Strategic Agility and Performance of Youth Owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Kiambu County, Kenya

Authors

  • Beatrice Jerono Rotich
    MBA student, Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Charles Mwirigi
    Lecturer, Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of strategic agility on the Youth Owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The study was anchored on dynamic capability theory, diffusion of innovation theory, institutional theory, and the resource-based view theory.


Material/methods: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 344 registered youth-owned manufacturing enterprises in Kiambu Town, Kiambu County. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 120 enterprises. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis.


Findings: The findings revealed that strategic sensitivity and strategic innovation had a statistically significant positive effect on the Youth Owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. This implies that enterprises that are more alert to market changes and more innovative are likely to record improved performance.


Practical Implications: Youth-owned enterprises should strengthen their strategic agility capabilities by investing in market intelligence systems and promoting innovation. Policymakers and enterprise support institutions should also develop training programs, mentorship initiatives, and supportive policy frameworks that enhance strategic agility competencies among youth entrepreneurs.


Value: The study contributes to the literature on strategic agility by demonstrating its role as a critical determinant of performance among youth-owned manufacturing enterprises in Kiambu County.