In public secondary schools in Kenya, the Board of Management (BOM) plays a crucial role in overseeing various aspects of the school’s management.
Understanding how BOM members are appointed is essential for parents, teachers, and the community.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Composition of the BOM
The BOM consists of 14 members appointed by the County Education Board (CEB).
The composition includes:
- Six persons representing the parents’ body or the local community.
- Three persons representing the sponsors of the school.
- One person nominated by the County Education Board (CEB).
- One person representing special interest groups in the community.
- One person representing persons with special needs.
- One teacher representing the teaching staff in the school.
- One ex-officio member representing the students’ council.
2. Co-option of Members
Article 56, sub-section 2 of the Basic Education Act allows the BOM to co-opt a person with relevant experience and skills to assist in its functions.
The BOM can co-opt up to a maximum of 3 members at any one time, increasing the number of board members from 14 to 17.
Co-opted members, however, do not have the right to vote at board meetings.
3. Meeting Frequency
The Basic Education Act stipulates that BOMs should have a meeting after every four months to discuss school matters and make decisions.
4. Proposed Changes
The number of members in a secondary school board was challenged by a Task Force in 2016 following cases of fires reported in learning institutions.
The Ministry of Education proposed a change of law to regulate the number of people on school boards from seventeen to nine to improve management effectiveness and reduce costs.
The rationale behind the proposal was that each board member demands allowances or transport refunds, which can be costly for schools, especially those facing financial challenges.
Understanding how the BOM is appointed and operates is crucial for ensuring effective school management.
The composition of the BOM reflects a diverse representation that aims to cater to the needs and interests of various stakeholders in the school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who appoints the members of the Board of Management (BOM) in public secondary schools?
A: The members of the BOM are appointed by the County Education Board (CEB) in Kenya.
Q: What is the composition of the BOM?
A: The BOM consists of 14 members, including representatives from the parents’ body or local community, sponsors of the school, special interest groups, persons with special needs, teaching staff, and the students’ council.
Q: Can the BOM co-opt additional members?
A: Yes, the BOM can co-opt up to a maximum of 3 members who possess relevant experience and skills to assist in its functions, increasing the total number of board members from 14 to 17.
Q: Do co-opted members have the right to vote at board meetings?
A: No, co-opted members do not have the right to vote at board meetings.
Q: How often should the BOM hold meetings?
A: The Basic Education Act stipulates that the BOM should hold a meeting after every four months to discuss school matters and make decisions.
Q: Why was there a proposal to reduce the number of BOM members?
A: The proposal was made to regulate the number of people on school boards from seventeen to nine to improve management effectiveness and reduce costs, as each board member demands allowances or transport refunds, which can be costly for schools, especially those facing financial challenges.
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Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
