STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT DETERMINANTS OF VALUE ADDITION OF INDUSTRIAL FISH PROCESSORS IN THE SEA FOOD PROCESSING SUB- CHAIN IN KENYA

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to investigate the strategic management determinants of value addition in the sea food processing sub chain in Kenya with specific focus of the industrial fish processors in Kenya. Specifically, this study investigated the effects of strategic planning practices, technological competitiveness, market competition and corporate policies on value addition of the industrial fish processors in Kenya. The study employed a survey research design in data collection. This research employed quantitative data collection method whereby data was gathered by the use of closed ended questionnaires which were self-administered. Factor analysis was used to assess the validity and Cronbach alpha to assess reliability of the questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis (standard and step wise) were conducted to determine the relationship between the strategic management determinants and value addition. Results confirm the varying importance of the strategic management determinants in the sea food processing sub chain in Kenya. In general, the results reveal that market competition and corporate policies have significant and positive effects on value addition, while strategic planning and technological competitiveness have insignificant effects on value addition in the sea food processing sub chain in Kenya especially with the industrial fish processors in Kenya. The study recommends that to improve value addition in the sea food processing sub chain in Kenya, managers of the industrial fish processors in Kenya should nurture and develop market competition and corporate policies.