International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 344-364
ISSN:
2311 7575
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF STATE CORPORATIONS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Gioche Nyambura Lucy and Prof. Washington Okeyo
Published:
01 December, 2025
Volume:
6
Issue:
i
Keywords:
Strategic Planning, Organizational performance, State Corporations, Kenya
Strategic planning positively affects the performance of state-owned companies (SOEs)
in Kenya, with evidence indicating that their effective application enhances
organizational outcomes. However, despite the adoption of strategic planning
frameworks, many State-Owned Enterprises in Kenya continue to experience
performance challenges such as inefficiency, weak governance structures, financial
mismanagement, and delays in project implementation. These issues have led to low
productivity, dependence on government bailouts, and failure to meet performance
targets. This persistent underperformance raises concerns about the effectiveness of
strategic management practices within these entities. The objective of this study was to
examine the influence of Strategic planning on the organizational performance of State
Corporations in Kenya: a case study of the Geothermal Development Company. This
research was anchored by the Resource-Based View Theory, and supported by Strategyas-Practice (SAP). Employing a descriptive research approach, data from 871 employees
at Geothermal Development Company (GDC) were analysed employing a stratified
sampling technique, resulting in a sample population of 274 respondents. A standardized
questionnaire was employed to gather information, preceded by a pilot study to validate
the tool's dependability. Analysis involved reviewing surveys, extracting statistics, and
applying regression analysis via SPSS version 24 to explore how independent and
dependent variables relate to one another. The study found that strategic planning was
inclusive and systematic, featuring stakeholder engagement and goal prioritization.
Effective strategy formulation was evidenced by personnel engagement and alignment
with organizational objectives, promoting a link between goals and performance. The
study recommends that Kenyan state corporations enhance strategic planning through
better organization, stakeholder participation, and regular updates. It stresses the
importance of developing analytical skills for data-driven decision-making and aligning
planning with performance metrics. The research advocates for stakeholder engagement,
measurable outcomes, and suggests longitudinal studies to explore causal relationships.