Influence of organizational structure on performance of national council on the administration of justice agencies in Kenya

The performance of justice sector agencies under the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) in Kenya is critical for ensuring efficient, transparent, and accessible justice delivery. However, challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, poor inter-agency coordination, and ineffective communication systems hinder effective strategy implementation, undermining performance outcomes. This study aimed to establish the influence of organizational structure on the performance of NCAJ agencies in Kenya. A correlational research design was employed, targeting 231 top and middle-level managers from 36 NCAJ institutions, with a sample of 164 respondents selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression) via SPSS. Findings revealed a strong positive influence of organizational structure on agency performance (β = 0.342, p = 0.000), with a significant correlation (r = 0.781, p < 0.01). Clear definition of authority, respectful interactions, and inter-departmental collaboration were key structural strengths, though communication flow and decision-making transparency remained weak. The study recommends that NCAJ agencies adopt flexible, decentralized structures and enhance communication systems to improve performance. Future research should explore digital solutions to address structural inefficiencies in resource-constrained justice systems.