International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 392-418
ISSN:
2311 7575
STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEE RETENTION IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Magdaline Mwai and Mr. David Kanyanjua
Published:
01 December, 2025
Volume:
6
Issue:
i
Keywords:
Strategic Human Resource Management Practices, Employee Retention, Public Institutions, Kenya, Public Service Commission
Strategic human resource practices elements are characterised by recruitment and
selection, training, and development. A void is created in the organisation when talented
and capable workers leave, leading to the loss of vital skills, knowledge, and professional
relationships. High employee voluntary turnover rates usually affect or interfere with
organizational performance. In order to fill these gaps, this study examined the
relationship between strategic HRM practices and employee retention in Kenyan public
institutions, using the Public Service Commission (PSC) as a case study, and the specific
objective was to establish the influence of recruitment and selection, and training and
development on employee retention at the PSC. Anchor theory is human capital theory,
reinforced by institutional theory and goal-setting theory. A descriptive design was
adopted. The target population is 539 employees of PSC. Stratified random sampling was
adopted. With the help of two research assistants, structured questionnaires were utilized
to collect data, and the pick-and-drop approach was employed to obtain primary data.
Results were displayed using tables. The results show a substantial correlation between
employee retention and the strategic human resource management practices (p < 0.05, P
= 0.00). The statistical significance of variables' values (p = 0.05) suggests that raising their
mean index should enhance employee retention. The head of PSC should be aware that
recruiting, identifying, and keeping the best talent in an organisation depends on having
effective selection and recruitment procedures. The study recommends that Such policies
improve organizational effectiveness, fairness, and transparency when they are properly
drafted. PSC should incorporate training and development into the hiring process to
guarantee that new hires are not only properly positioned but also prepared to function
and advance within the company. A well-organised, fair, and impact-driven T&D policy
increases worker engagement, lowers attrition, and boosts organizational
competitiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to do more research encompassing a large
geographic region, such as the other private institutions, as well as a comparison study
to look at how various SHRM affect employee retention in other private institutions.