Challenges of Strategy Implementation at the Machakos County Assembly, Kenya

Abstract

Strategic management practices focus on complex issues arising out of non-clarity and non-routine situations within the entire organization rather than a standalone challenge in a particular function. The objective of the study was to to determine the challenges of strategy implementation at the Machakos County Assembly, Kenya. The study employed case study research design. This study used primary data. The primary data collection was done by use of an interview guide. The targeted respondents in this study were 8 employees of the County Assembly of Machakos. Various groups participated in developing strategic plans in the County Assembly of Machakos. The groups include staff and Members of the County Assembly. It was evident from the study that all staff, junior and senior management participates in implementing the County Assembly’s strategic goals. External consultancy experts are also invited to help in advising on the best strategic plans to adopt. It was established that various challenges affected the implementation of the County Assembly of Machakos’ strategic plan. From the results, it is identified that human resource can be a great challenge during strategy implementation. It was also established that the County Assembly does not experience leadership related challenges that may hinder effective implementation of strategic plans in Machakos County. Organization culture is important in the implementation of the County Assembly strategic plans. Organizational culture includes the organization values, visions, norms, working language, systems, symbols, beliefs and habits. The study established that organizational structure significantly affects the successful implementation of strategic plans in Machakos County Assembly. It is a challenge to implement strategic plans when organization structure is not well defined. The study concludes that organizational structure; leadership styles; organizational culture influences strategic plan implementation in the County Assembly. The study recommends that Machakos County Assembly in Kenya should put in place strategic plans that guide strategy implementation processes. The leadership of Machakos County Assembly should enhance their organizational structures by matching with the current status. Machakos County Assembly should ensure that their current organizational structure facilitates quick decision making to ease the processes of strategy implementation. Organizational structure should be dictated by the set strategy, review in strategy should be followed by a review in organizational structure so as to bring about efficiency and effectiveness in strategy implementation. There is need for smooth communication flow in the County Assembly of Machakos between top management and staff and amongst the employees themselves. The leadership of the County Assembly of Machakos should involve employees during strategy implementation process. Machakos County Assembly should put in place a strong organizational culture by having set of shared beliefs, values and norms. The national government of Kenya should avail more resources to the devolved units in Kenya to facilitate the process of strategy implementation in county governments in Kenya. The County Assembly of Machakos should diversify their sources of funds so that they not only depend on financial resources alone to successfully implement their strategic plans.