STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF SAFARICOM PLC, KENYA

Despite the growing emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Kenya, youth in Murang’a County continue to experience high levels of unemployment and limited economic participation. While TVET institutions aim to equip young people with practical and marketable skills, there is insufficient evidence on how effectively these skills translate into employment, self-employment, or entrepreneurship. This study explored the influence of work-based learning on youth economic participation in Kiharu sub county, Murang’a county, Kenya.The study was anchored on Human Capital Theory and Entrepreneurship Theory. The study targeted 182,030 youth participants and 30 key informants. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques was used in selecting 399 youths and 21 key informants. The sample size was 420 participants. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview guide. A pilot study was conducted with 42 participants (10% of the sample) from Gatanga Sub-County. Content validity was ensured through expert review by supervisors and peers, while reliability was established using the test-retest method and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, with a threshold of 0.7 considered acceptable. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 30 through descriptive while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Ethical standards were strictly. he study found that work-based learning significantly enhances youth economic participation by improving workplace experience, employability, practical problem-solving skills, workplace readiness, and employment prospects in Kiharu Sub-County. The study concludes that effective work-based learning, supported by quality industry placements, adequate workplace exposure, and structured mentorship, is essential for improving the transition of youth into employment and self-employment. The study recommends strengthening partnerships between TVET institutions and industry, expanding access to quality internships, industrial attachments, and apprenticeships, and enhancing workplace supervision to improve youth economic participation.