Published Paper Details:

The study sought to evaluate the effect of strategic management practices on the academic performance of private schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study examined the effects of strategic planning, strategic leadership, strategic organization structure, and strategic resource allocation on academic performance of private secondary schools in Kiambu county. The study was guided by competence-based management theory, system theory of management, and resource-based theories. Descriptive research design was used in the study. The target population consisted of 78 private secondary schools in Kiambu County. A sample of 39 private secondary schools was derived using Cochran's sample size formula. The schools were selected using stratified and simple random sampling methods. 195 respondents were selected from the sampled schools. This included 39 respondents in the management level, 78 teachers, and 78 support staff. The data was collected using the questionnaire with both open and closed-ended questions. The questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability through a pilot study, strategic management experts, and Cronbach Alpha coefficient. The quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26, descriptive statistical methods, inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis method. Quantitative data was presented using tables, while qualitative data using narrations. The researcher observed integrity and transparency when collecting the data, interpreting and reporting the findings by upholding privacy, safety, moral and ethical practices. The study found that strategic management practices played a vital role in boosting the academic performance of private secondary schools in Kiambu County. There are significant correlations among strategic planning, leadership, organizational structure, and resource allocation. In conclusion, the study advocates for a comprehensive strategy that integrates these elements to optimize educational outcomes. It is recommended that private secondary schools in Kiambu County adopt this holistic approach to improve academic performance and ensure long-term educational success. Further studies are recommended to be conducted to identify the long-term impact of strategic management on educational institutions