The Challenges Of Strategic Plan Implementation Among Constitutional Commissions In Kenya

Abstract

There is enormous knowledge on strategic plans and strategic planning as put forward by various researchers. Several researchers have studied on the strategic planning practices of various organizations. Despite the fact that these research studies emphasize the importance of strategic plans and implementation, they do not adequately indicate the challenges of implementation of the strategic plans. The main purpose of the study was to determine the challenges of strategic plan implementation among Kenyan Constitutional Commissions and how these challenges can be allayed. This research was conducted through a census study. Population of study comprised of fourteen (14) Independent Constitutional Commissions of Kenya. The study collected primary data which was obtained via a semi-structured questionnaire. The response received was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed the challenges that includes lack of proper communication, inadequate funding for the plans, political interference, implementation hindered by laid down procedures, lack of interdepartmental coordination, ever changing government policies, poor feedback mechanism on strategy implementation and poor organization culture. The study also identified the underlying issues that encompassed strategic plan among the various Constitutional Commissions. The study findings revealed the following: all the Constitutional Commissions that responded had a strategic plan; the strategic plan covered a period of five years; the adoption of the strategic plan process was influenced by formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategic plan; department heads are involved in the decision making process. The study concluded that management of Constitutional Commissions should properly handle the above aspects of a strategic plan to ensure a successful achievement of its goals and objective. The study recommended that Kenyan Constitutional Commissions should ensure proper implementation of their strategic plans to achieve their goals by dealing with the challenges of strategic plan implementation through ensuring adequate funding for the plans, involving all staff in the implementation of plans, improving communication, putting flexible operational procedures, improving interdepartmental coordination, training and recruiting qualified staff, adaptation to the ever changing government policies and adoption of an organization culture that supports the organization’s goals.