Effect of Engagement of Board of Management Members on Financial Management in Public Scondary Schools in Nairobi City County, Kenya

This study examined the influence of Board of Management governance practices on financial administration in public secondary schools in Nairobi City County, Kenya. It specifically assessed the effects of board composition, competence, independence, and training and engagement on financial management. The study was guided by stakeholder theory, and employed a descriptive research design. The target population comprised 1,326 board members from 102 public secondary schools, from which 130 members from 10 schools were selected through stratified random sampling. Primary data were collected using questionnaires, while secondary data covering 2020–2024 were obtained through a structured schedule. Data were analysed using STATA, employing descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis, with findings presented using tables and graphs. The results indicated significant positive relationships between board composition and financial management (r = 0.533, p < 0.01; B = 0.607, p < 0.001), board competence and financial management (r = 0.344, p < 0.01; B = 0.511, p < 0.001), and board independence and financial management (r = 0.287, p < 0.01; B = 0.185, p < 0.001). Board training and engagement exhibited the strongest positive relationship (r = 0.882, p < 0.01; B = 0.799, p < 0.001). The study recommends strengthening board composition, clarifying member responsibilities, incorporating diverse education stakeholders, conducting training needs assessments, including independent members, and enhancing financial monitoring and budget evaluation in schools.