Factors that Impede the Implementation of Strategic Plans in Secondary Schools in Baringo District, Kenya

Abstract

Despite the evidence of the existence of strategic plans in learning institutions in Kenya, the greatest impediment to successful use of these strategies in education has been failure by institutions to implement them. Indeed, previous studies have shown that crafting strategic plans is a lot easier than to make them happen. Public secondary schools in Kenya are facing the problem of successfully implementing their strategic plans amidst the ministry of education’s demand for written strategies as well as stiff competition from private schools. The objective of this study was to unearth the factors that impede the implementation of strategic plans in selected secondary schools in Baringo district. The focus of the study was on variables such as human resources, leadership style, organizational structure and culture of schools. The research employed the descriptive research design. The target population of the study was the 21 secondary schools and 329 teachers in the district. A sample of 84 teachers was utilized. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The data collected were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Data was analyzed according to the objectives of the study. The results are presented in frequency distribution tables and percentages. Schools may find the findings of this study useful because they can use them to reorganize their strategy implementation process and at the same time intensify the existing training programs for the understanding of the strategy implementation process. Furthermore, the findings may guide schools in checking and controlling external influence on the running of schools.