Abstract

Head of institutions sign performance contract with employer Teachers Service Commission (TSC) every year. Before they sign the contract, they are expected to prepare Operational Work Plan (OWP) which they are evaluated against by the end of the year to access their effectiveness in the implementation of work plan and the performance of their schools. It is however noted that academic performance of learners has dwindled in secondary schools since 2019 despite principals signing performance contracts in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County in Kenya. This study therefore was analyzing the relation between the implementation of work plan by principals and the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya. The study was guided by the goal setting theory. The study adopted mixed methodology. Descriptive survey design was utilized where a census of all 33 principals of public secondary schools in Kalama Sub County was done. Data was collected using questionnaires. Qualitative data from open ended questions in the questionnaires was analysed using content analysis and presented in narrative form. Quantitative data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Simple linear regression model was utilized to determine whether there existed a relationship between implementation of work plan and academic performance of students. The study findings indicated implementation of operational work plan by principals had significant positive effect on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kalama Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya. The study recommends that Ministry of Education (MOE) in conjunction with Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should train both principals and Board of Managements (BOMs) on how to prepare operational and strategic plans and how to implement them effectively and on how they can manage school resources prudently to achieve success of the school.