Examining The Influence of Community of Practice as a Knowledge Sharing Tool: A Case of The State Department for Social Protection, Kenya

Abstract

The study explored the role of Communities of Practice (CoPs) as a tool for knowledge sharing within the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, focusing on how participatory communication fosters community engagement, collaboration, and inclusivity. The objectives were to examine the extent to which the Community of Practice was used as a knowledge-sharing tool in the State Department for Social Protection, to identify the factors that contributed to learning and sharing knowledge within the Community of Practice in the State Department for Social Protection, and to investigate the importance placed on the Community of Practice as a knowledge-sharing tool in the context of participatory communication within the State Department for Social Protection. The study addressed the problem of limited structured knowledge-sharing mechanisms in government institutions, which hinder learning and innovation. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory, the research aimed to investigate factors that facilitate learning and knowledge exchange in CoPs, assess their contribution to participatory communication, and evaluate their impact on social protection outcomes. A descriptive research design was employed to establish statistical relationships between CoP participation and improved knowledge sharing. The study targeted a population of 438 employees involved in or impacted by CoP activities, including technical staff, decision-makers, and support personnel. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 100 respondents was determined and selected through simple random sampling to ensure equal representation. Data was collected using structured online questionnaires distributed via Google Forms, integrating Likert-scale, open-ended, and closed-ended items to yield both measurable and contextual insights. Prior to full deployment, the questionnaire was pre-tested with 10 participants to ensure validity and reliability. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 29, employing descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that 89% of respondents viewed CoPs as effective platforms for fostering knowledge exchange, while 78% agreed that CoPs enhanced collaboration across departments. The study concluded that CoPs are effective vehicles for enhancing participatory communication and knowledge-sharing in the public sector. It recommended strengthening CoPs through continuous training, inclusive engagement strategies, leadership support, and the creation of centralized knowledge repositories. Additional recommendations included integrating CoP participation into staff appraisals, allocating equitable resources, and organizing sector-specific events to sustain relevance and participation.