The Impact of Digital Transformation on Strategic Resilience in Family-Owned Businesses: Insights from Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to analyze the impact of digital transformation on strategic resilience in family-owned businesses: insights from kenya Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on Kenyan family-owned businesses reveals that digital transformation is a critical driver of strategic resilience, enabling firms to maintain revenue, diversify markets, and manage crises more effectively. Key findings show that e-commerce adoption bolstered market resilience, data analytics enhanced strategic agility, and FinTech integration strengthened financial stability. However, the effectiveness of these digital tools is heavily mediated by internal family dynamics. Patriarchal governance structures and resistance from senior leadership often hinder digital adoption, while businesses that successfully leverage the digital literacy of younger generations through formal mentorship see greater success. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Socioemotional wealth (SEW) theory, Dynamic capabilities view, Resource-based view (RBV) theory may be used to anchor future studies on the the impact of digital transformation on strategic resilience in family-owned businesses: insights from kenya. Proactively create structured reverse mentorship programs where younger, digitally-native family members are given formal responsibility for coaching senior leaders on emerging technologies. Policymakers, in partnership with universities and industry associations, should establish targeted digital literacy hubs and clinics.