Abstract:
The research aimed at examining factors affecting employee productivity in devolved governments in Kenya
in terms of three thematic areas namely motivation, employee capacity and infrastructure in Embu County
government. Adopting descriptive research design, the study targeted employees in the county, from whom a
sample of three hundred and forty-five respondents was selected using stratified sampling technique. Data was
collected using a structured questionnaire that contained both open and closed ended. Data collected was analyzed
to obtain both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the government has initiated several
motivating strategies including merit promotion, an inclusive leadership and training opportunities. Merit
recruitment, good leadership and employees’ level of training positively influenced employee productivity.
Though the county government has provided necessary working infrastructure, this was considered inadequate
thereby impacting negatively on employee productivity. In light of the findings, the study recommends that the
county government should provide adequate infrastructure including utilities and transport facilities, develop
systems that maintain employees good work stations and provide adequate annual budgetary allocations for
efficient service delivery. Additionally, the county government need to reconsider re-evaluating its training and
motivation systems as well as improve on the employee working environment.
