Strategic plans have recently gained popularity in both public and private institutions including schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status and challenges in implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Kiambu District, Kiambu County. The objectives of the study were (i) to identify the number of secondary schools with strategic plans as per the government directive, (ii) to establish the process used to develop the strategic plans in public secondary schools in Kiambu District, (iii) to establish challenges facing implementation of strategic plans and (iv) to determine the measures taken to facilitate effective implementation. The study was based on Fayol’s theory of administrative management which involves five functions related to planning. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population was of 909 which included 19 principals, 285 BoM members and 605 teachers from all the 19 public secondary schools in the district. Stratified and simple random sampling were used to select 10 schools from the target population. Proportionate and purposive sampling were used to select a sample of 80 respondents which included 10 BoM members, 10 principals and 60 teachers. The study used questionnaires and interview schedules as research instruments. Questionnaires were administered to principals and teachers while interviews were conducted with the BoM members. Piloting was conducted in two schools which were not included in the study. The reliability was tested through test re-test technique while validity was determined through expert judgement by the supervisors. Quantitative data collected were analysed through descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft excel 2007 assisted in the analysis. Quantitative data were presented using frequency distribution tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Qualitative data were analysed by developing themes from the data collected based on the objectives and was presented using narratives and voices. The study found that most of the schools in Kiambu District had formulated the strategic plans apart from a few which were in the formulation stage. It was also noted that the schools to a large extent had followed the government guidelines on strategic planning although more training of stakeholders on strategic planning was necessary. It was also established that lack of finances, inadequate skills and training of stakeholders and inadequate stakeholders participation were the major challenges encountered in strategic plan implementation. The study recommends that both the government and the school managers should source for funds, organise on how stakeholders will be equipped with necessary skills and competencies in strategic planning and also emphasise on monitoring and evaluation throughout the process.
