Strategic Innovation and Sustainability of Mission Hospitals in Kiambu County in Kenya

Abstract

Kenya's healthcare sector is essential to the country’s economic growth and the achievement of the nation’s Vision 2030. As healthcare landscapes evolve, institutions face challenges sustaining their mission-driven approach to adapting to the ever-changing needs and environment. Mission Hospitals in Kiambu County face sustainability challenges due to inadequate financial resources, staff turnover, weak health systems and patient non-payment. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of strategic innovation on the sustainability of mission hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to determine how business models, services, processes, and technological innovation strategies affected the sustainability of mission hospitals in the county. The study was anchored in the resource-based view theory, the diffusion of innovation theory, and the balanced scorecard model. The target population comprised 100 management personnel from seven mission hospitals in Kiambu County, including AIC Kijabe Mission Hospital, AIC CURE International Mission Hospital, PCEA Kikuyu Mission Hospital, Kalimoni Mission Hospital, Mutia Mulumba Mission Hospital, Neema Mission Hospital, and Nazareth Mission Hospital. The study focused on managers at different levels, including 20 top-level managers, 30 middle-level managers, and 50 operational-level managers from the Human Resources, Finance, and Medical Services departments. A census sampling technique was employed, as the total number of management personnel across all managerial levels and relevant departments was relatively small (N = 100). This sampling approach included the entire population of interest, ensuring that the findings represented the target population. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The reliability of the research instrument was evaluated using Cronbach's Alpha with a threshold of 0.7. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Means, standard deviations, and percentages were employed to explain the data characteristics, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationships between the variables. The analysis results were presented using tables, charts, and graphs. The study concluded that the adoption of new value propositions, alignment with market trends, and addressing customer needs were found to be essential in maintaining and enhancing the financial health and operational efficiency of these hospitals. In addition, the introduction of improved service quality, cultural changes, and new service offerings were identified as key factors in enhancing patient satisfaction and operational effectiveness. The emphasis on cost efficiency, effective human resources practices, and reduced delivery times was shown to enhance operational performance and financial stability. The implementation of telemedicine and electronic health systems was found to enhance operational efficiency, expand access to healthcare, and improve patient outcomes. The study recommended that the management of mission hospitals in Kiambu County should prioritize the continuous enhancement of business model innovation by regularly reviewing and adapting their value propositions to meet evolving market trends and patient needs. The Kenya Government should support the sustainability of mission hospitals by developing and implementing policies that encourage innovation in healthcare delivery. Academia should focus on conducting research that explores innovative practices and their impact on healthcare sustainability