Indicators Of Quality Management Practices In State Corporations Within The Agriculture Sector In Kenya (Case Of Selected Iso Certified Firms In The Agriculture Sector)

ABSTRACT

The agriculture sector is getting competitive every day. In order to be successful Quality Management (QM) practices ought to be the integral part of any organization‟s strategic management. The agriculture sector contributes to 26% of the gross domestic product and supports industries while ensuring food security in the country. ISO certification in state Corporations came as a requirement through the office of the prime minister in ensuring the improved performance and service delivery to Kenyan citizens. The purpose of this study was to establish how Total Quality Management (TQM) practices are employed as key indicators of quality management. The selected parastatals are ISO 9001; 2008 certified and are head quartered in Nairobi. The study was guided by the following objectives: To investigate indicators of quality management practices in the selected state corporations, to determine the extent to which top management commitment indicates quality management practices in selected state corporations in Kenya, to establish extend of continuous improvement of products and services to quality management practices in selected state corporations in Kenya and to find out the level of customer orientation to quality management practices in selected state corporations in Kenya among other factors. A descriptive research design was utilized in this study. The sample comprised four state corporations within the agriculture sector representing the four basic functions of the ministry of agriculture. Human resource staff, more so those dealing with quality management system from the selected corporations constituted the target population. Stratified random sampling was used to sample 58 respondents of the selected state corporations. A questionnaire was used to collect data through drop and pick method. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. From the findings one can conclude that for successful TQM implementation an organization require top management commitment, customer orientation, continuous improvement and adoption of process approach. It is imperative that all corporations within the Agricultural Sector embrace quality management practices if Agriculture is to continue to be the backbone of our economy. Agricultural Corporations need to ensure total visible top management commitment to quality, embracing customer orientation in quality issues, adoption of process approach in implementation of quality practices and ensuring existence and maintenance of continuous improvement practices for products and services. These have been identified as key indicators of quality management in corporations in the Agriculture sector as evidenced in the findings of this study. The findings of the study indicate that there are a number of issues to be addressed and suggestions for further research. Managers in Agricultural Parastatals should improve their communication with their staff bringing enthusiasm in implementation of QMS as well as continuous training on quality issues .Further area of research among others to include in the population and samples other organizations within the East African Community.