Abstract: Kenya's objectives for economic growth and innovation highlight the importance of competent strategic management, particularly in agriculture. Despite this, there is insufficient scientific information on how these tactics affect performance. To overcome this gap, this paper explores Kakuzi PLC's strategic planning procedures. This study explores Kakuzi PLC's strategic planning processes to assess their influence on agricultural organizational performance. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of strategic management practices on the organizational performance of agricultural firms, a case study of Kakuzi PLC in Kenya. Specific Objectives were; to evaluate the effect of environmental analysis on organizational performance of agricultural firms, and to assess the effect of strategy formulation on organizational performance of agricultural firms. This study used a descriptive research design. The research focused on the all 3,526 employees at Kakuzi PLC, Kenya. Fisher's formula was used to calculate the sample size. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires employing a semi-structured format. The data analysis involved cleaning, coding, and organizing questionnaire data using SPSS version 28.0, with mean, standard deviation, and frequency tables, and multiple regressions employed to examine relationships between independent and dependent variables. The study concluded that Kakuzi PLC maintained its competitive advantage by continuously monitoring technology, market trends, and regulatory changes, ensuring it reacted to the external environment. Performance was routinely evaluated using industry benchmarks and staff input to ensure that it met market needs. Kakuzi PLC also established clear, realistic targets that were linked with strategic objectives, made effective use of resources, and did a thorough risk assessment. Despite some issues with work distribution, the personnel were typically well-prepared, and management actively monitored plan execution. The study made the following recommendations: agricultural enterprises should prioritise environmental scanning to react to market trends, technology, and regulatory changes. This proactive strategy will improve their capacity to remain competitive and adapt to external changes. Furthermore, firms should set clear, quantifiable goals that are consistent with business objectives. Risk assessments and resource evaluations should be part of the strategy design. Improved communication and clear role definitions will lead to better task performance. Regular strategy reviews, data-driven decision-making, and employee feedback systems are recommended to guarantee goal alignment and response to any necessary changes.
Keywords: Organizational Performance, Environmental analysis, Strategy formulation.
Title: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY: A CASE STUDY OF KAKUZI PLC
Author: Yvonne Makena Gitonga, Dr. Paul Machoka
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
Vol. 12, Issue 2, October 2024 - March 2025
Page No: 50-64
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 11-November-2024
