The Effect of National Irrigation Board’s Strategic Planning on Development of Irrigation in Kenya: A Case of Ahero Irrigation Scheme

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of National Irrigation Board’s strategic planning on the development of irrigation in Kenya, the case of Ahero Irrigation Scheme. The specific objectives were to identify the goals of National Irrigation Board on development of irrigation at Ahero Irrigation Scheme, to establish the effect of strategic planning of National Irrigation Board on development of irrigation at Ahero Irrigation Scheme and to establish the challenges faced by Ahero Irrigation Scheme in implementing the strategic plan. The study applied census design to determine the target population which comprised 100 senior management staff from the National Irrigation Board (NIB) headquarters and the Ahero Irrigation Scheme. Information was gathered through the use of questionnaires, which were administered using a drop-and-pick up-later method. Descriptive research design was used to summarize the data. Percentages, frequencies, tables and pie charts were used to present the data. The questionnaire was used to collect data which was then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The study found out that strategic planning enabled Ahero Irrigation Scheme to identify key strategic partners in its mandate, identify priority areas for allocation of finances, monitor the implementation of strategic plans, enabled engagement of stakeholders in decision making, and there was difficulty in gaining support from top management. The study concludes that strategic planning has effects on organizational development. The study recommends that the management of NIB should create a climate that encourages commitment to strategic plans in the organization.