Factors Affecting The Performance Of Courier Service Industry: A Survey Of Courier Companies In Kenya

Purpose: The study is an assessment of the factors affecting the performance of courier companies in Kenya.Methodology: A descriptive survey study design was used. The population of this study was 134 courier firms. The sampling frame consisting of 134 firms was obtained from the CCK website. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample. A sample of 68 firms was considered representative and they were selected by the use of the lottery method. The researcher opted for a questionnaire as a data collection tool. Data was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and specifically, means, frequencies and percentages. The analysis tools were simple tabulations and presentations using spreadsheets such as excel. The data was then presented using tables, charts and narratives.Results: The study findings indicate that the companies have invested heavily into the training of their employees. Thus having in place a properly trained workforce can be said to be a factor that has contributed to the success being experienced in the courier service sector. From the study it emerged that there was high motivation among employees in courier firms as evidenced by their attitude towards work itself and promotion factors. However, they were not very happy with the pay factor. It is important to note that it would have been against logical expectation if the findings on the pay issue were different. The courier service firms come out as having in place reliable and very good customer service. The companies take into considerations suggestion made by the customer and prospective customers into the designing of products and services. ICT is another factor that attributes to the phenomenal growth of the courier service firms. Though the current state of infrastructure is bad, it seems to favor the growth of courier service firms. The courier firms have taken the challenge of poor infrastructure and turned it into an opportunity. In so doing, they have invested in motor bikes in order to beat the traffic jam challenge. This has enabled them to meet the demands of their clients increasing their popularity and hence more business.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that future statistical research taking into account regression and correlation analysis can be conducted on the effects of the noted factors on the various growth indicators such as market share, revenues and profits. Such a study would verify or repute the findings of this study. Future study can also be conducted on an individual factor identified in the conceptual framework of this study.