Influence of Strategy Implementation on Organizational Performance of The County Government of Tharaka Nithi, Kenya

Abstract

Strategy implementation involves translating strategic plans into actionable steps to achieve organizational objectives. The enactment of the Kenyan Constitution in 2010 introduced a decentralized governance system, requiring counties to engage in structured pre-budget planning. The County Government Act of 2012 mandates the formulation of key plans, including the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), County Sectoral Plans, County Spatial Plans, and County Performance Management Plans. This study investigates the influence of leadership styles, organizational structure, organizational culture, and financial resource availability on strategy implementation and organizational performance in Tharaka Nithi County Government, Kenya. The study was anchored on the McKinsey 7S framework, Higgins 8S framework, and the Resource-Based View theory. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting a population of 160 employees, from which 114 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, and a mixed-methods approach was used in data analysis. Qualitative data underwent content analysis, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including regression analysis via SPSS. Findings were presented in tables and narratives. Regression analysis revealed that β of 0.593 and p of 0.001between resource availability and perforamnce, a β of 0.686 and p of 0.001between leadership styles and perforamnce, a β of 0.454 and p of 0.001between organizational structure and perforamnce, and β of 0.807 and p of 0.001between organizational culture and performance. The study concludes that leadership , resource allocation, organiztaional structured and culture significantly and positively influenced performance of the county government of Tharaka Nithi. The study recommends sustained investment in personnel, financial support, procurement optimization, and machinery maintenance to enhance project execution. Leaders should emphasize ethical practices, invest in conflict-resolution training, delegate responsibilities effectively, and implement fair reward systems. Additionally, streamlining the organizational structure can improve communication, collaboration, authority clarity, and participative decision-making. Strengthening shared values, fostering innovation, enhancing employee engagement, and promoting open communication will further improve organizational culture, ultimately driving better performance within the county government.