Competitive Strategies Adopted By Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC)

Abstract

The research was designed to investigate the competitive strategies adopted by Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC) to cope with the fierce competition in the ICT sector. The study sought to achieve two objectives. The first objective was to establish the competitive strategies adopted by KeNIC to cope with competition in the ICT sector, while the second objective was to determine the challenges that KeNIC faces in adopting the competing strategies. To achieve these objectives the study adopted a case study research design. It used primary data which was also substantiated with secondary data. The primary data was collected using interview guide which was administered on face to face with nine key members of KeNIC which included both directors and top management. These included; the Chief Executive officer, the Finance Manager, the Chairperson of the Finance Committee of the board, the human resource manager, the chairperson of the human resource committee of the board, the technical manager, the chairperson of the technical committee of the board, the marketing manager and the chairperson of the marketing committee of the board. The findings of the study showed that KeNIC has adopted several competitive strategies hence the success in the face of fierce competition in the ICT sector. The main competitive strategies adopted are differentiation, low cost, focus and market product growth strategies. The study also established that KeNIC faced challenges in adopting these strategies which included; financial constraints, bureaucracy which led to delays, lean structure, staff turnover and inexperienced staff and ineffective coordination and sharing of responsibilities. In general it was observed that KeNIC has adopted competitive strategies which have spearheaded its success in the ICT sector despite the challenges faced in adopting the same. Nevertheless, these strategies would bear more fruit if the challenges identified are addressed.