Effects of Strategic Information Technology Agility on Sustainable Performance of Selected Private Schools in Mombasa County

Résumé

The rapid advancement of information technology has transformed education by broadening learning, improving administration and ensuring economic sustainability. As the business environment continues to change, schools ought to adopt flexible policies to remain afloat. Research shows that agile institutions that quickly adapt to challenges gain a competitive edge. However, some have not fully adopted information and communication technology (ICT) as part of their activities. Strategic IT agility requires a structured approach in matching technology with institutional goals. For private schools, strategic ICT agility enhances efficiency, decision-making and service delivery. In Kenya, the majority are not in a position to utilize IT agility to their benefit, impacting competitiveness and sustainability. Therefore, this study examines the effects of strategic information technology agility on sustainable performance of selected private schools in Mombasa County. The study was guided by Dynamic Capability theory and Technology Acceptance Model. The study employed a descriptive research design. The research was conducted in private schools in Mombasa County, targeting school administrators, including principals, vice-principals, department heads and administrative staff responsible for institutional management. The target population was 30 best-performing private primary schools in Mombasa County, identified through the Kenya Private Schools Association. Census sampling was used select all 30 schools. to A purposive sampling technique was used, targeting three management staff per school, resulting in a total sample size of 90 respondents. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire with closed-ended and Likert-scale questions which was piloted to determine reliability and validity. Data was coded into SPSS version 23 and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicate that private schools in Mombasa County invest in versatile employees and research and development. However, there is limited engagement in acquiring multiskilled talent and continuous improvement in strategic IT agility. Schools moderately adopt IT infrastructure, but retention of skilled IT talent remains low. There was a positive correlation between strategic IT agility factors and private school performance. Organizational (r = 0.387, p = 0.001) and employee-related factors (r = 0.376, p = 0.002) showed the strongest correlations, highlighting the importance of effective leadership, IT-driven decision-making, and a digitally skilled workforce. Technology (r = 0.343, p = 0.000) and market expansion strategies (r = 0.357, p = 0.002) also contributed significantly, while customer-related factors (r = 0.147, p = 0.001) had a weaker impact. The results from this study exemplify that the top schools in the county enhance their strategic information technology agility through acquisition of appropriate information technology. It was also evident that the top schools in the County spend substantial amount of their resources in research and development which goes a long way in helping them create an entirely new product, product line, or service. The study recommends that education institutions in general and private primary schools in particular should enhance information technology agility as it has been found to improve the schools and financial health.