Factors influencing strategy implementation in public universities in Kenya: the case of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology(JKUAT)

Abstract

Successfully implementation of strategies is vital to any organization whether public or private. However transforming strategies into action is a far more complex and difficult task which has been a daunting task to most management which has led to high rate of failure of up to 90% of new strategy implementation as revealed by various studies around the world. Public Universities in Kenya just like other public organizations have adopted strategic management. In spite of most universities having various strategies on various programmes, they are hardly implemented successfully. The purpose of this study was to establish the factors that influence the strategy implementation in public universities in Kenya: a case study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture (JKUAT).

The specific objectives of the study were to establish the level of strategy implementation, identify the organizational factors that have influenced this level of strategy implementation and to identify the external environmental factors that have influenced strategy implementation at JKUAT. To achieve the objectives, the study used descriptive research design in which 50 management staff from the university were sampled. The study used structure questionnaires to collect data which was self administered. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. The study used Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis to test the relationship between the variables. The study established that the institution applied strategic plan in its management.

The study further established that strategy implementation in the institution was high. The study results revealed that allocation of adequate funds was a major factor which largely influenced the implementation of strategies in the institution. Also cited as a factor which influenced strategy implementation was top management commitment. The study revealed that the institution was faced with resistance to change by some of its employees which it overcame by training its employees and through workshops and seminars. The university forced changes in its institutional and structure and culture to fit the new strategy. The study recommends that the institution develop strategies that will ensure success of future strategy implementation. The study further recommends that the institution adopt modem methods of change management which will ensure minimal resistance is experienced in strategy implementation. Finally, the study recommends that running of public universities be made autonomous devoid of any political interference.