Strategic planning practices at Laikipia county, Kenya

Abstract

Strategic planning involves articulating the direction, objectives and clear actions required to realize the desired strategic vision of an organization (Balanced Scorecard Institute, 2013). The aim of this research project was to investigate on strategic planning practices at Laikipia County. The study was a case study and used primary data. Primary data was collected using self-administered interview guides. The data collected through the interview guides was qualitative and was analyzed thematically using content analysis method. From the findings, the study concluded that the county was actively involved in strategic planning. The study also concluded that strategic planning at Laikipia County was formal and that the vision and mission statement, and strategic plans at the county were formally documented. The study also concluded that the county carried out an extensive situational analysis to analyze its stakeholders, and review its internal and external environment. The study also established that financial constraints, time constraints, political interference and consensus building were the major challenges faced during strategic planning at Laikipia County. The study confirms the theory that ownership of strategic plans by stakeholders of an organization is key to successful implementation. In public institutions, public participation in the strategic planning process should be encouraged to not only create a sense of ownership by the public on formulated strategies but also to increase the level of awareness on the formulated strategic goals and also to galvanize support of the public during implementation. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that further research should be done on how policy and practice aspects such as corporate governance, corporate culture and organizational structure affect strategic planning in public institutions.