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:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue: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.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 419-434
ISSN: 2311 7575
EFFECT OF STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION AND STRATEGY EVALUATION ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SMES IN KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) remain pivotal to Kenya’s economic development
through job creation, innovation, and income generation. Despite their importance,
professional service SMEs often experience weak financial performance due to poor
execution and inadequate monitoring of strategic plans. This study examined the effect
of strategy implementation and strategy evaluation on the financial performance of
professional service SMEs in Kisumu County, Kenya. Anchored on the Balanced
Scorecard Model and the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the study adopted a descriptive
research design targeting 245 professional service SMEs, with a sample of 152 selected
through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires
and analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 28.
Reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.83. Regression results
indicated that both strategy implementation (β = 0.229, p < 0.01) and strategy evaluation
(β = 0.263, p < 0.001) had positive and statistically significant effects on financial
performance, jointly explaining 72.4% of the variation in performance (R² = 0.724). The
study concludes that consistent implementation and continuous evaluation of strategies
enhance profitability, liquidity, and growth. It recommends that SMEs institutionalize
structured implementation frameworks with clear performance indicators and feedback
mechanisms to ensure strategic alignment and long-term sustainability.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 435-449
ISSN: 2311 7575
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA: A CASE OF SELECTED NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN ISIOLO COUNTY
Dickson Nyakenyanya and Prof. Washington Okeyo
Published:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue:i
Keywords:Strategic Leadership, Balanced Organizational Controls, Corporate Strategic Direction, Performance of NGOs, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs)
The study examined the relationship between strategic leadership and the performance
of selected non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Isiolo County, Kenya, focusing
on four dimensions: balanced organizational controls, corporate strategic direction,
strategic planning, and organizational culture. Addressing contextual and empirical gaps
in existing literature, particularly the underrepresentation of arid and semi-arid land
(ASAL) settings, the study provides actionable insights for NGO leaders, policymakers,
and scholars. Grounded in adaptive leadership, configuration, and goal-setting theories,
the study collected data from 203 staff members across seven WASH-focused NGOs, with
a representative sample of 135 respondents selected through stratified and simple
random sampling. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27, and ethical standards,
including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly observed. Findings
revealed statistically significant positive relationships for three of the four strategic
leadership dimensions with NGO performance. Balanced organizational controls had the
strongest predictive coefficient (β = 0.479), followed by strategic planning (β = 0.428),
corporate strategic direction (β = 0.367), and organizational culture (β = 0.135). The study
established that NGOs that adopted transparent accountability systems, upheld missionaligned direction, institutionalised adaptive planning cycles, and nurtured ethical,
learning-oriented cultures demonstrated stronger program effectiveness, stakeholder
satisfaction, and operational resilience. The study recommends that NGOs in resourceconstrained environments embrace an integrated strategic leadership model that
synchronizes controls, vision, planning, and culture to improve performance and
sustainability.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 450-467
ISSN: 2311 7575
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC PENSION FUNDS IN KENYA: A CASE OF LAPFUND
Janet Jebiwot Rotich and Prof. Washington Okeyo
Published:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue:i
Keywords:Strategic Leadership Practices, Organizational Performance, Public Pension Fund, Kenya, Lapfund
The study was carried out to identify leadership gaps and inform strategies that enhance
pension fund sustainability and align with Kenya’s broader public sector reform needs.
The general objective of this study was to investigate the strategic leadership practices
and organizational performance of public pension funds at the Local Authorities
Provident Fund. The specific objective of the study was to examine the effect of strategic
direction on organizational performance of public pension funds at Local Authorities
Provident Fund. The study's target population comprised of 144 respondents who were
based at public pension funds headquarters in Nairobi. The study selected 59
respondents who were working at the public pension funds headquarters in Nairobi.
Strategic direction showed a strong positive correlation, and a significant regression
coefficient, underscoring the importance of leadership in aligning vision and goals with
organizational priorities. The study recommends that public pension funds; align longterm goals with actionable programs to enhance performance, clear leadership vision and
consistent prioritization of organizational objectives.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 468-493
ISSN: 2311 7575
LEADERSHIP STYLES AND DECISION-MAKING PROCESS ON WATER CONSERVATION INITIATIVES IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF THE NAIROBI CITY WATER & SEWERAGE COMPANY (NCWSC)
John Melita Kamoiro and Jared Osoro
Published:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue:i
Keywords:Leadership Styles, Decision-Making Process, Water Conservation Initiatives, Kenya
This study explored the influence of leadership styles on decision-making in water
conservation initiatives in Kenya, focusing on the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage
Company (NCWSC). The main objective was to assess how transformational, situational,
servant, and charismatic leadership styles affect decision-making effectiveness in water
resource management, infrastructure development, and service delivery. Despite
NCWSC’s critical role in sustainable water conservation, persistent challenges in strategic
planning, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement are often linked to
leadership inefficiencies. Guided by Charismatic Leadership Theory, Situational
Leadership Theory, and the Rational Decision-Making Model, the study targeted
NCWSC executives, department heads, managers, and technical officers. A stratified
random sample of 360 respondents was selected, and data were collected using semistructured interviews and questionnaires. Mixed methods were employed: thematic
analysis for qualitative data and SPSS (version 29) for quantitative analysis. The findings
revealed that situational leadership had the greatest influence on effective decisionmaking, followed by transformational, charismatic, and servant leadership. Weaknesses
identified included limited innovation, inadequate staff empowerment, and lack of
flexibility. The study recommends fostering innovation through regular brainstorming
workshops, enhancing employee participation through feedback mechanisms, and
integrating charismatic motivation with structured governance for long-term
conservation success. Strengthening leadership adaptability and inclusivity is crucial for
improving water conservation outcomes and achieving sustainable water governance at
NCWSC.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 494-518
ISSN: 2311 7575
GRIEVANCE HANDLING PROCEDURES AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN THE WATER SERVICE SECTOR IN KENYA. A CASE STUDY OF NAIROBI CITY WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY
Ezekiel Njathi Hans and Mr. David Kanyanjua
Published:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue:i
Keywords:Grievance Handling Procedures, Employee Performance, Water Service, Kenya, Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company
The practice of managing employee relations in organizations has been observed to
influence staff performance in one way or the other. For the practice to be more effective,
leaders and managers are required to adopt effective respect, good channels of
communication and build trust between individuals. The general objective of this study
was to assess the effect of grievance handling procedures on employee performance of
NCWSC Ltd. The Pluralist theory served as the primary theoretical framework for
theoretical debate. 3239 middle and upper-level management staff members at NCWSC
who were eligible for unionization made up the study's target population. Using a
stratified selection strategy, 356 individuals were selected from the target population to
serve as the sample, and data were gathered through the use of questionnaires as research
instruments. A descriptive research design was employed in the study. a pilot study to
confirm the reliability and validity of the research. The data were assessed using both
descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 22. Study findings were
presented using graphs, tables and descriptive summaries. The study established that;
Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company's grievance resolution process is effective in
settling disagreements, according to survey participants, who moderately agreed on an
average mean score of 3.5266. With a correlation coefficient of r = 219 and a p-value of
008, grievance resolution demonstrated a modest but significant positive link, suggesting
that there is a slight benefit to improving grievance resolution. Finally, a moderate
regression effect (β =.187; p = 0.019) of grievance handling procedures on employee
performance suggested that settling grievances has a beneficial impact on employee
performance. The study concludes that grievance handling procedures have a positive
influence on employee performance at Nairobi City Water and Sewerage company. The
study found that poor co-ordination between part at NCWS in grievance resolutions. The
study recommends fostering collaboration between key stakeholders, such as employees,
management and labor unions, to create a transparent and structured grievance
resolution process.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 519-531
ISSN: 2311 7575
INCOME LEVELS AND DAIRY FARMERS’ MEMBERSHIP IN COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES: A CASE OF GITHUNGURI DAIRY FARMERS COOPERATIVE SOCIETY, KENYA
This paper investigated the influence of income levels on dairy farmers’ membership in
cooperative societies, focusing on the Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society in
Kiambu County, Kenya. Cooperative societies are widely recognized for promoting
economic stability, collective bargaining, and market access among smallholder farmers.
While previous studies have shown that cooperative membership can enhance household
income, there is limited empirical evidence on how pre-existing income levels determine
farmers’ decisions to join and remain active in cooperatives. Using a descriptive research
design, data were collected from 316 respondents comprising management and staff
through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics summarized member
perceptions of income stability, while inferential analyses—including Pearson’s
correlation and simple linear regression—examined the relationship between income
levels and membership. The findings indicate a positive and significant correlation (r =
0.523, p < 0.01), with regression analysis confirming that income levels significantly
predict cooperative membership (β = 0.215, p < 0.01), explaining 27.3% of the variation in
membership. Higher and more stable income enhances farmers’ ability to meet
cooperative obligations, strengthens trust in management, and fosters long-term
participation. These results support Rational Choice Theory by demonstrating that
farmers’ economic incentives influence their cooperative engagement. Practically, the
study recommends implementing stable pricing, timely bonuses, and transparent profitsharing mechanisms to enhance member loyalty, while policymakers should support
initiatives that stabilize incomes and reduce barriers to participation. Future research
could explore the impact of digital platforms and socio-cultural networks on membership
decisions, complementing income-based analyses.