Strategic Planning and Performance of Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Strategic planning includes various organizational practices including strategies employed, choosing the best course of action and direction and making effective decision towards resource allocation to help achievement of the firm future goals and objectives. The major components of strategic planning include environmental scanning, strategy formulation, strategy implementation as well as strategy evaluation and control. The primary objective of this study is to determine the relationship between strategic planning and organization performance focusing on a case study of Nairobi County. Data collection during this research study was based on interview guide. Primary data was collected by interviewing senior managers and middle managers within different department in Nairobi County. The interview questions were closely related to the objective and aim of the study. Data analysis was done through the use of content analysis. This was done with the aim of obtaining systematic qualitative in-depth description of the study variables. The study concluded that there is a positive relationship between strategic planning and performance of Nairobi County. This is because strategic planning practices such as formulation of objectives, formulation of strategic plans, the use of participatory decision making as well as the inclusion of rewards and recognition resulted into high performance levels of the organization. The adoption of training and development, employee participation and effective resource allocation resulted into a positive influence on the performance of Nairobi County. The study recommends the need for Nairobi County to adopt formal strategic planning to improve and promote the achievement of their future goals and objectives and performance in general. Importantly, Nairobi County top management should adopt effective strategy formulation, implemementaion and evaluation to ensure that proper strategies are generated and effective feedback is given after the implementation of the various strategies. The study also recommends the need for improving employee training and increased participatory decision making by Nairobi County top management to optimize their performance and achieve long term goals and objectives.