Challenges of Strategy Implementation at the National Police Service of Kenya

Abstract

Implementing strategy entails converting the organizations strategic plan into action then into results. The objective of this study was to examine the challenges of strategy implementation at National Police Service in Kenya. This study was conducted as a case study. An intense and comprehensive study was conducted on challenges of strategy implementation at National police service. Primary data source was used in this study where data was obtained through interactive interviews. Targeted interviewees comprised of 7 senior managers at Kenya Police Headquarters. These were, administrative secretary, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Economist, Directors of Planning, operations, personnel and administration, Police reforms. The nature of data collected was qualitative and was therefore analyzed using content analysis technique. The information provided by the interviewees was analyzed to enable the researcher to make a scholarly judgment on the challenges of strategy implementation at the National Police Service. Lack of appropriate technology, inadequate personnel, inadequate funding, influence from the external environment and organization culture where cited as some of the challenges affecting implementation of strategies. The study concluded that for effective strategy implementation at the National Police Service, there needs to be adequate financing to meet the costs of strategy implementation, the funds allocated should be received on schedule without delays, there shouldn’t be internal changes to the fund allocation for strategy implementation, there must be adequate resources to cater for training related to strategy implementation and financing should cater for fluctuations in the industry arising from factors beyond the organization. The study further concluded that for effective strategy implementation the organization must have adequate and competent personnel to handle fund management and the organization should effective internal control systems that can enhance fund utilization. Further, it was concluded that the organizational structure should be one which enhances internal communication which is key in enhancing strategy implementation, the organizational structure should be tailored in such a way that it facilitates the process of strategy implementation effectively and efficiently and the composition and structure of the board should be geared towards enhancing strategy implementation in the organization. Finally, the study concluded that for effective strategy implementation in public sector organizations appropriate use of information technology is needed in order to give the organization valuable assistance in implementing strategies. The study recommended measures to mitigate the challenges which include; training of employees to increase performance, development of an open communication system among the different levels of staff, government support through provision of adequate resources, alignment of organization culture to strategy, employee involvement in the strategy formulation process and also alignment of structure to strategy. The national police service should also involve all its stakeholders in the strategy implementation process.