Digital Transformation Strategies and Performance of Private Universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Purpose: The main research objective is to examine the influence of digital transformation strategies on performance of private universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effect of administrative systems strategy and data management strategy on the performance of private universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was anchored on; Contingency Theory and Knowledge Management (KM) Theory. Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional survey design. The target population for this study was 363 respondents from 33 Private institutions accredited to undertake higher education in Kenya (CUE, 2024). The unit of analysis comprised of 33 institutions accredited to undertake university education in Kenya while the unit of observation was the 363 respondents comprising of Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors and Deans of Schools. e study adopted Yamane (1957) to determine the appropriate sample size. Hence, the sample size of the study was 190 respondents. Simple random sampling was adopted to select study sample. Data was collected using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. A pilot test on 19 respondents 10% of the sample size was conducted to determine validity and reliability of the data collection instrument. Data obtained from the field was coded, cleaned, and entered to the computer for analysis using SPSS version 28. Descriptive statistical analysis techniques, such as frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to summarize the data. Inferential statistical analysis, including multiple regression and correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables. Findings: The study concludes that administrative systems strategy and data management strategy has a positive and significant influence on performance of private universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Based on the findings, the study recommends that private universities in Kenya should implement an integrated administrative systems strategy that adopts centralized, automated, and interoperable digital platforms for functions such as admissions, finance, human resources, and student records management, as this enhances efficiency, reduces operational redundancies, improves data accuracy, and supports timely decision-making.