THE EFFECT OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN MANDERA COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose of study: This study examined the effect of communication strategies on the performance of the Department of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in Mandera County, Kenya. It specifically assessed how communication practices, including clarity of messaging, communication channels, feedback mechanisms, and timeliness of information, relate to departmental performance in a government context. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design and used a census approach. Structured questionnaires were administered to departmental staff, with 104 of 110 questionnaires returned, representing a 94.5% response rate. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression to determine relationships and effects. Findings: The findings showed that communication strategies were generally perceived as effective, recording an overall mean of 3.777, while departmental performance recorded a mean of 3.717. Multiple communication channels received the highest rating, whereas one-on-one communication and equal access to information received lower ratings. Pearson correlation analysis established a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between communication strategies and organisational performance (r = 0.724, p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that communication strategies explained 52.4% of the variation in organisational performance. The regression model was statistically significant, F (1, 102) = 112.38, p < 0.001, while communication strategies had a positive coefficient (B = 0.701), confirming their contribution. Conclusion: The study concludes that effective communication strategies significantly and positively influence organisational performance in the Department of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in Mandera County. Strengthening clarity, feedback, timely information, personalised communication, and equitable information access can support coordination, improve service delivery, and enhance departmental performance across sub-county offices effectively.