Effect of Strategic Management Practices on Performance of Kenya Medical Training College, Nakuru Campus

Abstract

Abstract Since the 1990s, companies have increasingly focused on competitive strategy, with strategic management serving as a key differentiator. The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) faces challenges in staff distribution, eHealth skills, and intergovernmental coordination, which impact its performance. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that government investments enhance organizational performance and service delivery, which requires effective strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of strategic management practices on the performance of KMTC Nakuru. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the effect of strategy formulation, strategy implementation, and strategy evaluation on the performance of the KMTC Nakuru. The study was anchored on classical, resource based view, and innovation diffusion theories to explain the relationship between the variables under study. The study employed a descriptive research design, which allowed for an in-depth investigation of the Kenya Medical Training College in Nakuru. The target population consisted of 196 full-time employees of the Kenya Medical Training College, Nakuru. A sample of 131 was computed using Yamane's (1967) sample size determination technique. Primary data for the study were gathered using questionnaires. Thirteen staff members from the KMTC Eldoret Campus, or 10% of the sample size, were randomly selected to participate in the study's pilot phase. With the help of the SPSS application, data were gathered via self-administered surveys and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results were presented using tables and charts. The results showed a statistically significant effect of strategy formulation on performance (r = 0.801, p < 0.001). A statistically significant effect of strategy implementation on organizational performance (r=0.800, p=0.000) and a statistically significant effect of strategy evaluation on the performance of Kenya Medical Training College, Nakuru Campus (r=0.760, p=0.000). The moderating effect of strategic leadership on the relationship between strategic management practices and performance is significant. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the Ministry of Education and KMTC management develop a standardized strategic planning framework across all campuses to enhance the effectiveness of strategy formulation, given its strong positive impact on organizational performance. Additionally, KMTC management should strengthen leadership training programs to amplify the moderating effect of strategic leadership on performance. At the operational level, KMTC Nakuru Campus is encouraged to improve stakeholder engagement in strategy implementation and establish a routine for continuous monitoring and improvement of strategic initiatives, both of which are crucial for sustaining performance gains.