Influence of Managerial Capability on the Competitive Advantage of Private Universities in Kenya

Aim: Private universities in Kenya are increasingly under pressure to maintain their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving higher education sector. Despite a rising demand for university education, many of these institutions have experienced persistent performance challenges, including declining program quality, weak research output, and reduced student satisfaction. This study aimed to establish the influence of managerial capability on the competitive advantage of private universities in Kenya. Methods: This study employed a descriptive research design. The target population was 33 chartered private universities in Kenya, which act as the unit of analysis. A Census survey was conducted on all 33 private universities registered with the Kenya National Association of Private Colleges. The unit of observation comprised registrars, the DVCs of Academic Affairs, Finance and Administration, and Research and Extension in private universities. Primary data was gathered using semi-structured questionnaires. The data was analyzed using SPSS 28 version, where correlation and regression analysis were conducted. Results: The results revealed a strong and significant positive relationship between managerial capability and competitive advantage (r = 0.760), suggesting that private universities in Kenya with stronger leadership and decision-making capacity are more likely to achieve higher competitiveness. Conclusion: The study concluded that managerial capability significantly enhances the competitive advantage of private universities in Kenya, enabling them to remain competitive through effective leadership and strategic decision-making. Recommendations: It is recommended that private universities strengthen their managerial capability by enhancing strategic leadership, promoting data-driven decision-making, and improving performance evaluation mechanisms.