The Influence of Stakeholder Engagement and Resource-Based Strategies on Performance of Busia County Government, Kenya

Risper A Obonyo, Osieko Matti, Lawrence Odollo

Abstract


This study examined the influence of stakeholder-oriented and resource-based strategic approaches on the performance of Busia County Government in Kenya. Kenya's devolved government system, established in 2010, aimed to bring public services closer to citizens and ensure equitable resource distribution. However, county governments continue to face challenges in service delivery, accountability, and resource optimization. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 154 senior county government officers through structured questionnaires. The study employed both descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that stakeholder strategic approach (?=0.432, p=0.001) had the strongest influence on county performance, followed by resource-based strategic approach (?=0.389, p=0.009). The model explained 87.7% of the variance in county performance (R²=0.877), indicating that these strategic approaches are critical determinants of organizational effectiveness in devolved governance. The study concludes that inclusive stakeholder engagement and strategic resource optimization significantly enhance county government performance. Recommendations include establishing structured stakeholder engagement frameworks, implementing performance-based financing systems, and strengthening capacity development programs for county leadership.

Keywords: Stakeholder engagement, Resource-based strategy, County government performance, Devolved governance


Full Text:

PDF

References


Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.

Edwards, M. (2014). Performance measurement in public sector organizations: A critical analysis. Public Administration Review, 45(3), 234–248.

Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman.

Freeman, R. E., Harrison, J. S., & Wicks, A. C. (2021). Managing for stakeholders: Survival, reputation, and success. Yale University Press.

Kihara, P., Bwisa, H., & Kihoro, J. (2021). Stakeholder engagement and organizational performance in Kenyan public institutions. African Journal of Business Management, 15(2), 45–58.

Manjunatha, N. (2019). Research methodology: Tools and techniques. Academic Press.

Muli, J. K., Letting, N., & Marangu, W. (2016). Stakeholder management practices and performance of projects in Kenya. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 4(10), 158–175.

Pavao, Y. M., & Rossetto, C. R. (2023). Stakeholder management and organizational performance: A systematic review. Business Performance Management, 12(3), 301–320.

Sibanyoni, J., & Mupambwa, G. (2017). Resource-based view and organizational capability: Evidence from South African enterprises. South African Journal of Business Management, 48(4), 67–78.

Szymaniec-Mlicka, K. (2014). Resource-based view in strategic management of public organizations. Management, 18(1), 19–30.

Wambua, P., & Gathungu, J. (2020). Resource management and performance of county governments in Kenya. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 10(2), 98–115.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.