Assessment of Knowledge Management Strategies on the Performance of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute

Abstract

Purpose: The study assessed knowledge management strategies on the performance of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. The study objectives were to determine how knowledge acquisition, sharing, storage and expertise (Technology) influenced the performance of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute.  

Methodology: Since the study involved gathering of quantitative and qualitative data, it adopted mixed method approach. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, this was due to the prediction of knowledge management strategies and the performance Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, in the analysis of different trends, and the formulation of hypotheses that directs future actions. The target population was 168 employees from the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. The researcher sampled 118 respondents using Yamane formula (2007) formula, by doing so, the chance of bias in participant selection was reduced and the sample was guaranteed to be representative of the whole population. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of means, percentages, and frequencies with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences v25 (SPSS V25) software.

Findings: Results were displayed in form of pie chart and tables from which inferences and conclusions were drawn. The findings of the study revealed that knowledge sharing had the most significant influence on the performance of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute while knowledge acquisition had the least influence. The research finally concluded that knowledge management strategies had a significant effect on the performance of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study will serve as a resource for researchers and academicians pursuing related research thus contributing to the body of knowledge. The study will be helpful to KMFRI management as it will provide documentation of the strategic leadership role in the implementation of knowledge management strategies thus contributing to identification of areas in which its strategic leadership needs to be strengthened in order to perform better. This study is vibrant in the creation of policies. Policy makers and implementers in the public sector can find this study useful for understanding the stages and analytical processes involved in developing and putting into practice knowledge management plans.  In order to ensure that the strategic direction is accomplished and performance is improved, it will enlighten areas that need to be clarified and redefined.  Significant contribution to the society will be through generating new knowledge in particular through challenging existing theories and ideas.