Strategic Planning Practices and the Performance of Commercial State Corporations in Kenya

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to assess the influence of strategic planning practices on the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to examine the influence of environmental analysis on the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya and to determine the influence of Monitoring & Evaluation on the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. This study was guided by Contingency Theory and Goal-Setting Theory. Methodology: In this study, a descriptive research design was adopted. The target population comprised of 46 Commercial state corporations (SCAC, 2023). The study targeted a total of 368 respondents comprising of 46 top managers, 138 middle level managers and 184 lower-level managers. The study’s sample size of 188 was reached at using Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination formula. The study collected primary data through use of questionnaires. Data analysis was done through use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics comprised of percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics comprised of correlation analysis and regression analysis. Findings: The study found that environmental analysis has a positive and significant effect on performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. The study also found that monitoring & evaluation has a positive and significant effect on performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the findings, the study recommends that management of commercial state corporations in Kenya should institutionalize continuous and systematic environmental analysis by regularly assessing political, economic, technological, legal, and competitive factors affecting their operations. The study also recommends that the management of commercial state corporations in Kenya should strengthen their monitoring and evaluation systems by establishing clear performance indicators, regular reporting mechanisms, and feedback loops that inform decision-making.