Perceived influence of learning and development on employee retention at Kenya Power

Abstract

Learning can be a particularly strong retention tool when it is combined with measures designed to allow people to develop and progress within a company (Meyer et al., 2003). It is important for employers to put in place effective internal promotion programmes that will allow even their unskilled and semi-skilled workforce to move towards positions of greater responsibility and remuneration within the company. The objective of the study was to determine the perception of learning and development by employees as a retention strategy at Kenya Power Company. The research reviewed theories and empirical studies that explain the relationship employee retention and learning and development. This included stakeholder‟s theory and social exchange theory.The population of the study was employees of Kenya Power head office, Nairobi.The data collected relate to the learning and development practices. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.The study found that Kenya Power has professional growth amongst employees which gives them opportunity for continuous learning and personal growth, coaching programs, mentorship program between senior and junior management, employee rewards, and off the job training provided outside work setting, However, special projects and assignments allocated to employees, learning groups, work-outs and self-directed learning are not strongly practiced at KP. It is also noted that job rotation and distant learning are not used as a means of learning at Kenya Power. Employees at Kenya Power also believe that learning and development increases their engagement, leads to career development and fosters professional growth and development. The study recommends that Kenya Power should adopt learning and development practices as it increases level of employee retention. Managers at Kenya Power should examine the sources of employee retention strategies so that they can be in a position to retain employees in their organization to enhance their competitiveness in the this world of globalization