Factors Affecting Implementation of Strategic Plans in Ministries in Kenya: A Case of Ministry of Housing

Abstract

Strategy is the heart of strategic management because it helps an organization to plan, formulate and implement various tasks in its attempts to prosper. Strategic planning relates to the distinct elements which differ from firm to firm. Strategic planning is thus the process adopted in identifying a strategy that best matches organizational capability with the environment. Strategic planning will enable an organization to identify the prevailing environmental opportunities and threats, and also to figure out or estimate the organization’s resource capabilities taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of its resources so as to align itself accordingly to battle with the environmental challenges. In recognition of the major strategic challenges currently faced by institutions the most problematic phase is the implementation stage. None of the known local studies has focused on strategy implementations in Ministries particularly Ministry of Housing in Kenya. The general objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting implementation of strategic plans in Ministries in Kenya with a specific focus on the Ministry of Housing. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory approach and a descriptive research design. The target population of this study was three hundred and eighty seven (387) staff working in the Ministry of Housing. The study focused on the management staff who are directly dealing with the day to day management of the Ministry of Housing at the Ministry’s headquarters since they were most likely conversant with the factors affecting implementation of strategic plans in their Ministry. From the target population of 387, a sample of 78 was selected from within each group in proportions that each group bear to the study population. This study utilized a selfadministered questionnaire. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to analyze data. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package assisted in analyzing the data. The data was presented in tables and bar graphs. The study results are intended to benefit the policy makers in the Ministry of Housing, other Ministries, and other researchers.