Influence of Strategic Innovations on Performance of National Transport and Safety Authority, Kenya

Abstract

Strategic innovations adoption can enhance the performance of an organization. Strategic innovations that are effective are associated with improvement in the performance of an organization. At NTSA, little was known about the influence of strategic innovations on performance of NTSA which this study sought to determine. The study sought to address this research question; how does strategic innovations influence performance of National Transport and Safety Authority? The goal was to ascertain how strategic innovations influence performance of National Transport and Safety Authority, Kenya. The research was directed by organizational innovation theory and diffusion of innovation theory. The study adopted case study research design and the target population was top level management staff at NTSA, Nairobi office. The primary data for the study were obtained through interview using interview. In this study, qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis where findings were presented using common thematic narratives. The study established that performance improves when an organization is able to offer new services that meet customer needs which strategic innovations has helped NTSA to achieve. In order to provide real-time information to clients that is an indicator of good performance, strategic innovations should be adopted. The adoption of strategic innovations is known to increase speed at which work is done and it also helps to minimize errors and enhance service quality. Strategic innovations are incremental where performances are constantly changing due to process or technology have been adopted that lead to improvement in the performance of services provided. Incremental innovation with internal applied research and development has been adopted, proven innovation and incremental innovators are used. Strategic innovations help the organization create its direction in-terms of deciding on the course of the organization’s effort. Strategic innovations help NTSA coordinate well its operations and hence it contributes organizational performance improvement. The established that at NTSA, the organization tries to minimize death toll through road crashes. However, death toll is still a major concern to the government as well as other stakeholders. As per strategic plan 2022/2023, NTSA strategic innovations policy is prioritization of Road safety Audits, staffs should be trained on road safety audits and budget provision for road safety activities should be sustained and dedicated. The study concluded that performance improves when an organization is able to offer new services that meet customer needs. Strategic innovations adopted are incremental in nature and it comprises of constant technological or process changes. Strategic innovations help NTSA apply more productive processes, and seek positive reputation in customer’s perception about the services provided by the organization. The study has contributed to enhancement of the Organizational Innovation Theory as appropriate when studies on strategic innovations are done. Paper recommends further research be done at NTSA offices at county levels and not only at the headquarters. This will help to understand the performance of respective NTSA offices in the 47 counties in Kenya in regards to the impact caused by the strategic innovations adopted.