The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges in financing development projects in public primary schools in Ijara district, Garissa County. The objectives of the study were to find out the medium and long-term projects undertaken by public primary schools and how the projects were financed. The research adopted a survey design. A total of fourty two (42) public primary schools and one District Education Officer were targeted for the study. Twelve (12) primary schools were selected using stratified sampling. The respondents were twelve (12) headteachers and twelve (12) PTA chairpersons from the selected schools and one (1) DEO. The research utilized Questionnaires, interview schedules, observation guides and content analysis to collect data. Data was presented in frequency distribution tables and analysed using percentages and bar graphs. The study found out that there were many sources of financing for school development projects. The Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry for the Development of Northern Kenya and Other Arid
Lands were the major financiers of school projects. The constituency development fund (CDF) had been used to put up major school facilities. There were many non- governmental organizations operating in Ijara district that assisted to put up educational facilities. Parents contributions was minimal due to various factors key among them poverty among households. Regarding availability of educational facilities, all the schools (100%) had complete classrooms and toilets. Other buildings which were completed and put to the intended use included boarding facilities, teachers housing and school fencing. None of the schools had acquired computers. All the schools had adequate land. Water provision was a challenge in all the schools. The study recommended that the parents, communities, pupils and stakeholders be actively involved in the development and implementation of school development plans. Income generating activities suited to arid areas like irrigation farming were proposed as an additional source of funds. The government of Kenya should continue putting up lowcost boarding primary schools so as to improve access to quality education of the pastoral/nomadic communities of Ijara district and give them a competitive advantage like children of other well endowed districts in Kenya.
