HEADS OF INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ON COMPETENCY-BASED CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN KENYAN JUNIOR SCHOOLS: A STUDY OF MAVOKO SUB COUNTY

Abstract

The adoption of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya’s public junior schools marks a transformative move toward promoting practical skills and student-centered learning. Successful CBC implementation depends significantly on the availability of suitable resources, shaped by the procurement strategies of school heads. Nevertheless, inefficiencies in these procurement processes can delay the supply of critical materials and infrastructure, potentially jeopardizing the curriculum’s objectives. This study investigated the influence of selected financial management strategies employed by Heads of Institutions on the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in public junior schools in Mavoko Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya. Grounded in Financial Management Theory, the study examined how budgeting, financial mobilization, and procurement practices impact CBC delivery. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was adopted, targeting 239 participants (Heads of Institutions, bursars, and teachers), with a final sample of 165 respondents. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data from interviews were thematically analyzed. Results revealed a strong, positive correlation between procurement strategies and CBC implementation (β = 0.846, p < 0.001), particularly in the timely and appropriate acquisition of teaching materials. However, challenges such as resource shortages, limited stakeholder consultation, and inefficiencies in procurement processes were identified. The study recommends strengthening institutional financial management capacity, enhancing transparency, and increasing investment in CBC-aligned resources. Further research is suggested to include a larger and more diverse sample and to compare public and private school settings. These findings offer critical insights for policy reforms and school-level strategies aimed at advancing effective CBC implementation.