANCING STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Resource utilization is an integral part of the overall management of the school.
Education in a school is explored by provision of resources, their maximum utilization
and management. Proper management of resources enhances students’ performance and
achieves the educational objectives. The success or failure of any organization, business
or enterprise depends highly on proper management of human and material resources.
The purpose of this study was to establish the financial determinants of management of
educational resources for enhancing students’ performance in secondary schools in
Vihiga County. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study population
composed of 112 head teachers, 1,120 teachers, 4,480 students and 9 County Quality
Assurance and Standards Officers. Simple random sampling method, stratified sampling
technique, saturated sampling technique and purposive sampling method were used to
select samples. Questionnaires and in-depth interview guides, observation schedules and
document analysis were used to collect data. Reliability of instruments was determined
through a pilot study conducted in 3 secondary schools. Results of reliability of the
instruments were assessed using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient test.
Content validity was established by availing instruments to supervisors. Qualitative data
from interviews was transcribed and reported according to emerging themes, categories
and sub-categories while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such
as frequency counts, means and percentages. Pearson’s product moment correlation
coefficient was used to establish relationships between variables. Findings of the study
revealed that the inadequacy of financial resources in schools in Vihiga County had a
negative impact on acquisition of relevant and adequate educational resources and this
also impacted negatively on performance of students in KCSE exams. From the study it
is concluded that procurement of resources mainly depend on fee collection, proceeds
from income generating activities, fund raising activities (Harambee), bursaries,