Determinants of Implementation of Performance Contracting in the Kenyan Judiciary: a Case of Law Courts in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the factors influencing the implementation of Performance Contracting in The Judiciary. The research intended to find out how institutional structure, performance measurement, implementer participation and management commitment influence implementation of Performance contracting in The Judiciary. The study used descriptive design. The target populace for this study consisted of 203 judicial officers and staff in law courts within Nairobi City County from whom a sample population 133 was singled out. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 22.0) by way of descriptive statistics: Quantitative variables frequencies, percentages, mean score and standard deviation for all the quantitative variables and information presented in form of tables and graphs. The qualitative data from the unstructured questions was analysed using conceptual content analysis. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for deductive analysis; establish the association between the dependent and independent variables. The results are expected to be useful to The Judiciary management and staff in their implementation of performance contracting, as well as other institutions that have adopted use of performance contracts, and academicians in the field. The study concludes that organizational structure influences implementation of performance contracting in The Judiciary. Performance measures like quarterly and annual reviews encourage employees to perform or otherwise get poor results. Performance measurement allowed The Judiciary to identify over ambitious targets and gaps in performance review. Implementer participation programme encourages better manager-employee relations as well as fostering innovation and accountability. The study recommends continuous capacity building of staff on PC as well as development of customised tools per court and department for a fair evaluation.