Challenges facing Performance of middle Administrative Staff in Egerton University, Kenya

Abstract

Kenyan universities, like others in developingcountries are faced administrativerelated problems that have hindered service delivery Most of these challenges have neither been addressed with various in these institutions. nor quantified thus making it difficult for policy makers to formulate strategies of solving them. The study therefore sought to examine challenges facing performance of midd Ie adm in istrative staff in Kenyan public Universities with the focus being Egerton University, how they affect their service delivery and explore appropriate ways on how they can be addressed to achieve acceptable levels of efficiency and service delivery. The study was based on Fredrick McGregor's theory X and Y, Contingency and Path- Goal theory on management styles of effective leadership. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The study targeted middle level administrative staff of Egerton University. samplings were used to sample 80 respondents population of 241 middle administrative use of structured questionnaire. and simple random which represented 30% of the total staff members. Data was collected through the The structured questionnaires respondents.Data was analyzed both quantitatively and descriptive statistical techniques. Stratified were administered and qualitatively to 80 by use of inferential The study findings clearly indicated that there was no sufficient attention paid to training which is essential in performance by middle staff. It was further revealed that motivation among staff is low due to the absence of continuous performance appraisal in the university, facilities and rigid bureaucracy lack of proper communication, among others. In view of the above findings the study therefore recommended that the Universities develop a clear policy on training for their middle level staff, reduce bureaucratic tendencies, delegate some responsibilities, on communication among staff and develop a proper framework appraisal. It was further inadequate recommended that Universities principles, improve salaries and embrace employment improve of staff performance should embrace democratic best practices. It is hoped that the findings of the study will be replicated in other Universities.