Community Participation and Governance in Kenyan Schools: An Analytical Framework

Community participation in school governance is increasingly recognised as crucial for effective education management in Kenya. A mixed-methods approach combining case studies and survey data was employed to analyse the role of community participation in shaping educational policies and practices. Community involvement significantly enhances decision-making processes and resource allocation within schools, with a notable trend towards equitable distribution of funds across different sectors (e.g., infrastructure vs. teacher training). The study underscores the importance of fostering collaborative relationships between communities and educational institutions to improve school performance and student outcomes. Schools should establish formal mechanisms for continuous engagement with local communities, while policymakers must design incentives that encourage broader participation in governance structures.