Influence of Housing Programmes on Employee Performance Among Fairtrade-Certified Flower Farms in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between housing programmes and employee performance among Fairtrade-certified flower farms in Nakuru County, Kenya, guided by the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. The target population comprised approximately 10,250 employees across 36 Fairtrade-certified flower farms. Using Yamane’s formula, a target sample of 231 respondents was determined. Purposive sampling selected the farms, while stratified random sampling selected employees. Of the 231 questionnaires administered, 201 were returned, and two were excluded due to incomplete responses, yielding 199 valid responses. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression. Housing programmes were implemented to a moderate extent (M = 3.155, SD = 0.743), with housing maintenance and hygiene among the lowest-rated aspects. Housing programmes had a positive, statistically significant correlation with employee performance (r = .526, p < .001). After controlling for health, time-off and recreational programmes, housing remained a significant positive predictor of employee performance (B = .153, ? = .172, t = 2.532, p = .012). The overall regression model was significant, F(4, 194) = 41.985, p < .001, explaining 46.4 per cent of the variance in employee performance (R² = .464). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected. The findings indicate that decent, hygienic, secure and accessible accommodation is associated with employee performance. The study recommends routine housing inspections, timely repairs, adequate sanitation and employee feedback to guide accommodation improvements. However, the cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions.