The Implementation Challenges of Performance Contracting in Civil Service at Mombasa County

Abstract

Strategic management is a field that deals with the major intended and emergent initiatives involving utilization of resources; to enhance the performance of organizations in their external environments.The research was a case study that focused on challenges faced in implementation of Performance Contracting (PC) within the civil service at Mombasa County. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was used to analyze the primary data which had been collected by conducting interviews and secondary information from the ministry's library. The findings obtained indicate that civil service at Mombasa County faces both operational and institutional challenges in undertaking performance contracting. The challenges mainly ranged from the organizational structure, leadership and management styles, rigid organizational culture and lack of effective performance management. It was also noted that the organizational structure should restructured to facilitate quick decision making and subsequent faster response than is currently experiencing. The respondents furthermore highlighted that some headship have not been enthusiastic enough in implementing the PC and coming up with strategies to counter the challenges that face the ministry. The research has revealed that proper implementation of PC will significantly contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness level of service delivery. This study explored immensely about the challenges that face implementation of PC. It is x therefore suggested that; enough funding should be provided in order to ensure that the implementation is streamlined; Training should be done appropriately and ensure participation from all cadres, popularizing the concept is also highly encouraged; Review of systems and automation of procedures would also ensure a smooth flow of implementation process; Provision of enough resources needed to facilitate implementation; Ensuring autonomy and minimal political interference.