Exploring the Link between Internal Communication and Job Performance: A Case of Siaya County Government, Kenya

Internal communication significantly influences employee job performance. While existing research highlights this relationship in general organizational contexts, no specific studies have examined it within the Siaya County Government (SCG). Despite its importance, communication barriers—such as delays, poor feedback, bureaucratic channels, and low morale—persist, negatively affecting performance. This study explored the link between internal communication and job performance at SCG, focusing on communication channels, employee interaction patterns, and their impact. Anchored in Ludwig Von Bertalanffy’s Systems Theory (1930s), which emphasizes interconnectedness and organizational wholeness, the research employed a case study design. The study purposively sampled 27 SCG headquarters employees (out of 250) and collected data via interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis revealed that SCG employees relied on oral/written communication (e.g., memos, letters, WhatsApp), with top-down and bottom-up information flows. Delays due to bureaucracy hindered performance. Findings offer insights for policymakers and future research.