Factors influencing self initiated staff training among middle level staff in Moi university- Kenya

In learning institutions such as public universities in Kenya, training of teaching staff is mostly emphasized in their manpower development policies. This is because training forms a major component of their job promotion. However, in recent past it has been observed that most non-teaching staff in many universities are engaged in self initiated staff training contrary to most universities training policies. This study therefore examined how job security, financial gain, desire to get a new job elsewhere, career development and university manpower training policy influence self initiated staff training among middle level staff in Moi University. Data for this study was collected from 100 Middle level employees of Moi University who were selected through multi-stage sampling technique using interview schedule. Quantitative data from closed ended questions were organized and analyzed using SPSS computer programme and presented in percentages. Qualitative data from open-ended questions were transcribed and analyzed manually. Inferential statistic such as Chi- square and spearman r correlation coefficient were used to test the relationship between variables. The study found that self initiated staff training was influenced by job security although the influence was not so strong. University manpower training policy was, however, found to negatively influence self initiated staff training while other factors such as financial gain, career development and desire to get a new job elsewhere did not have any influence. In conclusion, the study argues that self initiated staff training among middle level staff is influenced by desire of getting extra / more relevant skills which are deemed essential in meeting performance targets. Meeting performance targets is a major condition for continued job security for all employees who are in permanent and Pensionable terms.