ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF STAFF RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN COUNTY GOVERNMENTS WITHIN KENYA’S NORTH RIFT REGION
Abstract
Purpose of Study: This study sought to assess the influence of staff recruitment and selection practices on employee engagement in county governments within Kenya’s North Rift Region. The study was underpinned by Social Exchange Theory.
Problem Statement: County governments in the North Rift Region face low employee engagement due to poor recruitment practices and limited staff development. Inadequate supervisory support and unclear expectations further contribute to high turnover and substandard service delivery.
Methodology: The target population comprised 10,009 employees working in three North Rift counties comprising of Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi Counties. The target population was made up of 2,611 employees from Elgeyo Marakwet County, 3,164 employees from Uasin Gishu County, and 4,234 employees from Nandi County. Cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the 385 employees. Regression analysis was conducted to establish the relationship between the variables. The results were presented using tables.
Result: The findings revealed that the model was significant in explaining the relationship between the independent variable and engagement (F = 142.299, p = 0.000). Regression analysis indicated that staff recruitment and selection was significant predictor of employee engagement (B = 0.188, p < 0.001).
Recommendation: In view of the findings, the study recommends that The County Governments in the North Rift Region should enhance recruitment and selection practices which is a priority for the human resource management.
Keywords: Employee Engagement, Staff Recruitment, Selection Practices, County Governments, North Rift Region, Kenya
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