The Basic Education Act establishes the Board of Management (BoM) for all public learning institutions in Kenya. The BoM plays a critical role in school governance, resource management, and student welfare.
Institutions Requiring a Board of Management
A BoM is mandatory for every public:
- Primary school
- Secondary school
- Adult and continuing education centre
- Multipurpose development training institute
- Middle-level institutions of basic education
1. Functions of the Board of Management
The Board of Management in Kenyan schools is responsible for:
(i) Development and Governance
- Promotes the best interests of the school and ensures its development.
- Promotes quality education per the Basic Education Act and national standards.
- Ensures the provision of proper infrastructure and learning facilities.
- Encourages dialogue and participatory governance among stakeholders.
(ii) Administration and Management
- Manages school affairs in line with occupational safety and health regulations.
- Manages resources effectively, including funds, infrastructure, and learning materials.
- Receives, collects, and accounts for school funds transparently.
- Prepares and submits termly reports to the County Education Board.
(iii) Human Resource Management
- Advises the County Education Board on staffing needs.
- Determines disciplinary cases involving students and reports to relevant authorities.
- Employs and remunerates non-teaching staff as required by the school.
(iv) Student Welfare and Safety
- Provides guidance and counseling to all learners.
- Ensures the welfare and safety of students, teachers, and staff.
- Promotes human rights, peace, tolerance, and inclusivity among students.
(v) Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
- Encourages volunteer services from parents, teachers, and the community.
- Allows school facilities to be used for lawful community and social events.
- Promotes national values such as cohesion, integration, and elimination of hate speech.
(vi) Financial Management
- Administers and manages school funds responsibly.
- Oversees financial transactions to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Determines appropriate school levies and expenditure in line with government policies.
2. Composition of the Board of Management
The County Education Board appoints BoM members.
(i) Members of the BoM
The BoM includes:
- Six elected representatives of parents or the local community.
- One nominee of the County Education Board.
- One representative of the teaching staff, elected by teachers.
- Three representatives of the school sponsor (e.g., religious or corporate organizations).
- One person representing special interest groups in the community.
- One representative for persons with special needs.
- A students’ council representative (ex officio, non-voting member).
(ii) Co-opted Members
- The BoM may co-opt up to three members with special skills and experience to assist in school governance.
- Co-opted members cannot vote in meetings.
(iii) Leadership within the BoM
- BoM members elect a Chairperson from among themselves.
- The teaching staff representative cannot be elected as Chairperson.
- For faith-based sponsored schools, the sponsor appoints the Chairperson in consultation with the County Education Board.
- A faith-based sponsor without significant influence is not consulted when appointing the Chairperson.
3. Importance of the Board of Management in Schools
The BoM plays a crucial role in:
✅ Ensuring quality education and student welfare.
✅ Managing school funds efficiently.
✅ Improving infrastructure and learning resources.
✅ Enhancing discipline and school governance.
✅ Encouraging community participation in school activities.
4. Conclusion
The Board of Management is the backbone of school governance in Kenya. By managing resources, enforcing discipline, and promoting education quality, the BoM ensures that schools run efficiently and equitably.
For more details, refer to the Basic Education Act:
Basic Education Act – Kenya Law.
