Financial Literacy and Sustainability of Table Banking Projects Among Mixed Gender Self-Help Groups in Maralal Ward Samburu County Kenya

Despite the availability of multiple bursary programs in Maralal Ward, significant challenges
undermine their effectiveness. The study examined the influence of project leadership management
practices on the Performance of Bursary Programs for Needy Secondary School Students in
Maralal Ward, Samburu County, Kenya. The specific objective assessed the influence of project
decision integration on the Performance of Bursary Programs for Needy Secondary School
Students in Maralal Ward in Samburu County, Kenya.The study was anchored on Ethical
Leadership Theory and Stakeholder Theory. Convergent parallel design was adopted. The study
targeted a population of 2,381 students, 24 school administrators and 6 pivotal bursary committee
members, and leaders serving as key informants. A sample of 343 respondents were selected using
stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using questionnaires and key informant
interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data from
interviews were analyzed thematically. Findings were presented using tables. Data were collected
from 280 respondents. Key findings indicated that bursary programs in Maralal Ward moderately
integrated project decisions, with needy considerations and management awareness rated highly
(M = 3.54), but weak adherence to standards (M = 2.72), inconsistent ethical compliance (M =
3.29), and limited training (M = 3.38). On performance, bursaries improved student retention (M
= 3.76), transition (M = 3.60), academic outcomes (M = 3.54), and enrolment (M = 3.48), with
funds largely used appropriately (M = 3.55). However, delays in disbursement (M = 2.83) and low
stakeholder satisfaction (M = 2.83) remained key challenges, despite sustainability strategies in
place (M = 3.70). Qualitative evidence reinforced that timely and adequate bursary support is
critical to student success. The study recommend that the program should strengthen ethical
standards and decision-making guidelines to improve stakeholder satisfaction and maximize
student outcomes.