The Influence of Training and Development on the Performance of Employees in Research Institutes in Kenya

This study sought to establish the influence of Training and Development on the performance of employees in research institutes in Kenya. There is growing evidence that human resource management practices can play an important role in attaining high quality workforce. Training and Development has been specifically singled out as a major human resource management practice that can have an influence on the level of employee performance in organizations. Research institutes in Kenya have been facing performance challenges and there is need, therefore, for them (Research Institutes) to equip their employees with relevant skills. The quality of employees in terms of skills recruited by research institutes in Kenya is viewed as a possible intervention. The overall objective of the study was to determine how Training and Development influence employee Performance in research institutes in Kenya. The study adopted the null hypothesis that Training and Development do not influence employee performance in research institutes in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive and correlational research designs while the study population was drawn from all Government owned research institutes formed under the Science & Technology Act. Cap 250. The target population was drawn from the research institutes that were within Nairobi county and its environs. The study adopted stratified sampling technique while the sample size was 256 employees. The study used questionnaires to collect data while Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the validity and reliability of the instruments. A statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data while data was presented using statistical techniques such as tables, bar-graphs and pie charts. The results of the study revealed that the correlation between employee performance and Training and Developmentwere highly significant at 0.383 (P=0.000). The study recommended that research institutes initiate Training and Development programs that are relevant to their needs.