Abstract
The problem in Kenya's aviation industry was the fragmented approach to safety management, characterized by varying levels of compliance with international safety standards, inadequate integration of safety practices, and insufficient attention to human resource, risk, and fleet management, which hindered the sector's growth, global reputation, and safety performance. The study aimed to assess the influence of strategic integration management on the safety performance of Kenya's aviation industry, with specific objectives to evaluate the impact of strategic alliances and strategic risk management on safety performance. The study was anchored on Contingency Theory and Institutional Theory. It employed a descriptive research design to assess the relationship between strategic integration management and safety performance in Kenya's aviation industry. The target population included 136 airline management executives, 346 operational staff, and 126 safety and compliance personnel, totaling 608 individuals. Using Slovin’s formula, a sample size of 241 was determined, with the sample distributed among the different categories. Data were collected using Likert scale questionnaires, ensuring reliability through Cronbach's alpha and validity through content, criterion, and construct validation. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis, to evaluate the influence of strategic management practices on safety performance. The study found that strategic integration management—specifically strategic alliances and risk management—has a significant positive impact on the safety performance of Kenya's aviation industry. Strategic alliances improved safety through shared goals, resource complementarity, and collaboration, while risk management enhanced hazard mitigation and operational resilience. Both variables showed strong, statistically significant correlations with safety performance, with risk management emerging as the strongest predictor. The study concludes that enhancing these strategic practices is essential for improving safety outcomes, aligning with international standards, and strengthening the overall performance of the aviation sector in Kenya.
Key Words: Strategic Integration Management, Safety Performance, Kenya's Aviation Industry, Strategic Alliances, Strategic Risk Management