Challenges in Strategy Implementation Faced by Water Service Providers Licensed by Athi Water Services Board in Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges faced by the water services providers in Athi Water Services Board area of Jurisdiction in strategy implementation. The foregoing study was a qualitative one. Data was collected and analysed to provide useful information and recommendations for academic purposes and improved performance. The study established that the water service providers within Athi Water Service board area of Jurisdiction had well formulated strategic plans which had been under implementation for at least 3 years. The WSPs were monitoring the implementation of the strategic plans however the monitoring mechanisms were not very clearly defined. It was also established that 77% of the WSPs did not have planning departments or units and this probably posed a challenge in the monitoring for the WSPs to monitor their strategic plans. The key challenges identified in the implementation of their strategic plans was related to changes in the operating environment, lack of financial resources, inadequate top management commitments, organizational group dynamics, resistance to change, technological and economic changes in operating environment, rising cost of doing business mainly the cost of inputs such as electricity, fuel and chemicals, socio-political influences in the structures of organizations, high unaccounted for water, social and political interference, lack of cooperation from customers, lack of effective planning mechanism, geographical coverage, adherence to implementation timeframe and inaccurate data. The study recommended capacity building of the WSPs in the area of strategic planning and implementation monitoring. The Act that established the water service providers should be reviewed so as to make it friendly for the WSPs to adopt business friendly practises that would enhance their sustainability. The study also recommends that WSPs should establish planning units and also recruit to fill their human resource establishment. Continuous training to staff in order to build capacity is recommended.The management should also check and control political influence by putting in place policies on recruitment and succession process.