Challenges in financing development projects in public primary schools in Ijara district in Garissa county, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges in financing development projects in public primary schools in Ijara district, Garissa County. The objectives of the study were to find out the major financiers of development projects and the challenges and possible solutions to challenges faced in financing development projects in public primary schools in Ijara District, Garissa County, Kenya. The study was premised on Getzel Systems theory (1968) which states that schools are social systems bound by set of elements, subsystems and activities that interact and constitute a social entity. The study adopted  a multi-case study approach for the aim of obtaining an in-depth description of experiences of particular cases( in this case, schools) in the financing challenges for development projects .Purposive sampling was used to select 12 out of 42 primary schools to constitute the cases of interest.  The respondents were twelve (12) headteachers and twelve (12) PTA chairpersons from the selected schools.  Interview schedules and observation guides were used to collect data. The study found out that there were many sources of financing for school development projects. The Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry for the Development of Northern Kenya and Other Arid Lands were the major financiers of school projects. The constituency development fund (CDF) had been used to put up major school facilities. There were many non- governmental organizations operating in Ijara district that assisted to put up educational facilities. Parents contributions was minimal due to various factors key among them poverty among households. The study recommended that the parents, communities, pupils and stakeholders be actively involved in the development and implementation of school development plans. Income generating activities suited to arid areas like irrigation farming were proposed as an additional source of funds.[295  words]