Strategic planning practices at Laikipia county, Kenya
Abstract
Strategic planning involves articulating the direction, objectives and clear actions
required to realize the desired strategic vision of an organization (Balanced Scorecard
Institute, 2013). The aim of this research project was to investigate on strategic planning
practices at Laikipia County. The study was a case study and used primary data. Primary
data was collected using self-administered interview guides. The data collected through
the interview guides was qualitative and was analyzed thematically using content analysis
method. From the findings, the study concluded that the county was actively involved in
strategic planning. The study also concluded that strategic planning at Laikipia County
was formal and that the vision and mission statement, and strategic plans at the county
were formally documented. 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, political interference and consensus building were the major challenges faced
during strategic planning at Laikipia County. The study confirms the theory that
ownership of strategic plans by stakeholders of an organization is key to successful
implementation. In public institutions, public participation in the strategic planning
process should be encouraged to not only create a sense of ownership by the public on
formulated strategies but also to increase the level of awareness on the formulated
strategic goals and also to galvanize support of the public during implementation. Based
on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that further research should be
done on how policy and practice aspects such as corporate governance, corporate culture
and organizational structure affect strategic planning in public institutions.
Publisher
University of Nairobi