Abstract

A descriptive survey design was used to investigate the role of the sponsor in secondary school management and its impact on academic performance in Uasin Gishu District, Kenya. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 97 secondary schools where the head teachers of the schools and 7 Education Secretaries of the sponsoring churches formed the sample. Instruments of data collection were document analysis and a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. It was found out that there is a significant influence of the provision of a conducive learning environment on academic performance. The expectations of the sponsor on teachers and students had a significant influence on school operations and also there was a significant relationship between a school sponsor and academic performance in schools. Lastly, it was revealed that administration challenges have a significant relationship with the roles played by sponsors in schools. The most prevalent challenges that head teachers experience while dealing with sponsors in school management are favours sought, the nomination of ineffective BOG chairpersons and the use of school facilities for non-academic activities by sponsors. It was concluded that church sponsors do meddle in school management and recommended that the Ministry of Education needs to review the sponsorship policy. 

Key words: Sponsor, school management, public school, policy, christian church sponsored school, role, academic performance, conducive learning environment, impact.