Challenges of Strategy Implementation at the Ministry of Roads and Public Works in Kenya

Abstract

Strategy implementation is one of the components of strategic management and is a crucial process to effective management since it impacts every part of the organization’s structure. A functioning public works sector is a key pillar of economic growth. In Kenya, the roads and buildings are not in the condition required if they were to play their key role in promoting economic growth. This study sought to identify the challenges faced by the Ministry of Roads and Public works in strategy implementation and to find out the measures taken in coping with the arising challenges. To achieve this, an interview guide administered to the senior officials within the Ministry of Roads and Public works was used. This study gives a brief overview of the academic literature on the challenges and the responses that the Ministry employs to deal with the challenges during implementation. The study concludes that there exists various challenges to strategy implementation. Among the greatest challenges faced by the Ministry of Roads include resistance to change, unsupportive culture, poor compensation and lack of fit between strategy and structure. Lack of understanding, lack of sufficient communication and lack of coordination and support are the least rated challenges faced by the Ministry of Roads and Public works. The government through the Ministry of Roads in an attempt to cope with the various arising challenges faced by it develops yearly work plans, establishes appropriate structures for its projects, establishes efficient allocation and management of resources, recruits new and young professionals who bring in new culture, are less resistant to change and possess the relevant skills to the positions to which they are recruited. The study recommends that the Ministry should be aware of what to expect in strategy implementation and should also know the responses that best work to solve these challenges to ensure successful implementation. Due to time constraint, the study focused on strategy implementation and arising challenges and thus, did not cover other important aspects such as strategy formulation. Further research should be carried out on strategy formulation in government Ministries with a view of finding out any challenges faced and give recommendations for improvement.