Masters Theses and Dissertations

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Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Performance of Telecommunication Companies in Kenya
(KeMU, 2006-06) Gathoni, Gathuri Joyce
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are classified as third sector institutions. Third sector in the sense that they are active partners in social and economic developments besides governments (public sector) and the private institutions (private sector). NGOs play a key role in all aspects of development such as health, education, water, emergency responses, and rural development e.t.c. It is recognized that, effective management of NGOs is crucial if any meaningful social and economic development is to take place therefore, strategic management is identified as the key to effective management of NGOs. It is within the concepts of strategic management that development tasks are identified and implementation framework developed to guide day-to-day management of organizations in meeting its goals. What is not clear is the extent to which strategic management is practiced by the NGO. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether NGOs practice strategic management and if they do, to what extent and how and the challenges they face while doing so. The researcher's focus was Care Kenya International headquarter which engages in development activities within the region. The key objectives to the study were to assess the characteristics and nature of situational analysis systems adapted by Care Kenya International, nature of planning systems adapted by the organization, implementation and control systems adapted and lastly to what extent Care Kenya International practices strategic management. The study targeted senior managers and Care Kenya International employees. During sampling, the researcher used a stratified random sampling to which the total population was divided into sub-groups of international directors, management team and employees and then each sub-group treated like a simple random sample. The researcher used both convenience and purposive sampling techniques because Care Kenya International organization was conveniently accessible to the researcher and that the researcher perceived that the organization and the sample size selected would provide relevant information to study. Data collection involved use of secondary data such as journals, donor reports, magazines, newspapers, project plans, program plans, proposals, evaluation reports, management reports, while primary data involved use of the total population was divided into sub-groups of international directors, management team and employees and then each sub-group treated like a simple random sample. The researcher used both convenience and purposive sampling techniques because Care Kenya International organization was conveniently accessible to the researcher and that the researcher perceived that the organization and the sample size selected would provide relevant information to study. Data collection involved use of secondary data such as journals, donor reports, magazines, newspapers, project plans, program plans, proposals, evaluation reports, management reports, while primary data involved use of Questionnaires and interviews. The findings indicated that there was evidence of strategic management practices carried out from the initial stage of situational analysis, through implementation and control. However, there were major constrains realized while undertaking the strategic management process which included lack of proper involvement of employees and other stockholders in the process. In order to enhance improvement in the organization the study recommends adequate involvement of employees and stockholders in the strategic management process, organizational goals and objectives should be well understood by employees, the organization should invest heavily on training it staff for new challenges and a mechanism for monitoring both employee and project performance.
An Evaluation of the Factors Influencing Coffee Production and Farmer Incomes in the Highlands of Mount Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-05) Mutua, Joseph Mwiti
Kenyan farmers face a lot of challenges in production and marketing of coffee. A field study was carried out in three districts in the highlands of Mount Kenya, a region which produces about 80% of the national coffee production where coffee production and farmer incomes have been declining for the last ten years. The objective of the study was to quantify changes in coffee production, quality, prices and farmers incomes. It was also to determine the interrelationships between production, quality, prices, farmer earnings and finally establish the influence of the trends in coffee production, quality, prices and payments on farmers and farmer organisations. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to coffee farmers, society executive management members, farmer organizations in Kirinyaga, Embu and Meru Central districts and also to government institutions, milling and marketing agents. A total of 137 representatives were interviewed. The study showed that the coffee industry in Kenya is affected negatively by production of low quality coffee, delayed payments, low farmer earnings, low coffee production, lack of use of farm inputs, long marketing chain, mismanagement of co¬operative societies, high prices of farm inputs and lack of credit facilities. Farmers felt that coffee earnings can be improved by shortening the marketing chain, availability of farming credit to coffee farmers, production of high quality coffee, and better management or the coffee cooperative societies. It was concluded that, the farmers require to produce high volumes of quality coffee. There is need to set a fund to avail affordable credit to farmers. Strategy for value addition and production of specialty coffee should be evolved in coffee marketing. A change of government policy in coffee production and marketing requires to be effected, in order to improve organizational coffee marketing structures. .
Social Economic and Environmental Impact of Community Based Small Holder Irrigation: A Case Study of Kabaru Location, Nyeri
(KeMU, 2007-06) Karimi, Barnabas Kinyua
A field survey was carried out to establish the socio economic and environmental impact of community based smallholder irrigation in Kabaru a semi-arid region in the leeward side of Mount Kenya. The broad premise is that the introduction of an irrigation project in an area can increase agricultural production and serve as an engine of agricultural and general economic growth and development. A sample of 120 farmers from nine irrigation projects was used. The study attempted to identity the social, economic, technical and environmental constraints and has suggested possible mitigation measures. The study findings show that community based small-scale irrigation has increased agricultural diversity and the number of crops in a year. In general, it has increased horticultural production but reduced the capacity of food grain crops. Its environmental impact is reflected in degraded soils, deforestation, and increased health risks to farmers and farm workers. Generally, water extraction and use has been deregulated and misused. It was concluded that there is need for proper water pricing and management and adequate monitoring of the projects. It is important to track the subtle changes in soil and water quality for effective control of social and environmental problems that are so far observed. Providing adequate production resources to farmers is also critical in improving productivity in the irrigated farms.
Socio-Economic and Related Technological Factors Influencing Productivity in the Smallholder Sub-Sector of the Kenya Tea Industry: A Case Study of Nandi District
(KeMU, 2007-06) Kiprono, Paul Kiprop
Tea continues to be one of the main foreign exchange earners in the Kenyan economy and the industry employ 75% of the rural population. It is composed of the large scale sub sector owned by the multinationals and the smallholder sub sector mainly owned by the local farmers. Tea production in the smallholder sub sector is still very low compared to the large scale/estate subsector. The low production in the sub sector has been attributed to several socio-economic and technological factors which include, poor labour utilization, low fertilizer application, low adoption of improved technologies, and low plant population among others. A study was carried out to identify the socio-economic and technological related factors which influence tea productivity in the smallholder sub sector of Nandi district. A field survey was carried out among 126 farmers who were randomly sampled from the list of registered tea growers in Chebut tea factory. Key informants were also identified and interviewed, data from the survey and secondary sources was analyzed, and the following were identified as the main socio-economic factors that influence tea productivity, low labor allocated to tea production, low number of tea bushes owned, and low proportion of land under tea where as low use of mineral fertilizer and low number of plucking rounds are the technical factors which do influence productivity. It was concluded that the factors that influence yield significantly include rate of fertilizer application, number of bushes owned by the farmer, amount of labor utilized and its efficiency. Other factors such as off-farm income, number of clones, proportion of land under tea and tea as a main income were not significant in explaining tea productivity in the catchment. It was recommended that proper system of remuneration should be developed to motivate and employ a higher percentage of the available family labor in tea production. The extension service department should sensitize farmers on proper fertilizer use. This study indicated that fertilizer application highly influenced productivity
Relationship between Agricultural Practices and Incidence of Malaria in Small-Scale Farming Sector: Case Study of Meru Central District, Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-06) Marete, Peninah Nkirote
Abstract. A field study was carried out to investigate the relationship between incidence of malaria and agricultural practices in small-scale sector in three ecological zones of Meru Central District. Ninety farmers were interviewed on how they perceive malaria incidence in relation to agricultural activities. The perceived time of high incidence of malaria affects various farming activities. According to the farmers, the most affected activities were weeding and harvesting. Other affected activities were land preparation and planting. Significant associations were observed between incidence of malaria and irrigation, livestock grazing system, planting of bananas and proximity of crops and weeds to the house. In addition farmers associated malaria with consumption of some foods. The farm family was found to be affected by malaria illness in various other ways. These include high expenditure on medical bills, loss of productive time in sickness, sale of food and livestock to meet medical expenses, purchase of nets and other protective measures, social beliefs against some food products and absenteeism for school going children. It was concluded that malaria has a great impact on farming and that some farming practices influence incidence of the disease. The effects of irrigation, livestock system and bananas on incidence of malaria as well as the association with some foods should be investigated further to determine the nature and extent of the association.
Gender Parity in the Smallholder Tea Sub-Sector in Imenti South District ,Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-06) M'itunga, Albert Miriti
Tea is an enterprise that utilizes a lot of labor. This study was conducted to compare women and men in ownership, production, and post production management of tea. The study was organized into two parts; one, covering ownership and production activities, and the other, post production management. It covered 104 registered smallholder tea farmers in three factory companies, one Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), and one hundred and fifty (150) public tea buying centers in Imenti South District. Women owned 1% of registered land parcels and 0.2% of the total land area. Approximately 25% of tea SACCO bank accounts were registered in their names. In terms of total productivity, there was no significant difference between farms owned by men or women. Women did more than twice the number of roles performed by men and spent more hours awake per day. However they spent fewer hours on tea. On an equal working day, women significantly picked more tea than men. They also provided the bulk of family labor as well as casual and overall total labor used for picking. Approximately 94% of total labor was sourced from the tea growing areas within Imenti South District, and 51 % was hired. Women were disadvantaged in the recruitment of directors, senior management staff, technical and skilled staff, and unskilled staff. There was no significant difference in gender for the factory office staff cadre. From the study results it is concluded that women were disadvantaged and the situation requires redress through specific policy changes in the sub sector.
Status of Yam (Dioscorea Spp ) Production ,Distribution and Utilisation in Meru Central ,Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-06) Mugambi, Joseph Murithi
In Kenya yam is treated as a minor crop despite its high potential for income generation and provision of food security. A field study was undertaken to establish the status of yam in Meru Central, a major yam production area in Kenya. The study focused on identification, characterization and distribution of existing cultivars in three agro ecological zones. Methods of utilization were also determined. A total of 120 farmers, 40 traders and 10 extension and research officers were interviewed. The crop has a rich biodiversity. Twenty four different cultivars were identified by local names. They were distinguishable through tuber, stem, leaf and maturity characteristics. Farmer's preference for cultivars was based on yields, maturity period and ease to harvest. It was concluded that further work should be carried out to characterize cultivars at molecular level. . Yams were always grown as intercrops with other crops. No farm inputs were used other than farm yard manure. The crop matured within 4 to 36 months and yielded between 25-260kg per plant per year. The roots were primarily used in boiled form. Approximately 80% of farmers relied on oral literature for yam production and utilization. The crop appeared to have potential for provision of food security and income generation. It was concluded that knowledge on yam production and utilization with elderly members of the society should be harnessed and documented .
Effects of Food Safety and Quality Standards on Smallholder Vegetable Farming in Meru Central District ,Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-06) Mwoga, Gilbert Muthee
Household interviews were conducted during the months of May to September 2006 covering eighty-five smallholder farmers operating in major vegetable growing areas of Meru Central District. The study was conducted to find out the current status of smallholder farming in relation to compliance with food safety and quality standards. Contract farming, membership in a marketing group and level of incomes from export crop influenced compliance to food safety and quality standards. However, households tended to diversify in and outside the farm as a way of spreading risks and consolidating incomes. There were alternative crop enterprises in cases of non¬conformity but this was dependent on the agro ecological zone. Enforcement of food safety and quality standards has caused some positive changes in the sector. Despite uncertainty caused by implementation of "EUREPGAP", there has been a spill-over of benefits in the production of other crops. The stringent requirements have moved some players out of the business but the effect was nullified by new entries leading to an increase in production . It was concluded that the future of smallholder export vegetable farming is dependent on the influence of smallholder organization arrangement such as contract farming and marketing groups and earnings from the export vegetables. Enforcement of food safety and quality standards has positively influenced the sector towards a more streamlined production and marketing
Productivity and Profit of Small Scale Dairy Farming in Kiambu District.
(KeMU, 2007-07) Mwangi, Solomon Maina
Small scale dairy farming (commonly known as zero grazing units) has become an important enterprise in central Kenya. This is because of lack of adequate land to practice other farming activities, but still it faces a number of challenges. As a result of lack of adequate land and consequent enough feed. A study was carried out in Kikuyu division of Kiambu district using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that the small scale dairy farming was not attracting new investors as those who were interviewed indicated that they have been in the practice for more than five years.One of the reasons sought to explain the reason to the failure to attract new investors was found to be lack of adequate feeds. A majority (82%) depended on napier grass as the major fodder for their livestock, which had to be grown within the farm. The napier grass they grew from their farms was not adequate for their dairy cows due to small land sizes; a majority had less than one acre of land where napier and other household crops were to be grown together and hence were forced to buy feed to make up for the balance or search from road sides. It was apparent that a good number (50%) of the farmers did not keep dairy health records and less than 40% had training in dairy farming. This made the farmers to depend mainly on private veterinaries for their livestock health. Calving interval was sacrificed and lactation period extended to be able to have at least some milk for a longer period of time but the milk yields were on average low; between ten to fifteen litres per cow per day. Economic evaluation of the enterprise showed that a majority of the farmers were working at a loss due to low milk market prices and exploitation by middlemen who were paying them poorly for one litre of milk. Although some cooperatives were available, the price fetched from them was far low to offset the small scale dairy farming daily expenses and hence the farmers were forced to borrow finances from other sources to fund their dairy farming. Therefore, a policy needs to be put in place that will take care of milk market prices and protect small scale dairy farmers from exploitation by cooperatives and middlemen compounded with regular training in dairy farming will make the enterprise a success .
Factors Influencing the Use of Commercial Paper as a Debt Instrument in Kenya
(KeMU, 2008-01) Kinya, Salome Gituma
In many corporations, borrowing short-term money from banks is often a laborious and annoying task. The desire to avoid banks as much as possible has led to the widespread popularity of commercial paper. Usage of commercial paper among developed countries has recently been on the increase. Commercial paper issuance growth in Kenya has been unsteady since inception in 1994. This money market instrument that is considered a low cost source of financing is not growing as expected. This study therefore investigates the factors influencing the issuance of commercial paper as an instrument of debt financing in Kenya. It is through determining the various contributors to the C.P issuance that proper policies can be formulated to increase its usage. The study covered all the eight companies that had outstanding commercial papers as at the second quarter of 2006. (CMA's records as at June 2006 and annual report 2004/5). The study established that majority of companies that had outstanding commercial papers utilized the funds on working capital. This is taken to be within expectation considering that the instrument is short term financing. Most of companies in this study were for introduction of commercial paper into the secondary market for ease of transacting. Majority, Seventy five percent, of the sampled companies felt that the current CMA rules are accommodating. Among the factors that have been strongly cited by the study for the increase in commercial paper issuance are: the unexpected increase in demand of products and services that create a need for enhanced working capital, the attractive borrowing interest rates of commercial paper that are far below the commercial banks lending rates, the indirect effect of positive credit rated companies issuing CP on their stock prices, the favorable regulatory procedures and the issuers ownership status. It is important that CMA forms a forum to occasionally discuss issues pertaining to CP issuance with both the current and potential issuers so as to develop this sector of the money market.
Factors Leading To the Creation of Squatters in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya
(KeMU, 2008-05) Gachaba, Lucy M
The study sought to investigate the factors leading to the development and growth of Squatter problem in Kenya with special emphasis on Rift Valley Province. One hundred and ninety six (196) squatters were interviewed on what they thought contributed to the creation of the squatter problem in Kenya. The study made use of primary data collected using questionnaire method and secondary data from earlier researches, journals and books. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Private land tenure was found to be the primary cause of Landlessness. This begets secondary causes like wife inheritance, maternal parenting, and displacement through tribal clashes, due legal processes and willful sale without consultation by spouse. Bad land laws which emanate from the establishment of private land tenure were found to be the main cause of landlessness .The research also established that the squatter is affected in many ways .The effects include poor health, lack of social amenities, inadequate food, limited access to education, social insecurity including violence against women and lack of financial securities. These issues are in line with the country's 2030 Vision and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The study concluded that landlessness was caused by bad land laws and had a great negative impact on human resource and capital. The recommendations from the study are, that the laws and policy on land should be reviewed, that programs should be put in place to assist in alleviating the squatter problem. Further research should be carried out to separate the genuine squatters from the self-imposed squatters. The possible effects of Landlessness on the general human capital could also be investigated further.
Factors that Influence Demand for Credit among Small-Scale Investors. A Case Study of Meru Central District
(KeMU, 2008-06) Wangai, Priscilla N.
The recovery of the Kenyan economy that registered a steady growth rate of ranging between 0.5% in 2002, and 6.1 % in 2006 (CBS-GoK, 2007) reflected broad-based expansion of credit markets. This is demonstrated by the level of competition among credit lending institutions. Each institution is actively marketing their own tailor-made credit products that are targeting different needs of low income earners. However, despite the high supply of credit, MSE operators are still confining themselves to narrow market operations where competition is high and profits margins are low. The outcomes are being manifested in MSEs stagnating, retrogressing to micro status or closing up after few years of operation. Very few for instance are graduating to large enterprises. Using a sample survey data collected from Meru Central District, descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were employed to analyze factors that may influence demand for credit among the small-scale entrepreneurs. The study results show that education level of an entrepreneur, the number of dependents, and household income are significant factors that influence small-scale entrepreneurs to borrow credit from formal credit institutions. Demand for credit among women entrepreneurs in the MSE sector was found to be lower compared to their male counterparts. Based on these research findings, MSE operators can improve their participation in credit market by improving their business skills and knowledge plus maintaining proper accounting and book¬keeping systems. The .government needs to improve efficiency of DFis while at the same time facilitate participation of MSE operators in local and international trade fairs as a way to expose them to wider markets. To achieve gender balance on credit access from formal financial institutions, there is need to relax some of the cultural norms and allow women to have equal share of family assets so as to empower them in trade activities. This may call for government intervention.
An Investigation of Branding Strategies Used by Tea Packers in Kenya.A Case Study of the Registered Tea Packers in the Industry.
(KeMU, 2008-06) Njue, Lee Kimathi
There has been a global slump in prices of tea from 3.3 $ per kilo in the 1970's to the current average of 1.6$ per kilo. This represents a drop of 47% due to global over production, declining tea consumption and other tea substitutes. The question facing tea producers and marketers is whether their foray into branding of their products will assist in changing this in order to grow earnings. The objective of this study was to investigate and determine the extent to which branding strategies are pursued by the registered tea packers in Kenya and to identify the factors hindering the practice of product branding. The results of the study will benefit tea packers, academicians, consumers of tea products, and all stakeholders of the industry. This study used a descriptive research design. The Target population was the registered tea packers in Kenya. It was comprised of the brand managers of the registered tea packing companies. Since it was a census survey study no sampling was done. The data was analyzed by use of frequencies, mean scores and standard deviation to determine the levels of product branding. The data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviation while output of the data analysis was presented in tables. The study revealed that that the level of product brand development and management is still very low because it is practiced at a substantial level by only 14% of the packers who are the market leaders. The other 86% have not developed sufficient capacities to carry out significant brand development and management. The response rate was 60% of those targeted, this compromised the quantity and quality of data collected hence reduced research accuracy. The study recommends that tea packers in the industry should develop further and expand their capacities for brand development and management and in effect their brand marketing strategies. This should be with a view to developing long term internationally recognized brands that can possess global brand presence in terms of presence, value and equity. The study also recommends a study be done to determine the competitive advantages arising out of product branding to tea packers in both the local and international markets.
Segmentation Practices of Furniture Manufacturing Businesses in Maua Municipality and its Environs
(KeMU, 2008-06) Rintari, Nancy Gacheri
The aim of this study was to assess the segmentation practices of furniture manufacturing business. A survey of sixty two registered furniture manufacturers was carried out in Meru north district. The general objective of this study was to find out how furniture manufacturers determine the customers for their products, their marketing practices and t they consider important. During this study, primary data was collected from Maua Municipality and its environments using structured, semi structured questionnaires and direct observation was used. Secondary data from Maua Municipal Council records were also used. The study looked at the nature of segmentation practices, variables commonly used in segmenting the market, effects of current practices on furniture manufacturing businesses and sort options on how market segmentation could be improved. Data analysis was done using Microsoft excel computer packages. Information was presentation through bar charts, percentages, tables and pie charts. This research reveal that more than half of the respondents segment their market and produced specific items for specific customers, which helps them make more profits and allocate their resources. Those who did not segment thought it was not important. The variables used were income, social class and institutions. Majority of the respondents said it was important to give the customers what they wanted. The study concluded that furniture manufacturers are aware of segmentation and marketing practices. Their main source of furniture raw materials were wholesalers and retailers who obtain timber from Nyambene Forest and its environment, which has caused destruction of the forest. The study recommends that the government through financial institutions should give the furniture manufacturers financial support since these businesses contribute greatly to Kenyan economy, reduced poverty and offer employment. Government needs to put emphasis on their training and offer financial support because furniture manufacturing creates jobs and supports the economy.
Assessment of Factors Influencing Replenishment of Donor Funds to Community Projects in Kenya, Case: International Fund for Agricultural Development
(KeMU, 2009-01) Musyoka, Beatrice Kavinya
Over the past 20 years, Kenya has benefited from about USD 122 million in Funding from IF AD, representing one of IFAD's largest country portfolios for rural poverty alleviation in Africa. The IF AD loan funds are channeled through the treasury and accounted for through Government budgetary procedures. Projects are factored in the development budget, appearing in Government's Printed Estimates. The project spends and asks for replenishment through the Ministry of Finance and the lead Ministry which is the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. However desk review of IFAD in Kenya undertaken in June 2001 drew substantive conclusions about complex financial management procedures resulting in slow replenishment of IFAD funds. (IFAD Country Strategic Opportunities Papers 2002). Slow replenishment process is one of the factors that hinder effective implementation of community projects. Since there are various internal steps which have to be followed for funds to be approved. The research was carried out with the objective of examining the factors affecting replenishment of donor funds. It was concerned with the replenishment process which involves transfer of funds from the offshore account to the project account. The study sought to identify the objectives by assessing the processing procedures, communication and information flow, capacity in terms of experience, skills, staffing and technology in use and follow-up and monitoring. The study began in chapter one with a background of IF AD, current replenishment process then the study problem, research questions, objectives and significance of the study. The methodology adapted by the survey was descriptive. The research was based on the departments involved in the replenishment of donor funds. The target population was 135 officers which included the accountants, human resource staffs and disbursement staffs in the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Central Bank of Kenya and the Project Management Unit staffs. The data was collected by the use of questionnaires and was analyzed through descriptive statistics. The study findings in chapter four indicated that the main factors affecting the replenishment process were lengthy processing procedures as indicated by the time taken for transfer of funds , lack of proper communication and information flow between the departments, lack of staffs and lack of proper follow-up and monitoring at all levels. In this regard the Government and Donors should come up with practical and effective ways of improving the flow of funds and the replenishment process in order to speed up the implementation of community projects and achieve the projects objective of improving the welfare of the rural poor.
Evaluation of the Factors that Determine the Success of Small Scale Retail Businesses:
(KeMU, 2009-01) Gatobu, Rintaugu Mugwika
ABSTRACT. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that determine the success of small-scale retail businesses within Meru Municipality. Small-scale retail businesses play a significant role in the country's economy. This sector provides goods and services and is also a driver in promoting competition and innovation; hence enhancing the enterprise culture, which is necessary for private sector development and industrialization. In this study small scale retail businesses are treated as MSE"s for purposes of this research. Many countries in the world have realized the importance of small-scale retail businesses and therefore are working to increase performance and competitiveness. This is necessary if the small - scale retail businesses can effectively respond to the challenges of creating productive and sustainable employment opportunities, promoting economic growth and poverty reduction. In Kenya, small scale retail businesses cut across all sectors of the country's economy and provide one of the most prolific sources of employment not to mention the breeding ground for medium and larger industries, which are critical industrialization today, these enterprises are found in every corner of Kenya they have great potential for creating a variety of jobs, while generating widespread economic benefits in order to enhance the capacity of small scale businesses to create durable and decent jobs, the government, in consultation with key stakeholders have reviewed a way forward for the millennium goals. It was in the light of the above that the study was designed to evaluate the factors that determine the success of small scale retail businesses. The scope of the study was limited to Meru Municipality. The location was chosen because it gave good representation of small scale retail businesses. The enterprises provided good characteristics and results of small-scale retail businesses. The research design for the study was a survey, where both qualitative and quantitative data was collected, in order to evaluate the factors that determine the success of small scale retail businesses. The population of the study was small scale businesses operating within Meru municipality. The target respondents were owners of small scale retail businesses. Random sampling method were used, which realized a sample size of 265 businesses out of the 1325 registered retail businesses ,across all sectors of the total population. Questionnaires were the main data collection tool. Secondary data was from Meru municipal Council records. Analysis of the data used multiple regressions to check the relationship between the independent variables i.e. financial resources, external business environment, education, experience of entrepreneurs and dependent variable i.e. business profits. It was established that most of the retail businesses in Meru Municipality are Some of the major challenges these businesses face include lack of business skills, unfavorable governments polices and dynamic consumer behavior. Among the recommendations that the government should initiate are incentives to encourage the retail traders to train in basic business management skills, as this be achieved by liaising with prospects.
An Analysis of The Social-Economic Characteristics of Micro-Finance Clients. A Case Study of Bimas Clients in Embu Districts
(KeMU, 2009-01) Waithaka, Maina Simon
The purpose of this study was to come up with a profile of the salient socio-economic characteristic of people who seek MFis' services. Specifically, the study was to shed light on their poverty status, the type of economic activities they engage in and their demographic characteristics. The research focused on clients of BIMAS operating within the five divisions of Embu district. A target population of one thousand, one hundred and fifty six (1156) formed the sampling frame from which a sample of sixty (60) who had been in the programme for not more than six months was taken. A questionnaire, personal interviews, and observation were utilized to collect primary data from the respondents. Secondary data was gathered from the BIMAS office and other researches. The data was analyzed using the statistics package of social sciences (SPSS) The research findings gave a general profile of the clients reached by MFis. The MFI clients are mainly male in the 26-40 age brackets that live in households of between 4 and 6 members which are predominantly male headed. A high proportion of the clients are married and do not suffer from any physical disability. Slightly over half of the clients have attained secondary school education and most have attended other training
Analysis of Factors that Affect Employee Training in Local Authorities
(KeMU, 2009-02) Lydia, Nkirote Mwiti
ABSTRACT This research project aimed at analysis of factors that affect employee training in Local authorities. It was a case study that involved employees of all cadres in Meru Municipal Council. The research project was developed after observation that employees in Local authorities were not adequately equipped with skills, abilities and knowledge for effective service delivery. Assessing the present situation of Local authorities in terms of service delivery, it is obvious that urgent steps are required to upgrade employee skills in order to improve performance is critical. The Local authorities have over the years not responded to this urgent need to improve the quality of their workforce. The local authorities have over the years not responded to this urgent need to improve the quality of their workforce .The research intended to analyse the factors and offer appropriate recommendation. Descriptive research design was employed, which involves an indepth analysis of the factors. Questionnaires were distributed to all employees of the sampled group. Data was then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS). Data was analysed to establish the factors that affect employee training. From the study it was established that several factors are responsible for the state of training in LAs which include, the quality of the workforce, poor Human Resource Practices, Low budgetary allocations to training and employee attitude to training.The respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their jobs which they said offered them no room for personal growth, skill advancement, and career development. Employees are not guided on matters concerning future plans for personal development and training, promotion and upward mobility prospects. From the above it is clear that HRM practices are professionally employed in LAs. There is need for a strategy for systematic HRD programmes especially in the area of training, recruitment, and retention of employees. This will promote the need for annual budgetary Provision to support HRM activities especially training. A deliberate effort is required to reinstate the funding for LAs training programmes which according to this research have dwindled to almost zero over the years. The findings and recommendations of this study will significantly contribute to advancement of service delivery in LAs through improved performance of employees after effective training. Fundamentally, the research findings have availed information key towards implementation of Kenya's Economic Blueprint Vision 2030 and accomplishment e Millennium development goals by 2012.
The Management Concerns Affecting Implementation of Performance Appraisal System in Government Departments in Kenya
(KeMU, 2009-04) Mbae, Franklin Njue
ABSTRACT Its is a known fact that the Kenyan economy was growing at rate of less than 1 % before December 2002, due to declining efficiency, effectiveness and productivity in delivery of service by the public sector. It's for this reason, the NARC government introduced several strategies to revive the economy among them poverty eradication strategy 2002 to 2003, economic recovery strategy (ERS) which contributed to the economic growth of almost 7% in 2007. This growth rate has been attributed to the government commitment to create a culture of performance oriented attitude among the public sector through performance contracting strategy leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness. The performance contracting is evaluated through performance appraisal system and it is against this background that this research report on the findings of evaluation of the strategic management concerns affecting the implementation of performance appraisal system at district level by the civil servants. The report is on research conducted in Tigania District targeting the twenty five heads of departments and three employees from each of the twenty five ministries in the district. The study used descriptive research design; in particular survey research was used where a total of eighty nine respondents participated. The researcher used probability sampling method where random sampling was used to get the three employees who participate from each ministry. In addition, purposive method was used to sample the twenty five heads of the department because of their strategic role they play in evaluation of employees under them and therefore determining the success of performance appraisal system. The research used questionnaires to collect data from the sampled population; the data was then summarized into frequency tables, and finally analyzed using descriptive analysis, regression and non-parametric correlations. The research found out that the structure, culture personal skills reward system and proper change management variables positively influences performance appraisal system implementation This research recommends that the government should come up with policies that will emphasize continuous training of its workers and a scheme of service that encourage creativity, career growth and a reward system that is satisfactory to performing employees.
Impact of Performance Contracting in Public Service Delivery
(KeMU, 2009-04) Kenneth, Ndungi Nduati
ABSTRACT Public sector reforms have become the norm in the present world. This has been necessitated the poor performance of the state enterprises that have become a burden both financially and administratively. Tax payers have come out openly demanding the value for their money i.e. efficient, effective and ethical delivery of service to the citizens. In Kenya, these public sector reforms have been• embraced partly through signing of performance contracts. This research project looks at the impact of such performance contracts in the National Registration Bureau. The department charged with registering Kenyans of 18years and above in the former Meru Central District. It tries to find out whether "Not Previously Registered" figures increase with the signing of performance contracts. Not Previously Registered refers to Kenyans acquiring identity cards for the first time. It is also aimed at finding out whether there are other variables that the government can tap to enhance the "Not Previously Registered" figures. These independent variables include financial resources and events taking place like elections and referendums. The project encountered its own limitation when some data could not be found in the initially designed offices. This was overcome by consulting the National Registration Bureau Headquarters Nairobi, at an extra cost of time and money. The officers at the National Bureau Headquarters were hesitant to give the data until when permission was granted by the director. Justification of the project is outlined as well as the objective. The project encompasses both theoretical and empirical literature review, showing what other writers views on performance contracts are. Using secondary data from the North Imenti District Registrar's office, covering the period 1999 - 2008, and analyzing it using descriptive statistics, the research was able to identify the periods with high and low "Not Previously Registered" figures. During this period, Kenya has had 2 general elections and a referendum in 2005 factors that affect the performance of the department. It is during the later years of this period that the National Registration Bureau embraced use of performance contracts and this paper tried to establish if the 'NPR' figures go up with the signing of the PCs, thus better Public Service Delivery. The project sampled 49068 cases from a population of 135292 cases. Data presentation and analysis was done using bar graphs and percentages.