ABSTRACT

Strategic planning as a tool is highly regarded in many institutions and organizations. Despite the introduction of Strategic Plans in learning institutions in Kenya, learners and stakeholders expectations have not been met years after the plans were put in place. While a number research studies on strategy implementation have been carried in various organizations, none has been undertaken to determine the roles of stakeholders and resource related impediments to implementation of Strategic Plans in public secondary schools. f. The purpose of this study was to establish the role of stakeholders and impediments to implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Mbeere North Sub-County in Embu County based on achievement of formulated objectives, goals and missions. The specific objectives were to: assess the principal’s knowledge in strategic plans; evaluate the process of strategic planning in public secondary schools; find out the roles of stakeholders in the implementation of strategic planning process; and assess the resources available for the implementation of strategic plans. This study was guided by Henry Mintzberg Theory established in 1998. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study targeted 38 principals, 38 deputy principals, 38 BOM chairpersons, 38 PTA chair persons and 38 presidents of the students’ council in all the 38 public secondary schools in Mbeere North Sub-County. Stratified sampling was used to select a total of 12 public secondary schools. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a total of 60 respondents comprising of 12 principals, 12 deputy principals, 12 PTA chairpersons, 12 BOM chairpersons and 12 presidents of the students’ council. Both questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. A pilot study was carried out to enhance validity and reliability of the research tools prior to the final study. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages. The results were presented using bargraphs, pie-charts and tables. Qualitative data were organized into relevant themes, presented using texts and discussed as per the objectives of the study. Findings of the study revealed that not all principals had received training on strategic planning since 2(16.7%) principals out of the 12 who participated in the study reported that they never received training on strategic planning. Most secondary schools effectively formulated vision, mission, goals, objectives and core values. The findings of the study revealed that not all stakeholders were equally involved in the implementation of strategic planning process in secondary schools. The study concluded that most principals in Mbeere North Sub-County have the knowledge required to prepare strategic plans for their schools and they used the authorized documents in the preparation. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should provide training workshops on Strategic planning for all stakeholders including parents. Also, the BOM and government should source and manage the necessary resources as well as facilitate capacity building for all the stakeholders entrusted with strategic planning formulation, implementation and control.