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:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue: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.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 774-790
ISSN: 2311 7575
VALUE-ADDED PROGRAMMES AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KENYA: A CASE OF INCUBATED SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KISUMU CITY
Daniel Lemayian Kitiyia and Prof. Peter Kithae
Published:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue:i
Keywords:value-added programmes, performance of SMEs, business incubation, innovation, and capacity building
This study investigated the effect of value-added programmes on performance of SMEs
within Kisumu City’s business incubation programme. It specifically examined the effect
of innovation, and capacity building on SME performance. The study was anchored in
the Social Exchange Theory and the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, which provided a
strong theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms through which
incubation support enterprise growth. A descriptive research design was employed,
targeting 2,800 SME owners participating in the incubation programme and 44 field
officers from enterprise support organisations (making a total of 2,844 target population).
Using the Miller and Brewer (2021) formula, a sample of 323 respondents was selected
through probability and random sampling methods. Data were collected using
structured questionnaires and analysed with SPSS (version 26) and Microsoft Excel.
Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential
techniques (regression, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation) were applied. Findings
revealed that innovation significantly enhanced value addition and SME performance,
while capacity-building provided essential skills for growth. The model explained 55.5%
(R² = 0.555) of the variance in performance, and the ANOVA test confirmed the model’s
validity (F = 65.634; p < 0.05). The study concluded that value addition through
incubation programmes plays a vital role in improving SME performance. It
recommended that managers, policymakers, and stakeholders strengthen innovation,
and capacity building to enhance SME growth and sustainability.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 791-804
ISSN: 2311 7575
EFFECT OF GENDER DIVERSITY ON PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED STATE CORPORATIONS IN KENYA
This research examines the significance of board diversity on the performance of selected
state-owned corporations in Kenya, highlighting a critical gap where over 30 percent of
these organizations lack equality in gender, age, race, and education, which is essential
for fostering innovation, enhancing decision-making, and adhering to the Mwongozo
Code of Governance. Prior research often focuses on specific commercial banks or aspects
of diversity, neglecting a comprehensive examination of all inclusion policies and the
impact of local cultural factors. The primary objective is to assess the influence of boardlevel diversity on organizational outcomes, encompassing diversity in gender, race, age,
and. The primary target population comprises personnel across 14 SOCs, including board
members and senior management, due to their unique insights into organizational
operations. A sample of 210 representative respondents, comprising board members and
senior managers, was selected using a census approach, ensuring gender balance. The
primary instrument was a structured questionnaire utilizing a five-point Likert scale,
followed by an assessment of equipment consistency and validation of content through
a pilot study involving 10 percent (2 of 14 SOCs). The data was collected online over 14
days, with the assistance of research assistants, to enhance response rates. The study
established that gender diversity (β = 0.218, p = 0.003) significantly enhance
organizational performance. It concluded that inclusive and diverse boards foster
innovation, accountability, and effective decision-making in state-owned corporations.
Recommendations highlighted the need for targeted diversity policies, leadership
training, succession planning, and continuous monitoring to optimize governance.
Future studies should employ longitudinal designs, explore moderating factors like
leadership style and organizational culture, and incorporate qualitative insights.
Expanding research beyond SOCs to private firms and SMEs, while considering digital
transformation and workforce mobility, would improve applicability.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 805-824
ISSN: 2311 7575
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT DRIVERS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS IN KENYA
Margaret N. Wekesa and Prof. John Cheluget
Published:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue:i
Keywords:Strategic Management, Financial Performance, Customer Focus, Information Technology, Safety, Airports, Kenya.
The research paper will discuss how the strategic management drivers, which include
strategic customer focus and strategic information technology, are associated with the
financial performance of international airports in Kenya. The aviation business is
becoming more and more customer-oriented and technologically advanced to enhance
the efficiency of operations and increase financial performance. The research design was
descriptive and the data used were quantitative, collected among the management and
the operation staff of Jomo Kenyatta, Moi, Eldoret, and Kisumu International Airports.
Descriptive statistics analysis, correlation, and regression analysis were done to analyze.
Results indicated that strategic customer focus and information technology had strong
positive impacts on the financial performance, although the latter had an even stronger
impact because it automated the processes and allowed making data-driven decisions.
The authors conclude that airports with customer-oriented strategies and modern IT
systems have more advantages to improve revenue growth, profitability, and
competitiveness in terms of services. The suggestions include constant investments into
customer experience systems, the use of a digital innovation strategy, and frequent staff
training to maximize the use of technology and customer interaction.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 825-835
ISSN: 2311 7575
MICROENTERPRISE INTERVENTIONS AND PERFORMANCE OF LOWINCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN KENYA: A CASE OF SMALL ENTERPRISE OWNERS IN KIAMBU COUNTY
Bridget Wavinya Mutiso and Prof. Peter Kithae
Published:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue:i
Keywords:Business Skills Training, Microenterprise, Household Performance, Human Capital, Kenya
This study explored the effect of microenterprise interventions on performance of lowincome households in Kiambu County, Kenya who received entrepreneurship training
from various microfinances (MFIs) in the year 2024. . A descriptive research design was
adopted, targeting 152 microenterprise operators, of whom 111 successfully participated.
Data were analyzed using SPSS through both descriptive and inferential statistics. The
regression results revealed that business skills training had a statistically significant
positive effect on household performance (R = 0.578; R² = 0.334; Adjusted R² = 0.336;
F(1,109) = 52.289, p < 0.001; β = 0.421, t = 2.492, p < 0.001). These findings indicated that
business skills training accounted for approximately 33.4% of the variation in household
performance. Respondents who had received business skills training reported improved
record keeping, business planning, customer relations, and profitability. The study
concluded that capacity-building initiatives focusing on business skills development
significantly enhanced microenterprise sustainability and household welfare. The study
thus recommended for integration of entrepreneurial training with mentorship and
access to finance to strengthen the resilience and performance of low-income households
in Kenya.
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 836-860
ISSN: 2311 7575
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PARASTATALS IN KENYA
Sarah Chepchumba and Prof. Emmanuel Awour
Published:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue:i
Keywords:Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Green Procurement, Ethical Sourcing, Organizational Performance, Public Sector, Kenya
This study explored how Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices
influence organizational performance at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
The research adopted a cross-sectional census design involving 155 employees directly
engaged in procurement and operational functions. Four key SSCM domains were
examined—green procurement, waste management, resource efficiency, and ethical
sourcing—while performance was assessed through indicators of cost efficiency,
regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and employee engagement. The
findings revealed that sustainability practices are increasingly integrated into CA’s
operations, though their maturity varies. Green procurement and ethical sourcing
emerged as the strongest performance drivers, demonstrating clear links to efficiency,
transparency, and institutional credibility. In contrast, waste management and resource
efficiency were less developed and contributed minimally to measurable outcomes,
reflecting operational rather than strategic application. The regression model explained
a meaningful share of performance variance (R² = 0.288; adjusted R² = 0.269; F, p < .001),
confirming that SSCM practices collectively influence organizational results but require
balanced implementation. The study concludes that while procurement reforms have
already yielded tangible benefits, operational sustainability must be strengthened
through improved monitoring, accountability, and capacity building. It recommends
embedding sustainability criteria and life-cycle costing into procurement, enhancing
supplier verification, and establishing departmental dashboards to track energy, water,
and waste metrics. Overall, the research affirms that institutionalizing SSCM within
Kenya’s public sector can advance both performance efficiency and the broader national
sustainability agenda
International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies
2025; 6(i): 861-872
ISSN: 2311 7575
CAPACITY BUILDING BY BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS’ GROWTH IN THE KENYAN MANUFACTURING SECTOR
Charles Karumba and Ms. Laura Nyaloti
Published:
December, 2025
Volume: 6Issue:i
Keywords:Business Associations, Capacity Building, Growth, Manufacturing Sector, Kenya
Capacity building emerged as the most influential factor for organizational growth. The
research paper explores the effect of capacity-building initiatives by business associations
such as the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) on the growth of member
organizations within Kenya’s manufacturing sector. The research designs embraced a
descriptive research design focusing on 534 member SMEs of KAM. Structured
questionnaires were used to gather the primary data, which was assessed with help of
multiple regression analysis. The results showed that there is a positive and statistically
significant relationship between capacity-building programs and the growth of member
organizations. The research concludes that association-led training and knowledge
improvement programs enhance operational efficiency, innovation capability, and
competitiveness of the members. It advises that business associations must make more
investments into special trainings, mentorship, and collaboration with educational and
technical institutions in order to reinforce the performance and longevity of the sector.