Successful decentralization: the roles and challenges of DEOs in Kenya

Abstract

Electronic version only

In recent years,decentralization has become a popular way of reforming educational management.Many countries with different characteristics have decided to take the path of decentralization in a number of areas,including education.Regardless of the form these reforms take,they are often implemented with the belief that decentralization will lead to a more effective administration and schools of higher quality.However,this has not automatically been the case,and decentralization has created new challenges.It is therefore essential to carry out an in-depth analysis of the implementation of these policies,so as to examine their main successes and challenges,and identify strategies for their successful implementation.IIEP has been conducting research for that purpose since 2002,with a focus on the impact of decentralization policies on local level actors,in particular the District Education Office (DEO). This actor is indeed in a position to play a strategic role in a decentralized framework,as it interacts with the Ministry of Education,with schools,and with the district level,and as it is responsible for implementing the education policy and monitoring its quality in the district.