Functions of the Board of Management in Kenyan Schools

The Basic Education Act establishes the Board of Management (BoM) for every public primary school, secondary school, adult education centre, multipurpose development training institute, and middle-level institution of basic education in Kenya. The BoM plays a crucial role in managing and overseeing the affairs of these institutions.

Key Functions of the Board of Management

The Board of Management in Kenyan schools is responsible for:

1. Promoting the best interests and development of the institution.
2. Ensuring quality education for all learners as per legal standards.
3. Providing and maintaining adequate physical facilities for the school.
4. Managing school affairs in line with occupational safety and health regulations.
5. Advising the County Education Board on staffing needs.
6. Handling disciplinary cases involving students and reporting to the County Education Board.
7. Preparing and submitting termly reports on institutional performance.
8. Ensuring guidance and counseling services are available for all students.
9. Protecting human rights and ensuring the welfare and safety of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff.
10. Encouraging participatory governance and promoting a culture of dialogue within the school.
11. Fostering national cohesion by eliminating hate speech, tribalism, and discrimination.
12. Engaging stakeholders, including parents and the community, in voluntary services for the institution.
13. Allowing reasonable community use of school facilities under equitable conditions.
14. Managing and administering school resources effectively.
15. Receiving, collecting, and accounting for all funds allocated to the institution.
16. Recruiting, employing, and remunerating non-teaching staff as required by the Basic Education Act.
17. Undertaking any additional responsibilities that facilitate the implementation of the Basic Education Act.

Composition of the Board of Management

Each Board of Management is composed of members appointed by the County Education Board, as follows:

1. Six members elected to represent parents or the local community in the case of county secondary schools.
2. One member nominated by the County Education Board.
3. One teaching staff representative, elected by teachers.
4. Three representatives of the school’s sponsor.
5. One representative of special interest groups in the community.
6. One representative for persons with special needs.
7. A students’ council representative (ex officio member).

Co-opted Members and Chairperson Election

• The BoM may co-opt up to three additional members with specific skills and experience.
• Co-opted members do not have voting rights in board meetings.
• The Chairperson is elected by board members, excluding the teaching staff representative.
• For faith-based sponsored schools, the County Education Board consults the sponsor before appointing the BoM Chairperson.
• If a sponsor does not significantly influence a school, they cannot be consulted on the chairperson’s appointment.

For more details, refer to the Basic Education Act:
Kenya Law – Basic Education Act