Strategic Entrepreneurship Practices and Financial Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms in Mombasa County, Kenya.

The contemporary business landscape poses significant challenges to manufacturing firms, driven by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and market changes. To address these challenges, firms must adopt strategic entrepreneurship practices, including innovation management, strategic adaptation, resource optimization, and entrepreneurial leadership. This study aimed to fill a research gap by exploring the impact of these practices on the financial performance of large manufacturing firms in Mombasa County, Kenya. The objectives included determining the effect of innovation management, establishing the influence of strategic adaptation, exploring the effect of resource optimization, and assessing the role of entrepreneurial leadership on financial performance. The research adopted a descriptive research design and utilized a census sampling technique. The target population consisted of 39 large manufacturing firms listed in Dun and Bradstreet Hoovers (2023), with the unit of observation being one finance manager and one operations manager from each firm, totaling 78 respondents. Data was collected using Google Form self-administered questionnaires for primary data, supplemented by secondary data from sources such as company reports and national statistics. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, including percentages, and inferential statistical methods, such as regression and correlation analysis, with findings presented in tables and narrative explanations. The results indicated that innovation management significantly enhances financial performance by fostering creativity and technological advancement. Strategic adaptation positively impacts financial outcomes by enabling firms to respond effectively to market dynamics. Resource optimization emerged as a key driver of financial success, emphasizing efficient resource management. Entrepreneurial leadership was also found to play a vital role in improving financial performance by promoting innovation and navigating uncertainty. Based on these findings, the study recommends that manufacturing firms in Mombasa County cultivate an innovation-driven culture, prioritize strategic adaptation, enhance resource management practices, and develop entrepreneurial leadership skills among managers. Additionally, firms should strengthen organizational culture, pursue collaboration opportunities, and implement continuous monitoring systems to support informed decision-making. These recommendations aim to bolster strategic entrepreneurship practices and financial performance, contributing to the industrial growth and competitiveness of Mombasa County.