Influence of Job Rotation on Employee Performance in Embu County Government, Kenya

Abstract

Employee performance is essential for effective service delivery in public institutions. Although on-the-job training enhances employees’ skills, competence and efficiency, county governments in Kenya continue to face performance and service delivery challenges. Embu County Government has particularly experienced concerns about employee effectiveness, timeliness and service quality, creating a need to assess the role of job rotation in improving employee performance. The study examined the influence of job rotation on employee performance in Embu County Government, Kenya, motivated by concerns about low employee effectiveness, poor service delivery and inadequate skills. The study was guided by Performance Enhancement Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Human Capital Theory. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 3,020 employees, from whom 353 respondents were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression and ANOVA. Diagnostic tests for normality, multicollinearity, and heteroscedasticity were also conducted. A pilot study was undertaken in Tharaka Nithi County before the main data collection. The findings revealed that job rotation had a significant positive effect (β= 1.030, p > 0.05) on employee performance in Embu County. The study concluded that job rotation positively influences employee performance in the County Government of Embu. Through practical learning experiences, mentorship and hands-on training, employees acquire valuable skills and competencies that enhance their ability to perform assigned tasks. The study recommended that the County Public Service Board should incorporate job rotation into human resource policies and career development strategies.