Strategic responses by Kenya wildlife service to global economic downturn

Abstract

The objective of the study was to establish the strategic responses adopted by Kenya wildlife Service to the global economic downturn. The research was conducted through a case study using primary data collected administered through the drop and pick later method. The researcher sent 56 questionnaires to the seven divisions of the organization. However, 43 of the questionnaires were returned registering a 77% response rate. The data was analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics. It was established that KWS is striving to outdo the prevalent global economic downturn through a review of the organizational structure, culture, leadership, staffing/recruitment, market development, tariff increase, innovations, cost cutting, diversification, market research, decentralization. However, they are faced with challenges like politics, increased insecurity, financial downturn, instability in neighboring countries, climate change, increased unemployment, fluctuations of foreign currencies, inflation rate, lack of adequate resources and increased food prices which could be avoided when responses are made before it is due. Arising from the findings, it was recommended that KWS needs to introduce operational systems; ensure that financial and human resources systems are in place; review and document organizational systems, procedures and policies; put in place a system to review and audit organizational skills; focus employee training on customer care; focus the organization’s operations on profitability; realign organizational systems and plans; conduct customer satisfaction surveys; diversify into other products such as cycling in parks, rock climbing and provide camping gears for hire and use in the parks; and enhance Corporate social responsibility campaigns so as to improve on its pubic image.