International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 756-773
ISSN:
2311 7575
ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY AND INNOVATION CAPABILITY IN KENYAN PARASTATALS: A CASE STUDY OF KENYA PORTS AUTHORITY
Samfan Aundo and Prof. Emanuel Awuor
Published:
01 December, 2025
Volume:
6
Issue:
i
Keywords:
Organizational Agility, Innovation Capability, Parastatal, Kenya Ports Authority
Innovation capability has become a critical factor for organizational performance and
sustainability, particularly within public sector institutions facing rapid technological,
economic, and social changes. This study examined the effect of organizational agility on
innovation capability in Parastatals, with a focus on the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
Specifically, the research investigates how four internal organizational factors, leadership
style, organizational learning, technological infrastructure, and knowledge management,
individually and collectively influence innovation capability. The study was guided by
Transformational Leadership Theory, Organizational Learning Theory, the Technology
Acceptance Model, and the Knowledge Based View of the firm. A descriptive
correlational design will be employed, targeting employees of the Kenya Ports Authority
at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) Nairobi. Data was collected using structured
questionnaires, and analysis involved descriptive statistics, regression techniques. The
demographic results showed a balanced representation in gender, age, and job levels,
with a majority of respondents having more than six years of experience, indicating a
stable workforce. Descriptive analysis revealed that leadership at KPA promotes
collaboration and vision sharing but falls short in supporting risk taking and
experimentation. Organizational learning was moderately strong, with continuous
training and a culture of improvement being evident, though the application of lessons
from past experiences was limited. Technological infrastructure was found to simplify
processes and support innovation but required more frequent system updates and
enhanced ICT training. Knowledge management practices contributed to problem
solving and innovation but were hindered by weak systems for knowledge storage and
accessibility. Inferential analysis showed a strong relationship between the four
predictors and innovation capability (R = 0.832), with 69.1% of the variance in innovation
capability explained by the independent variables. Regression analysis revealed that
organizational learning (B = 0.394, p = 0.000), and knowledge management (B = 0.341, p
= 0.000) had positive and significant effects. ANOVA results further confirmed that the
model was statistically significant (F = 104.206, p < 0.05). The study concluded that while
KPA has made significant progress in promoting innovation through learning,
technology, and knowledge management, leadership practices need to be restructured to
encourage creativity and employee empowerment. Organizational learning emerged as
the strongest driver of innovation capability, indicating that continuous training,
reflective practices, and cross departmental collaboration are vital for fostering
adaptability. The study recommended adopting transformational leadership approaches,
investing in staff ICT training, upgrading digital systems, and developing robust
knowledge management repositories. Policy recommendations included reducing
bureaucratic barriers, embedding innovation into strategic plans, and creating
mechanisms to empower employees to participate in innovation initiatives.