Benchmarking And Operational Performance Of Kenya National Assembly

Abstract

Although benchmarking is considered a well-established evaluation tool, a number of researchers have questioned its effectiveness. There is no consensus about benchmarking classifications, how and why it is deployed and that some of the methods used in implementing benchmarking have considerable limitations. This study sought to determine the benchmarking practices adopted by the National Assembly in Kenya and to determine the relationship between operational performance and benchmarking practices of the National Assembly. The results showed that the benchmarking activities had a positive and significant relationship with operational performance. The study concludes that there are a number of benchmarking practices that have been adopted by the National Assembly. This is observed in the way the National Assembly sources for benchmarking partners, the benchmarking partners themselves, and the benchmarking activities that the organisation is involved in. The study also concludes that the source of benchmarking does not influence the operational performance of the National Assembly. The study further concludes that the mode of sourcing of benchmarking partners and benchmarking activities influences operational performance. The study makes a number of recommendations. First, there is a need for the National Assembly to channel their benchmarking resources into the selection of benchmarking partners. Secondly, more efforts should be focused on relevant benchmarking activities as these are capable of translating into improved operational performance. Lastly, as a form of accountability, annual reporting of Parliamentary activities should be geared toward enlightening the public on the achievement of strategic and operational plans.