Abstract:
The study examined the role of dynamic capabilities (DC) and strategic
quality management (SQM) in enhancing digital transformation (DT) among
firms in Kenya. Many organisations in Kenya continue to struggle with
realising effective digital transformation. This is often due to fragmented
technology adoption, limited organisational adaptability and poor alignment
between DC and SQM. Therefore, there is a growing need for an integrated
approach. Guided by this gap, the study sought to demonstrate how the
combined application of dynamic capabilities and strategic quality
management can enhance digital transformation across organisations in
Kenya. This study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of
publications from 2016 to 2025 to examine how dynamic capabilities (DC)
and strategic quality management (SQM) influence the digital transformation
(DT) of firms in Kenya. The review analysed nine empirical and mixed
method studies across sectors such as banking, manufacturing,
telecommunications and SMEs. The findings show that dynamic capabilities,
specifically sensing, seizing and reconfiguring, play a foundational role in
enabling firms to anticipate technological trends, exploit digital opportunities
and restructure operations for effective digital integration. However, many
SMEs demonstrate weak sensing and seizing capabilities due to limited
resources and managerial capacity, resulting in slower digital adoption. The
analysis further revealed that SQM practices such as leadership commitment,
standardisation, continuous improvement and customer-centred approaches
significantly facilitate DT. Strong leadership was found to enable vision
setting and resource mobilisation, while quality systems such as ISO standards
enhance operational efficiency and support technology uptake. Integrating DC
and SQM was identified as a key driver for seamless, sustainable digital
transformation across organisations. The study concluded that strengthening
both dynamic capabilities and quality management systems is essential for
improving digital competitiveness in Kenyan firms. The study recommended
that firms should invest in capability development, enhancing leadership for
DT, institutionalising SQM practices, leveraging customer insights and
providing targeted support for SMEs to overcome capability gaps.
