Strategic Training and Development and Employee Productivity Among Paint Companies in Nairobi, Kenya: A Case Of Basco Products (K) Ltd

Abstract

The strategic role of training and development (T&D) in enhancing employee productivity has gained prominence within Kenya’s manufacturing sector. This study investigated the effect of strategic T&D, specifically continuous learning, onboarding programs, and skills training, on employee productivity at Basco Products (K) Ltd., a leading paint manufacturer in Nairobi. The research was guided by three objectives: to examine the effect of continuous learning on employee productivity, to assess the influence of onboarding programs on employee productivity, and to evaluate the impact of skills training on employee productivity. Anchored in Human Capital Theory and the Resource-Based View (RBV), the study employed a quantitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected from 130 employees using structured questionnaires and analyzed through R software using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Diagnostic tests confirmed the model's validity, with no violations of normality, linearity, multicollinearity, or homoscedasticity. Findings revealed that continuous learning, though the least implemented (M = 2.74), had a statistically significant positive effect on productivity (β = 0.1942, p = 0.0015), indicating that even modest investments in ongoing development can yield measurable improvements. Onboarding programs were rated moderately effective (M = 3.15) and had a stronger effect on productivity (β = 0.3797, p < 0.001), emphasizing the importance of structured induction and role clarity. Skills training was rated highest in implementation (M = 4.31) and emerged as the most influential predictor of productivity (β = 0.5990, p < 0.001), underscoring its critical role in enhancing technical competence and performance. The model explained 59.3% of the variance in productivity (R2 = 0.593), confirming the substantial impact of T&D on employee outcomes. The study concludes that while T&D practices at Basco are positively perceived, continuous learning remains underutilized compared to onboarding and skills training. To maximize productivity, the company should institutionalize continuous learning, refine onboarding programs, and align skills training with evolving market demands.