Institutional Factors Influencing Implementation of Strategic Reforms in Kenya Prisons Service

Abstract

Investment in expansion or rehabilitation of prisons in Kenya has been given little attention. This has led to overcrowding prisons causing inmates to live in degrading and horrifying conditions. The main aim of the study was to determine the institutional factors influencing implementation of strategic reforms in Kenya prisons service. The guiding variables were organizational culture, prison capacity, human capacity and implementation of strategic reforms in Kenya prisons. The study used contingency theory and institutional theory. This study used a descriptive survey design and used mixed methods. The target population for this study was 120 respondents comprising of top management team responsible and prime accountable for initiating and driving the strategic management process for Kenya prisons service. Census inquiry was used to pick respondents since the population was small and manageable implying sampling did not apply. Descriptive statistics used were means, percentages and frequencies. Data analysis was done with the help of SPSS version 22.0. Inferential statistics used included regression and correlation analysis. The analysed data was presented in form of frequency and Tables. The study findings indicated that organizational culture, prison capacity has a positive effect on strategic implementations. The study concluded that strategic planning through evaluation of overall capacity level for capital intensive resources makes prison more effective in dealing with all forms of crime, strategic planning through evaluation of overall capacity level for capital intensive resources makes prison more effective in dealing with all forms of crime and human capacities have the ability to influence positive effects of both staff and implementations of strategic reforms in Kenya prisons services. The study recommends that to put more effort on prison capacity since it goes hand in hand with in creating efficiency, reduction of costs, and optimization of facility, labour utilization and quick response to demand fluctuations. The study finally recommends that human capacity in Kenya prisons should be encouraged since for enhanced skills to match staff.