Financial Management Practices and Achievement of Financial Outcomes of Primary Schools in Kilifi Sub-County, Kenya

The Kenyan Basic Education Act (2013) requires effective financial management in public schools, entrusting Boards of Management and school heads with the responsibility of adopting sound financial practices. This responsibility includes managing government grants, donations, parental contributions, and other funds to achieve both academic and financial goals. Effective financial management is essential to constructing school infrastructurprovidingide learning materials, hire staff, and enhance student and staff welfare. However, poor financial management can lead to fraud, misallocation of resources, and unrest, which can hinder schools’ performance. This study explored the financial management practices of primary schools in Kilifi County, Kenya, examining the impact of budgeting, record-keeping, cash flow management, procurement, and revenue generation on achieving financial objectives. The research revealed that, despite significant adherence to budgeting and stakeholder engagement, some schools show weaknesses in documentation and record-keeping, indicating an area for development. While most schools maintain solid cash flow policies and meet financial obligations, a few face challenges with consistent cash flow. Additionally, findings suggest that many schools have robust procurement and expenditure management processes, though improvements in transparency and documentation could enhance accountability. Schools generally exhibit strong accountability and reporting practices, ensuring stakeholders are informed about financial performance. However, challenges remain, including insufficient funding, delays in fund disbursement, and limited revenue diversification, which impact some schools’ ability to meet financial targets. The study concludes that while primary schools in Kilifi County demonstrate commitment to financial management, the attainment of financial goals is hampered by external funding constraints and occasional lapses in financial planning. It recommends that schools strengthen documentation, enhance staff financial training, improve cash flow strategies, diversify revenue streams, and advocate for timely funding to promote financial resilience and sustainability.