International Research Journal of Business and Strategic Management
Strategic Planning and Performance of Food Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Abstract
Food manufacturing firms play a vital role in Kenya's economy, contributing significantly to food security, employment creation, and industrial growth. However, these firms face a range of challenges that hinder their optimal performance. The general objective of the study is to evaluate the relationship between strategic planning on performance of food manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine how strategic initiation and strategic control influence the performance of food manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. This study was guided by Resource-Based View and Agency Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The unit of analysis was 139 food manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya, listed in the Kenya Association of Manufacturers directory as of 2024. In each firm, the study targeted the top manager, the middle-level manager and the lower-level managers; hence, the total target population was 417 management employees. The study used the Yemane formula to arrive at the sample size of 204. This study used primary data which was collected through the use of questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the quantitative data. The results were presented in tables. The study concludes that both strategic initiation and strategic control have a positive and significant effect on performance of food manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Based on the findings, the study recommends that food manufacturing firms in Kenya should strengthen strategic control by establishing robust performance monitoring and evaluation systems that track key performance indicators aligned with their strategic objectives. This involves regular review of financial and operational metrics, timely feedback mechanisms, and the use of data analytics to identify deviations and implement corrective actions promptly.
Keywords: Strategic Planning, Strategic Initiation, Strategic Control, Food Manufacturing Firms
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