Strategic Planning Practices And Performance In Kirinyaga County Government In Kenya

Abstract

This study problem was the presence of a knowledge gap in individual strategic planning practices and performance followed by different organizations, hence the motivation to conduct a case study zeroing in on Kirinyaga county government in Kenya. Primary and secondary data was used with the county‟s executive being the primary target population. The study was conducted using information gathered by use of objectively structured interview guides.Content analysis was utilized for data analysis. From the findings, it was evident that Kirinyaga County was actively involved in strategic planning which in turn affects performance. The study also concluded that strategic planning at Kirinyaga County was formal with the vision and mission statement, strategic plans at the county being formally documented. The County has a mission and vision that is well stated and in line with Kenya vision 2030. The study also concluded that the county carried out an extensive situational analysis to analyze its stakeholders, and review its internal and external environment. The study also established that financial constraints, time constraints and consensus building were the major challenges faced during strategic planning at Kirinyaga County the strategic plan developed own content based on the vision. The study showed a number of issues that are covered under the County‟s strategic plan, key among them the transformation of social and economic transformation within the county; facilitation of service delivery through infrastructure development; supporting the development of manufacturing sector through the provision of reliable energy; improvement of science and technology as well as innovation; conducting reforms in the land sector; engaging in human resources development as well as provision of competent and efficient public service; promotion activities in the tourism industry and manufacturing sector so as to provide opportunities for employment to majority of youth who are unemployed. Based on the study findings, the researcher recommends that more research should be done in other counties countrywide and further research should be done as well on Strategic planning implementation, monitoring and evaluation by Kirinyaga County.