dc.description.abstract | The manufacturing industry is a major player III the Kenyan economy. The
manufacturing firms contribute about 13.6% of the gross domestic product (GoK, 2003).
They include commercial food and allied, building, engineering and electrical, footwear
and personal use, leather, medical equipment, metal welding, mining paper and paper
board, plastics and rubbers, textiles and timber sector.
Considering the country's aim of industrialization by the year 2020, the large
manufacturing firms will play an important role. To do this effectively, employee's
contribution in terms of increased productivity will be paramount hence they should
provide employees with welfare programs. Employee welfare programs are important
factor that affects employee's performance as well as the profitability of organizations in
that when employees are not motivated their productivity is low.
The two objectives of the study were, to establish thc employee perception of staff
welfare programs in large manufacturing firms based in Nairobi and to explore the
factors that influence perception of welfare programs in large manufacturing firms in
Nairobi. To satisfy the objectives of the study, a research survey was designed and data
was collected, using a structured questionnaire, administered by a drop and pick method.
The study established that majority of the firms (9-4.4%) provide employers with staff welfare programs. These include programs like sickness, bereavements, and counseling
programs among others. Further, the study established through the analysis of research
data, that certain employee's welfare programs are perceived favorably than others by
employees. These include sickness, counseling programs, salary and relocation benefits. | en |