Strategic Responses and the Dynamic External Business Environment at Kenya Ports Authority

Abstract

The environment in which organizations operate in is constantly changing with different factors influencing the organizations. This dynamism has forced firms to redefine their strategies. Strategic response is essential for the survival of firms as well as enhancing their relevance in the environment of their existence. The objective of this study was to determine the strategic responses adopted by KPA to the dynamic external business environment. The research utilized both primary and secondary data. Data was collected through interviews involving seven heads of divisions. This was then analyzed through content analysis. The resultant information was presented in a continuous prose as a qualitative report on the strategic responses of KPA to the changing environment. the outcomes indicated that the organization employs the following strategies; compliance with regulations such as Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999 and international environmental/ maritime policy guidelines, investment in Corporate Social, improving port services, upgrading of the ICT systems and acquisition of modernized equipment, establishment of operations control centre and a customer engagement centre, development of Lamu port and Kisumu ports, improving labor productivity, enhancing risk management and environmental sustainability through embedding risk management in all processes and systems and compliance to international ISO standards on risk. The study recommends that the organization should remain aggressive in embracing emerging technologies in order to keep pace with the changes and to remain competitive. There is need for sound financial management and discipline. The corporation should also grow its own revenue for sustainability purpose. The study also recommends that the organization should review its strategies whenever necessary in order to realign them with external changes. There is also need to have stability in top leadership to ensure smooth handling of changes in the organization. In addition to this, there should be a change advisory body to ensure that resources are successfully deployed in managing change. The implication for the study is that management should be proactive in coming up with new innovations in order to keep abreast with the changing world. Particularly, the management of the company must be fast in tracking changes, initiate workable strategies to respond to the same and review these strategies frequently in order to ensure that they are effective.