The Role and Composition of the BOM in Kenyan Schools

The Basic Education Act outlines the structure, responsibilities, and functions of the Board of Management (BoM) in Kenyan schools. Every public institution under the basic education system is required to have a Board of Management to oversee its operations and ensure compliance with educational policies and standards.

Institutions Requiring a Board of Management

A Board of Management shall be established for every public:

• Primary school
• Secondary school
• Adult and continuing education centre
• Multipurpose development training institute
• Middle-level institution of basic education

Functions of the Board of Management

The Board of Management in Kenyan schools is mandated to:

1. Promote the institution’s best interests and support its growth and development.
2. Ensure the provision of quality education for all learners in accordance with the Basic Education Act and other relevant laws.
3. Oversee the development and maintenance of proper and adequate physical facilities.
4. Manage the institution’s affairs while adhering to occupational safety and health regulations.
5. Advise the County Education Board on the staffing requirements of the institution.
6. Handle disciplinary matters concerning pupils and report to the County Education Board.
7. Prepare and submit comprehensive termly reports to the County Education Board on all aspects of school management.
8. Facilitate the provision of guidance and counseling services for learners.
9. Safeguard the welfare and rights of pupils, teachers, and non-teaching staff while ensuring their safety.
10. Encourage dialogue and participatory democratic governance within the institution.
11. Foster cohesion, integration, peace, tolerance, and inclusivity while eliminating hate speech and tribalism within the institution.
12. Motivate students, teachers, parents, and the broader community to participate in voluntary services benefiting the institution.
13. Allow the reasonable and regulated use of school facilities for community and social functions, subject to applicable conditions, including charging fees where necessary.
14. Manage and administer the school’s resources responsibly.
15. Oversee the collection, accounting, and proper utilization of school funds.
16. Recruit, employ, and remunerate non-teaching staff in accordance with the Basic Education Act.
17. Perform any other function that facilitates the execution of its mandate under the Basic Education Act or any other applicable legislation.

Composition of the Board of Management

The Board of Management in Kenyan schools comprises the following members, appointed by the County Education Board:

• Six parent representatives elected from among parents or the local community in county secondary schools.
• One nominee from the County Education Board.
• One teaching staff representative, elected by the school’s teachers.
• Three sponsor representatives, where applicable.
• One representative of special interest groups in the community.
• One representative for persons with special needs.
• One student council representative (ex officio, without voting rights).

The Board of Management has the authority to co-opt up to three additional members possessing relevant skills and experience. However, these co-opted members do not have voting rights.

Term of Service

• The term of service for members of the Board of Management shall be three years, renewable for one further term based on performance.
• The County Education Board shall review the performance of the Board before approving the renewal of terms.
• Any member may be removed from office for misconduct, inability to perform duties, or failure to meet the required standards as stipulated under the Basic Education Act.

Election of the Chairperson

• The BoM members elect their chairperson from among themselves, excluding the teaching staff representative.
• In public schools sponsored by religious organizations, the County Education Board appoints the chairperson after consulting with the sponsor.
• The chairperson for all public schools is elected during the first board meeting.
• Faith-based sponsors who do not make a significant contribution to a school, as defined in Section 2 of the Basic Education Act, are not entitled to consultation regarding the appointment of the chairperson.

Are BoM Members Paid?

• BoM members do not receive a salary as they are not employees of the institution.
• However, they may receive allowances for attending meetings or carrying out specific duties, subject to the availability of funds and government guidelines.

This structure ensures effective governance, accountability, and the smooth functioning of public schools across Kenya.

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