Journal Articles
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Item Influence of Industrial Engagement on Development of Employability skills of TVET Graduates in Meru County((IJPP) International Journal of Professional Practice, 2024) Lucy, Mutembei Ndumba; Tarsilla, Kibaara; Paul, Gichohi MakuDevelopment of employability skills among TVET graduates increases their employability. However, despite reforms in TVET education in Kenya, Meru County continue to grapple with high unemployment rates among TVET graduates due to skills gap. This research aimed to establish the influence of industrial engagement on development of employability skills of TVET graduates in Meru County, Kenya. The Knight and Yorke Theory of Employability and Human Capital Theory informed the study. A sample size of 6 TVET institutions, 142 TVET trainees, 12 trainers, 72 graduates, 12 HoDs, and 6 Principals and 5 Key Informants were selected for this study. Simple random sampling, census sampling, purposive sampling, stratified sampling and referral sampling techniques were used to select participants. The study adopted a mixed-research approach, and used convergent parallel research design. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. The quality of data collection tools was assured by checking their validity and reliability. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to quantitative data and themes were generated from qualitative data. The study established a significant relationship between industrial engagement and development of employability skills. The study underscores the need for TVETs to strengthen partnerships with industries to enhance development of employability skills. The study concluded that there exists a skill mismatch in TVET graduates. The study recommended TVETs in Meru County, and Kenya at large, to embrace dual apprenticeship system which integrates school-based and work-based learning. The study further recommended TVET institutions to have elaborate connections and partnerships with industries in order ease the burden of looking for attachments, internships and apprenticeship by trainees.Item Influence of Resource Allocation on Organizational Performance of Commercial Banks in Meru County, Kenya(Journal of Strategic Management, 2025-07) Martin, Kirimi Mwongera; Nancy, Rintari; Paul, KirigiaThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of resource allocation on the organizational performance of commercial banks in Meru County, Kenya. The study used a descriptive design targeting 19 banks in Meru County, involving 19 managers and 91 staff. Data were collected via questionnaires and interviews, analyzed using SPSS and thematic methods. Most respondents (87%) reported ICT investment improved communication, efficiency, and reduced resource waste. Financial accountability (84%) also reduced waste, but challenges like poor training, politics, and resistance affected risk allocation. A significant correlation (r = 0.379, p < 0.001) was found between resource allocation and performance outcomes. The study recommends that senior management should ensure that there is impartiality in organizational politics to minimize its interference with even resource distribution among the departments. Furthermore, the study suggests that there is a need for employee involvement measures to minimize the resistance level experienced within the banking departments.Item Assessing the Influence of Market Competition on the Growth of Deposit-Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Meru County(Journal of Entrepreneurship & Project Management, 2025-08-11) Faith Kinya, Ngutiku; Paul Maku, Gichohi; Paul, KirigiaThe study sought to assess the influence of market competition on the growth of deposit-taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Meru County. A mixed-method approach using both quantitative and qualitative data was employed. Data were gathered from 10 DT-SACCO headquarters in Meru County through a descriptive survey design. Respondents included 10 purposively sampled branch managers and 170 randomly sampled officers. Data collection methods included interviews, questionnaires, and secondary financial reports. Validity and reliability were assessed using various methods, including Cronbach’s alpha. SPSS version 27 was used for both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Data collected through questionnaires established that the management had consciously worked to make sure that DT- SACCOs were known as customer-focused to provide products and services effectively. To be able to accomplish this, the institutions employed qualified professionals with expertise in cost management, which encouraged the effective use of resources. However, the study found that staff members were not included in the decision-making process. Interview replies indicated that marketing campaigns, joint ventures with other corporations to boost sales, and cost leadership were the kinds of market competitiveness tactics used in DT-SACCOs. At a 99% significance level and α < 0.001, the market competition correlation coefficient value was r = r=0.609. This showed that market competition had a moderately high influence on growth. The coefficient for market competition is 0.490 with a significance value of 0.01. Therefore, the model was Y = 19.601 + 0.490X1 + 3.063e. Notably, without the inclusion of the market competition, the growth of DT-SACCOs would be 19.601. The outcome noted from the findings recommends the need for the management to develop policies to emphasize on how staff can be included in making decisions to improve their commitment level to the organization and take advantage of market competition. If there are policies that encourage staff involvement in decision-making, it will enhance cohesion and effective operations. The study recommends that, in terms of technology adoption, there is a need to give priority to cybersecurity and consistent training in technology, to reduce operational risk exposure. Therefore, the solidification of IT is expected to uphold the reputation of the DT-SACCOs as key financial providers.Item Influence of Operational Transformation on Firm Performance Among DT-SACCOs in Meru County, Kenya(Journal of Strategic Management, 2025-07-30) Veronica Wanjiku, Kariuki; Rintari, Nancy; Kirigia, PaulThe study purpose was to examine the influence of operational transformation on firm performance among DT-SACCOs in Meru County, Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design when collecting data from a target population of 10 registered deposit-taking SACCOs. The respondents were 10 branch managers, 10 operations managers, 52 operations staff, 106 marketing staff, and 38 customer care staff. This study obtained 10 branch managers and 10 operations managers through the purposive sampling method, while 46 operations, 84 marketing, and 35 customer care staff were sampled through the simple random method. The interviews were conducted with branch managers and operations managers, while the structured questionnaires were answered by the other respondents. The pre-test was done in Unison DT-SACCO in Isiolo County. The study measured reliability using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, while validity was measured using face, content, and construct types of validity. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were analyzed. There were also inferential statistics, such as Pearson correlation, model summary, ANOVA, and regression coefficients, analyzed. Qualitative data were derived from the interview responses through the thematic method. The presentation was done through tables. The study found out that operational transformation had a significant influence on firm performance. It was enhanced by clarity in communicating goals on time, teamwork, and training on relevant staff. The factors made it easier to restructure operations more effectively, leading to an all-around transformation. Despite the existence of risk management, adequacy of finances, and operational efficiency policies, the decision-making approach in DT SACCOs was centralized, hence relying on top management to make decisions affecting the banking operations. This led to decline in efficiency in expediting the necessary operations within the shortest timeframe to improve customer satisfaction. The study recommends empowering lower management levels through decentralized authority, improving staff communication on sector changes, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and enhancing ICT recruitment and infrastructure. Additionally, fostering a customer-centric culture and improving internal harmony could significantly boost performance outcomes.Item Influence of Principals’ Innovation on Financial Management in Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya((IJPP) International Journal of Professional Practice, 2023) Sarah, Njeri Mungai; Severina, Mwirichia; Paul, GichohiPrincipals’ receptivity to innovative ways of running the operations of their institutions should be based on methods that minimize costs, save time and allow excellence. However, there is inadequate financial resources that disallow adequate use of digital resources in secondary schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principals’ receptivity to innovation on financial management in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The study used descriptive research design, and targeted a population of 389 secondary schools. The study used simple random sampling method to get a sample of 117 secondary schools. It further used purposive sampling method to obtain 117 principals. The study used drop and pick method to administer questionnaires to the respondents. Piloting of research instruments was done in twelve secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County. The study analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean. It also carried out correlation analysis to test hypothesis. The results revealed that 80(92%) were in agreement on a mean of 4.93 that donors and sponsors were more convinced in investing their financial resources in the schools. However, 66(76%) were not in agreement on a mean of 2.82 that the school had made plans to ensure that all departments adopted various technological and social innovation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was r=0.286** at α < 0.000 and 99% significance level, hence as a positive influence; thereby rejected the null hypothesis. The study concluded that digitalization was only used by the management, while departments required to prepare departmental budgets manually. This slowed the process of decision making for the principals. The study recommended that the ministry of education considers increasing annual funding for secondary schools. Principals should also explain to the management boards the need to digitalize the whole school as opposed to a few departments.Item Principal’s Visionary Leadership and Financial Management in Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers, 2023) Mungai, Sarah Njeri; Mwirichia, Severina; Gichohi, PaulAn ideal funding system in a secondary school provides a key avenue for ensuring that its operations are running smoothly. It should have reliable structures of administration with competent staff such as the bursars and accounts clerks. Nevertheless, that has not been the case due to delays caused by the government when releasing funds and fees paid by the students to secondary schools. The purpose of the study was to investigate principals' visionary leadership and financial management in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The study used a survey research design that was descriptive and cross-sectional. The target population was 389 secondary schools which were sampled through a random sampling method to get schools. It further used a purposive sampling method to obtain 117 principals and 117 bursars. The study administered questionnaires and also collected secondary data. Piloting was done in twelve secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County. The study analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean. It also carried out correlation analysis to test hypothesis. The study found that there was low professional advancement of staff working in the accounts office which was attributed to a failure of principals to push for the same, fearing that the staff may leave the school for greener pastures after the training. The study recommends that principals should make the initiative of ensuring that they motivate the accounting staff by equipping themselves with the skills and expertise for career advancement.Item Principal’s Visionary Leadership and Financial Management in Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(Journal of Education, 2023-05) Njeri, Mungai Sarah; Severina, Mwirichia; Paul, GichohiAn ideal funding system in a secondary school provides a key avenue for ensuring that its operations are running smoothly. It should have reliable structures of administration with competent staff such as the bursars and accounts clerks. Nevertheless, that has not been the case due to delays caused by the government when releasing funds and fees paid by the students to secondary schools. The purpose of the study was to investigate principals' visionary leadership and financial management in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The study used a survey research design that was descriptive and cross-sectional. The target population was 389 secondary schools which were sampled through a random sampling method to get schools. It further used a purposive sampling method to obtain 117 principals and 117 bursars. The study administered questionnaires and also collected secondary data. Piloting was done in twelve secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County. The study analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean. It also carried out correlation analysis to test hypothesis. The study found that there was low professional advancement of staff working in the accounts office which was attributed to a failure of principals to push for the same, fearing that the staff may leave the school for greener pastures after the training. The study recommends that principals should make the initiative of ensuring that they motivate the accounting staff by equipping themselves with the skills and expertise for career advancementItem Influence of Principals’ Innovation on Financial Management in Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(International Journal of Professional Practice, 2023-07-23) Mungai, Sarah Njeri; Mwirichia, Severina; Gichohi, Paul MakuPrincipals’ receptivity to innovative ways of running the operations of their institutions should be based on methods that minimize costs, save time and allow excellence. However, there is inadequate financial resources that disallow adequate use of digital resources in secondary schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principals’ receptivity to innovation on financial management in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The study used descriptive research design, and targeted a population of 389 secondary schools. The study used simple random sampling method to get a sample of 117 secondary schools. It further used purposive sampling method to obtain 117 principals. The study used drop and pick method to administer questionnaires to the respondents. Piloting of research instruments was done in twelve secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County. The study analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean. It also carried out correlation analysis to test hypothesis. The results revealed that 80(92%) were in agreement on a mean of 4.93 that donors and sponsors were more convinced in investing their financial resources in the schools. However, 66(76%) were not in agreement on a mean of 2.82 that the school had made plans to ensure that all departments adopted various technological and social innovation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was r=0.286** at α < 0.000 and 99% significance level, hence as a positive influence; thereby rejected the null hypothesis. The study concluded that digitalization was only used by the management, while departments required to prepare departmental budgets manually. This slowed the process of decision making for the principals. The study recommended that the ministry of education considers increasing annual funding for secondary schools. Principals should also explain to the management boards the need to digitalize the whole school as opposed to a few departments.Item Technology Responsive Measures Adopted by University Libraries in Meru County, Kenya in Addressing Disruptive Forces(International Journal of Professional Practice, 2023-08) Gitonga, Faith Ntinyari; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Gichoya, DavidCommission of University Education guidelines demand university libraries to be responsive to the changing by modernizing infrastructure and technology. However, the university libraries are dealing with emergent changes in the information provision using outdated methods, and are either slow or unable to respond to the current user information needs and behaviors. The purpose of the study was to determine the technology responsive measures adopted by university libraries in Meru County. The study used qualitative approach and employed a survey research design. The target population was the senior library staff in Kenya Methodist University and Meru University of Science and Technology university libraries. The respondents comprised of 13 heads of library sections who were sampled using purposive method. This study conducted Focus Group Discussions for library heads of sections in each university library under investigation. Additionally, the study also conducted an analysis on documents such as university library annual reports, university procurement plan, policy frameworks, subscription details and library strategic plan. Data collected was purely qualitative and was analyzed using content analysis and thematic categorization. The findings revealed that university libraries have adopted several technology- based measures such as remote access software, my loft software, anti-plagiarism software such as Turnitin, e-resources such as e-Books and e-journals, and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, to ease communication. Therefore, the study concluded that libraries had implemented some measures in responding to technology-related changes. The libraries were also using several measures to ensure long-term availability of digital content through institution repositories, and to promote good working relationship with the IT people. The study recommends that library management fosters development of own solutions to library problems, such as how to deal with artificial intelligence and emerging the technologies.