INFLUENCE OF COMMUNICATION ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN MUMIAS SUGAR COMPANY IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose of the study: The study established the influence of communication on organizational performance at Mumias Sugar Company in Kakamega County, Kenya. Statement of the problem: Sugar companies in Kenya have experienced substantial managerial and operational challenges that have constrained organizational performance. Mumias Sugar Company experienced prolonged financial and operational difficulties, culminating in closure in 2019. Although operations resumed in 2023, the company has continued to face performance challenges. Research methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 324 management employees at Mumias Sugar Company, from whom a sample of 179 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Quantitative analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 25. Findings: Communication was positively and significantly associated with organizational performance (r = 0.750, p < .001). The reported regression coefficient for communication was positive and statistically significant (B = 0.406, p < .001). The reported model summary indicated an R-squared value of 0.486, although the regression statistics require reconciliation before publication. Conclusion: The study concludes that communication is positively associated with organizational performance at Mumias Sugar Company. Accessible communication channels, timely information flow, and responsive feedback mechanisms can support coordination and decision-making; however, the findings indicate that the use of employee feedback requires improvement. Recommendations: The study recommends that Mumias Sugar Company should improve the clarity, accessibility, and timeliness of internal communication. Management should establish reliable two-way channels through which employees can raise concerns and contribute ideas. The company should also demonstrate how employee feedback informs operational decisions and communication improvements. Keywords: Communication, communication channels, information flow, feedback mechanisms, organizational performance