Influence of Strategic Leadership on Competitiveness of Logistics Firms in Kenya

Abstract

The main objective of the study was, therefore, to determine the influence of Strategic leadership on competitiveness of firms in Kenya’s Logistics Sector. The general objective of this study was therefore to determine the influence strategic leadership including strategic direction, strategic control, capacity building and organizational dynamics had on competitiveness of logistics firms in Nairobi Kenya. The study was based on leadership theories, resource-based view, capacity building theory. The study embraced both qualitative and quantitative method. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires from sample of 30 employees from each of the targeted 65 logistics firms in Kenya. Secondary data was also used. Reliability was calculated with assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Quantitative data was analyzed as per study objectives using SPSS. Results indicated that Strategic leadership significantly influenced Competitiveness of firms in the Kenya’s logistics sector. On overall profitability majority of firms had an increase in profitability of between 15-20 million at 49.1.1% in the year 2020, between 15-20 million at 48.6% in the year 2019 and between Kshs 5-10 million at 39.5% in the year 2018. The year 2020 however had less increase from the previous year because of the Global pandemic Covid-19. Therefore, the study recommended that Firms in logistics sector should have very specific and quantifiable goals clear to everyone in the organization, Internal controls ensure errors and mistakes are removed and the standard operating procedures are observed is important. Keywords: Strategic leadership, Competitiveness, Strategic control, Strategic direction, Capacity building, Organization dynamics