EFFECTS OF BUDGET DEFICITS ON SUPPLY OF ESSENTIAL GOODS AND SERVICES IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NYANDARUA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Budget deficits, often caused by delayed fee payments from parents and government funds procurement of essential supplies, and participation in co-curricular activities for many schools.. This necessitated this study on the effect of budget deficits on the provision of key educational services in public secondary schools in Nyandarua County, Kenya.    A descriptive survey design was used, gathering data from 82 school principals through questionnaires and interviews with education officials. Reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed through a pilot study in fifteen secondary schools, yielding a Cronbach coefficient of 0.81, indicating strong internal consistency. Quantitative data were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, with interpretation of qualitative data supplementing the findings. The results findings indicated that Budget deficit affect supplies of essential goods and services in most schools evidenced through failure to plan for acquisition of supplies, struggling to service debts and forced batch purchases. Affected supplies due to budget deficit included stationeries, food stuffs, measuring and heating equipment and first aid kits, sports equipment, costumes, fire-fighting equipment mathematical equipment, and information and communication technologies. Supplies largely affected included laboratory chemical and equipment, detergents and computer supply. Regression analysis revealed that the influence of budget deficit (x) on supplies of essential goods and services (y) is not significant. The study recommends timely disbursement of funds and the implementation of income-generating activities in schools and prioritization of essential supplies as mitigation measures.