Doctorate Theses and dissertation

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Analysis of Determinants for Mobility of Students in Private Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2022-10) Samuel, Mercy Igoki
By ensuring that students have the knowledge and abilities needed to develop and enhance the economy of governments and nations, education helps students assume roles in society. The growing phenomenon of student mobility is connected with globalization and internationalization processes and internationalization. The country has observed a sizable proportion of government and privately funded students opting to transfer from one university to another, despite CUE's attempts to integrate curriculum and the KUCCPS placement method in all universities. This kind of student movement seems to indicate that the culture has hidden preferences on which universities to attend. As the study's target, Nairobi County in Kenya, this demands crucial criteria for mobility amongst pupils. This research was driven by the subsequent specific objectives done in private universities in Nairobi County, Kenya: to analyze the effect of customer care services on student mobility; to determine whether student engagement influences students’ choice of mobility; to investigate whether the quality of learning is a cause of student mobility; to establish the relationship between students’ economic status and mobility and, to find out the relationship between the course completion time and student mobility. The study too pursued to assess the impact of government policies on students’ mobility in private universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. This study employed a descriptive quantitative survey design. This study targeted 26 registered private universities (including private university constituents where mobility rate records are too high) in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research sample size was 180 private university students and nine registrars. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Descriptive analysis, inferential statistics, and regression analysis were used to analyze the findings. Descriptive statistics such as mean scores, percentages, and standard deviation were computed appropriately. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish the extent of the effect on the dependent variables of independent variables. This study found that economic status does not influence student mobility in private universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. The mobility of students in Nairobi County, Kenya is greatly influenced by customer care services, student engagement, quality of learning and course completion times, This study suggests that government organizations, including the Ministry of Education (MOE), Kenya University and Colleges Placement Service (KUCCPS), Commission for University Education (CUE), and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), review the current learning policies in institutions of higher learning and integrate systematic measures to control the alarming cases of student mobility. To attract potential students to their individual universities, the marketing divisions of the target-area universities should make more investments in customer support services. Private universities should make deliberate efforts in ensuring that there is an improvement in course completion time of their courses. Private universities should invest in their respective infrastructure that is meant to ensure superior learning possibilities.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Career Choice among Public Secondary Schools Students in Meru County Kenya
(KeMU, 2019-06) Njogu, Sarah Wambeti
Career selection is one of the many important choices students make which have lifelong effects. This is because choosing a career that matches one’s interests, skills and values significantly increases their chances for social-economic success, personal fulfillment and happiness. However, whether or not a student is equipped with requisite career choice information to necessitate informed decisions is yet to be established. Although review of literature shows that students have numerous challenges when selecting careers, the factors that influence career choice among secondary school students and the extent of their impacts were still not clearly understood. This study sought to analyze factors influencing career choice in public secondary schools in Meru County, with a view to determining individual and combined influence of each factor on career choice. It was guided by four objectives; namely; to examine the influence of career guidance services provided to students on career choice, to assess the influence of parental aspirations on career choice, to investigate influence of mass media on career choice and to evaluate the influence of school policy on subject selection in career choice by secondary school students. The study was informed and guided by the Social Learning Theory of Career Decision Making by John Krumboltz and Contingency Theory of Management by Joan Woodward. It adopted mixed methods approach and used descriptive survey and correlational research designs in investigating the phenomena. The target population comprised 19,862 Form Four students, 364 principals, 364 career guidance teachers and 364 form four Parents Association representatives’ from all the 364 public secondary schools in the Meru County. Through stratified, systematic and purposive sampling respectively, 460 participants were selected from 364 schools. A questionnaire and an interview schedule were used to collect data from target population. A pre-test of the instruments was carried out to ensure reliability and validity. Data analysis was done with the help of SPSS (Version 24) and Microsoft excel. Overall response rate was 92.1%. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and percentages), and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, ANOVA, correlation and regression analysis). The results were presented in frequency distribution tables, charts and in other cases, logical explanations and narratives were provided. Results show that career which students of public secondary schools in Meru County choose are statistically and significantly influenced by nature of career guidance services; parental aspirations, mass media, and school policy on selection of subjects. The findings revealed that mass media and parental aspirations as factors that exert greatest influence on career choices. The findings of this study have implications on career guidance practices and policy in secondary schools. The study recommends that principals, educationists, career guidance teachers to organize for capacity building and awareness campaigns to sensitize students, parents and the general public on the influence of the four factors on career choice and to underscore the role that should be played by each of these stakeholders.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Students’ Decisions in Selecting Public Tvet Institutions in Nairobi County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2023-08) Mutungi, Glory Kambanja
The Kenyan government has improved Technical Vocational and Training Institutions (TVET) to give young people the opportunity to acquire the technical and practical knowledge needed in the employment market. Accordingly, it created the TVET Act, the TVET authority, Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), and Higher Education Loan (HELB). These reforms have caused an influx of students in some TVET institutions, while some have experienced low enrolment. Notably, some students choose to join colleges where their friends are, while others join a program but discover that they are not interested in that profession and therefore change the course. In other instances, students request to transfer from one TVET institute to another. This raises questions about the choice criteria and how students make selection decisions. The study's goal was to investigate the variables that affect students' decisions about public TVET institutions in Kenya's Nairobi County. The objectives covered physical facilities, staff, trainees' employability skills, courses provided, and government regulations, and their influence on students' decisions to enroll in public TVET institutions in Nairobi County. The 1982 Jackson model served as a framework for the investigation. A mixed methods strategy was used in this study, which used a descriptive survey research design. At TVET institutions in Nairobi County, the study focused on 349 module three trainees, six principals, and six officers in charge of admission. Initially, the student body was divided into three distinct groups based on the type of TVET and subsequently categorized by their academic year. A sample size of 349 students was selected using the simple random technique from each stratum. The study deliberately selected only a limited number of principals and admission officers to participate, as they constituted a small group. Questionnaires were self-administered on students, while interview guides were used on principals and officers in charge of admission. The validity and reliability of the research tools were evaluated in accordance with the given standards. Quantitative data was analysed by calculating percentages, means, and standard deviations. The relationship between variables was tested using Spearman correlation and ordinal logistic regression analysis, whereas qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. According to the findings, there is a strong positive association between physical facilities, staff adequacy, trainees' employability skills, courses offered and students' choice decisions for public TVET institutions in Nairobi County. These factors jointly account for a 33.5% variation in students' selection decisions for public TVET institutions. However, physical facilities were inadequate and dilapidated, while staff adequacy, knowledge and competency posed severe challenges. These had implications for trainees' employability skills and the courses offered in TVET institutions. The government should avail funds for developing physical facilities and refurbishing the old ones. It is imperative for the Ministry of Education to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at actively involving and retaining a competent and sufficient workforce. MoE should also institute capacity-building programs for the existing and new trainers. IT should ensure a continuous curriculum review of all courses offered. A policy by MoE is also needed to enhance linkages with industries to enhance practical training, industrial attachment, and internship. Principals of TVET institutions should establish the employability of their graduates, institute awareness programs, and strengthen career counselling and mentorship programs for students. They should also seek to enhance collaborations with development partners and employers
Analysis of the Antecedents for Adopting English as a Language of Instruction at The Somali National University
(KeMU, 2022-10) Ohirsi, Adam Ibrahim
The English language is increasingly becoming the main language of instruction in many nations across the globe. However, Somali and Arabic languages are used in teaching in universities in Somalia despite the increasing global demand for English language proficiency. Bearing in mind that the Somalia education system introduces the English language at the upper elementary school level, this naturally creates a gap at higher education level. This particular study was postulated to assess the antecedents for adopting English as a pedagogy language at Somali National University (SNU) with a view to propose a framework for its implementation. The study objectives were to: examine how the students' attributes, teaching staff attributes, National Language Policy, multiculturalism, and internationalisation influenced the adoption of English as a language of instruction at SNU. The study also endeavoured to come up with a framework for supporting the application of the same. The Cummins proficiency theory, Krashen monitor theory, structural-functionalism theoretical approach, multiculturalism model, and the network model of internationalisation were critical in informing this study. The mixed methods approach and a descriptive survey research design were adopted. The target population comprised of students and staff of SNU and key players in the Somalia higher education sector. A sample size of 88 lecturers, 30 students, 15 senior officers of the University, and the Director of Higher Education of Somalia participated in the study. Proportionate stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used in sampling lecturers and students, while, purposive sampling technique was used for the University's senior office-holders and the Director of Higher Education. Facts and opinions were collected using survey questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussion. The construct, content and criterion validity were checked, while Cronbach alpha was adapted to assess the reliability of instruments. Descriptive statistics, correlation and ordinal logistic regression analysis were used to analyse quantitative data while thematic analysis was applied on qualitative data. Information was presented using tables, figures, narration and excerpts. The study noted that the language of instruction was a real challenge at SNU, where, the Arabic and Somali languages were commonly used in teaching and in everyday conversations. The problem was attributed to the schooling system, weak language implementation system, weak policy implementation framework, and limited funding. There was a clear state of unpreparedness for faculty to embrace the English language as a medium of instruction. Some students lacked a background in the English language; hence, difficulties in understanding lessons. There was no legislative framework that acknowledges English as a language of instruction in the University. The five identified antecedents were jointly statistically significant in supporting the adoption of English language as a medium of instruction at SNU. The study recommended English language proficiency tests for students and pre-class orientations for faculty at SNU. The university administrators should revise the curriculum, ensure strict vetting of teaching staff; and introduce training and development programmes, English proficient capacity building programmes, and professional development for the existing faculty. The national government, through the Ministry of Higher Education, should revise the language policy to embrace the need for cross-border integration and internationalisation. A proposed framework for supporting the implementation of the English language as a medium of instruction at SNU was developed
Analysis of Transformational Leadership in the Context of Social Action: A Case of Mck Kaaga Synod
(KeMU, 2022-10) Nteere, Nicholas Mutwiri
Social action involves leaders being proactive in engendering positive change in their communities. Transformational leaders seek to shape society in their own image through charisma, vision and sheer will power. This study seeks to analyse transformational leadership in the context of social action with reference to the Kaaga synod of the Methodist Church of Kenya (MCK). The objectives of the study were: To examine the practice of transformational leadership; to assess the contribution of transformational leadership in enhancing the church initiated social action among the residents within the geographical area of the MCK Kaaga synod and to examine the relationship that exists between transformational leadership and social action. The study was guided by Transformational Leadership Theory. The study utilized descriptive survey design. In Kaaga synod whose population stands at 6771, 384 members were randomly selected for interviews through simple random sampling. Data was collected by using questionnaires and interview schedules. The study used mixed methods both quantitative and qualitative to describe the findings. A sample of 384 respondents drawn from church leaders from the location of study participated in the collection of data using questionnaires and interviews. The data collected was coded and analysed though SPSS and Microsoft Excel programs to describe the findings and emerging trends and insights. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was triangulated with the quantitative data and meanings and conclusions. The findings indicate that MCK Kaaga synod scored below average on the total mean score and average on individual attributes of transformational leadership, of the maximum possible score of 72, the mean score was 50, just below 54 which is the minimum cut off. Using regression analysis, the study established that transformational leadership has a significant positive relationship with provision of education services with a regression coefficient of 0.0123 p<0.005. Additionally, transformational leadership was significantly correlated with economic empowerment programs, with a coefficient of 0.0231, p<0.005. Moreover, transformational leadership was positively correlated with OVC programs, with a regression coefficient of 0.0341, p<0.005. However, transformational leadership had no significant relationship with provision of medical services r=0.1605, p<0.005, and widows care programs, r=0.1590, p<0.005 in Kaaga synod. In conclusion training on transformational leadership, social action is recommended. Further study in the transformative nature of the social action is also prescribed. Policy formulation that will embed transformational leadership model in the church should be arrived at in MCK Kaaga synod and possibly the whole of MCK.
Antecedents of Technology Adoption and Financial Inclusion among Micro Enterprises in Machakos County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2018-08) Mwania, Paul Mutwiwa
The increased levels of mobile and internet banking has enabled the Micro Enterprises (MEs) to save, undertake transactions and access low cost credit without necessarily having security for their loans. Many micro-enterprises are not included in the mainstream financial system and hence they cannot access credit. However, with the increased level of antecedents of technology adoption (mobile and internet banking), the micro enterprises have not fully adopted this new innovation to increase their levels of financial inclusion. The aim of the study was to examine the antecedents of technology adoption (mobile and internet banking) on financial inclusion among the micro enterprises in Machakos County. The study adopted a descriptive research design since it seeks to build a profile about the relationship between antecedents of technology adoption (mobile and internet banking) to financial inclusion in Kenya. The study was targeting micro enterprises operating in Kenya with a special focus to Machakos County. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample for the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection as it was cost effective as opposed to other instruments. Pilot testing involved60 businesses which were not included in the final sample. To enhance validity in this study, content related validity of the questionnaire was used. On the other hand, reliability was assessed using the test-retest method and was done alongside the pilot study. The researcher selected a pilot group comprising 10% of the sample. The research instruments were tested for reliability using the split half method. This was done by collecting data from 60 respondents. Data was verified and edited for completeness and consistency. Content analysis and descriptive analysis was employed. Regression analysis was applied to establish the relationship between the variables. Regression results showed that convenience and financial inclusion are positively and significantly related (β=0.201, p<0.001). Transaction cost and financial inclusion were also found to positively and significantly related (β=-0.091 p<0.002). Perceived value and financial inclusion are positively and significantly related (β=0.233, p<0.001).Collateral and financial inclusion are positively and significantly related (β =0.154, p<0.002) while technology adoption and financial inclusion are positively and significantly related (β=0.573, p<0.001). The study further found that financial services technology innovation moderates the relationship between transaction cost, perceived value and convenience and financial inclusion of micro enterprises. The study concludes that collateral, transaction cost, convenience, perceived value and technology adoption have a positive and significant relationship with financial inclusion of micro enterprises. It was further established that mobile and internet banking have improved the access to financial services by micro-enterprises. This is seen through improved business growth among the enterprises as they can access low cost credit for business growth. The low cost of credit for the micro-enterprises has improved the level of financial inclusion. It’s recommended that owners of micro enterprises should use mobile banking since it makes it easier for them to carry out their businesses operations. According to the study, use of internet banking makes it easier for owners of micro-enterprises to carry out their businesses operations. The study recommends that owners of micro enterprises should adopt use of internet banking since it does not require a lot of technical knowledge for it is simple to use hence convenient for business owners. The owners of micro-enterprises should use mobile and internet banking to accomplish their banking tasks anytime and anywhere since it is efficient for them.
Approaches Used in Managing Students’ Healthcare in Public Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2021-08) Muguna, Mbaabu Silas
There are different approaches for managing school healthcare, but there is noticeable lack of mechanisms, systems and structures for implementing them. The study aimed to analyze the different approaches used to manage students' healthcare in public secondary schools in Meru County. The objectives were to assess school-based health clinic, NHIF, and personal medical insurance as approaches for managing students' healthcare in public secondary schools in Meru County. The last objective was to compare the effectiveness of these approaches across categories of public secondary schools to inform on appropriate healthcare management model. Both the Andersen’s model of health service utilization and theory U informed this study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted where 375 public secondary schools were targeted. Schools were stratified according to categories, and then, proportionate systematic random sampling technique was used to sample 196 public secondary schools. The principals and the chairperson of students’ council from each sampled school filled self-administered questionnaires, while an interview guide was used to collected data from the County Director of Education, who was purposively selected. Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was used to check reliability, while the content and construct validity were ensured on instruments of collecting data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24. Frequencies, factor analysis, means and standard deviations were computed, while regression and ANOVA were used to test the hypothesis. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic technique. Findings were presented using tables, charts and narratives. Results show that management of student’s healthcare was significantly impacted by the three approaches. However, when integrated, the most effective approach was the school-based health clinics followed by personal medical health insurance, and NHIF respectively. Policy on school health did not moderate the three approaches. Except for NHIF, the study noted that school-based health clinics and personal medical health insurance were uncommon, and that there were different practices of handling them across categories of public schools. For effective management of students' healthcare in public secondary schools, principals ought to take up crucial roles as accounting officers and figurehead who are charged with the duty of directing, coordinating, allocating resources, advocating, and lobbying for a quality healthcare service provision model. The study recommended the Ministry of Education to develop mechanisms for establishing school-based health clinics and institute a policy framework for adopting personal medical health insurance in public secondary schools. Concerted collaborations and partnerships of stakeholders were recommended to aid funding, infrastructural development, buying of requisite healthcare facilities, employment of qualified health professionals, and awareness of a hybrid healthcare system. Results have implications on trainigs, budgetary allocations, and policy framework.
Assessment of Quality of Education in Secondary Schools in Kiambu County, Based on Selected Metrics
(KeMU, 2022-10) Kihang’a, Nancy Wangechi Kariuki
A quality education is the sum of the effects of all the processes and services that give the learner the skills they need to be economically productive, sustain their livelihoods and have a positive social impact. Academic achievement is one of the most important indicators of the quality of education, where the quality of exam grades determines the level of academic achievement of an individual, organization or class. The academic performance of secondary schools in Kiambu District has been very poor compared to other neighboring districts in central Kenya, despite the fact that the district is endowed with resources. Most of the candidates in the county have relatively low grades, which leads to the fact that few of them are admitted to universities and high schools. This performance leads many students to drop out of school or become delinquents. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of education in secondary schools based on selected metrics, which, in addition to school management principles, also included school, teacher and home factors. Descriptive surveys and correlational research designs were used to evaluate various metrics that influence the quality of education in Kiambu County. The sample was selected through stratified and purposive sampling. A sample of 249 students, 191 teachers, 49 principals and 5 county school officials was selected from a target population of 23,849 students, 5,989 teachers, 386 principals and 12 quality assurance and standards officers from Kiambu County. Data was collected by the researcher using questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and means as well as inferential statistics such as correlation analysis. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0 computer software. The study concluded that school-based and teacher-based factors, together with parent/guardian socio-economic factors and principal leadership practices were independently significantly correlated with the quality of education in secondary schools in Kiambu County. However, the findings showed that although school factors had a significant effect on educational quality, when other predictors were held constant, their magnitude ceased to be significant. The other three independent variables (teacher-related characteristics, parents' socio economic factors, and principals' leadership practices were all statistically significant predictors of educational quality in secondary schools in Kiambu County in a combined model. The study recommended that key stakeholders in schools, including principals, teachers, students and parents, should establish clear and comprehensive criteria for measuring the quality of education in schools, which should include the expected standards in the provision of all teaching and learning resources, material and human, as points of involvement/engagement of all stakeholders and the standards expected of each. It is hoped that the findings of the study will serve as a basis for improving policies, planning and decision-making aimed at improving the quality of secondary school education in Kiambu County, Central Region and Kenya in general
Board Characteristics and Financial Distress of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Kenya
(KeMU, 2021-08) Nguta, Munene Halldess
Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) have evolved over time from mobilizing savings and granting loans to become established entities that provide banking services to their customers. According SASRA, SACCOs have experienced financial distress and some of them have been shut down or issued with operating licenses to operate under stringent measures. This aimed at establishing influence of board characteristics in the financial distress suffered by Deposit Taking SACCOs in Nairobi County. The influence of related party transactions and intervening influence of firm revenue on this relationship was established as well as the control influence of external borrowing. The study is anchored on Stewardship theory with a view of managers as stewards of members’ funds, Agency Theory, Stakeholder theory, and Upper echelons theory. Longitudinal Descriptive research design was adopted on a sample size of 43 SACCOs from a population of 174 SACCOs licensed to operate in Kenya for the year 2019. Nairobi County was purposively chosen and a census was carried out on deposit taking SACCOs in the county. Secondary data was collected from SASRA using a data collection sheet and a panel data analysis performed using STATA software and findings were presented using tables. The study came to a conclusion that an association exists between board characteristics and financial distress of Deposit Taking SACCOs where board composition, board education and board tenure have statistically significant and negative influence on financial distress while RPTs and the size of the board statistically significant and positive impact on financial distress. Firm revenue does not significantly intervene the relationship between board characteristics and financial distress and external borrowing has no control influence on this relationship. The study made recommendations to this effect as follows: SACCOs need to have lean boards, Board composition should also be improved by including more women on boards, there should be more inclusion of members with high and relevant education credentials, and SACCOs should have term limits for their members. Related party transactions should be kept at a bare minimum since it is significant, when it is jointly considered with board characteristics. External borrowing may be relied upon to ease financial distress in SACCOs since it has no significant control influence on SACCO’s level of financial distress. The regulator may come up with a tool based on Altman’s Z score models to establish financial distress in SACCOs in order to offer timely advice to alleviate more distress and consequent bankruptcy which may lead to closure of SACCOs. Another research may be carried out to establish other factors causing financial distress and how to turn around the SACCOs already in distress.
Capital Adequacy Framework, Funds Allocation Strategy and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Sacco’s in Kenya
(KeMU, 2019-09) Ng`eno, John Cheruiyot
This study was aimed at establishing the relationship between capital adequacy framework and financial performance of deposit taking savings and credit cooperatives societies in Kenya. There is a declining trend of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. In 2016,164 SACCOs were licensed to operate as deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study intention was to conduct a census survey but the responses were less. Only 111 deposit taking societies responded. The government had introduced various legislations attempting to streamline the operations of cooperative entity. Sustainability of cooperative movement depends on various factors one of which being capital adequacy. In this study the influence of six dimensions of capital adequacy framework namely: internal financing, external financing, portfolio selection, credit management, risk management and managerial capability was examined. A descriptive survey was conducted using questionnaires to collect data from the respondents. Pilot survey was conducted on 12 deposit taking SACCOs to ensure that questionnaire serve the intended purpose. Data analysis was carried out using both descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 23). Correlation and regression analysis were used to establish the relationship between research variables. It was found that internal financing, credit management; portfolio selection, risk management and managerial capability had positive effect on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. This means that as the five variables increase then financial performance will be increase. External financing had negatively influenced on the financial performance. With prudent external financing, deposit taking SACCOs will attain favourable outcome. Funds allocation was found to have a significant moderating influence on the relationship between capital adequacy framework and financial performance. Hypotheses were tested at 5 percent significance level. The null hypotheses were rejected and it was established that capital adequacy framework and moderating variables influenced significantly financial performance. It is recommended that focus on capital adequacy framework will enhance financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya.
Church’s Role in the Mitigation of Drug and Substance Abuse Among Youths of PCEA Nanyuki Presbytery, Laikipia County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2025) Njeru, Preston Phinius
Drug and substance abuse among youths represents a significant concern in Kenya and globally. This study examined the church's role in mitigating drug and substance abuse among youths in PCEA Nanyuki Presbytery, Laikipia County, Kenya. The church, as a key social institution, addresses this issue through conscientization, pastoral care, advocacy, and rehabilitation programs. In Laikipia County, despite church interventions, drug and substance abuse remains prevalent, with 37.1% of youth having experimented with drugs, 22.4% regularly abusing substances, and high relapse rates (65%) in Nanyuki. Church interventions show limited effectiveness with only 28% reporting success. This study aimed to examine the church's various roles in mitigating drug and substance abuse among youth, while evaluating how socio-cultural factors moderate these efforts. The study was guided by theories including Social Learning Theory, Conscientization Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, employing a descriptive survey design with a pragmatist philosophy and mixed methods approach. The target population included 1,340 youths, 131 church elders, 7 parish ministers, and 447 parents from PCEA Nanyuki Presbytery. The sample comprised 359 respondents (300 youths, 12 church elders, 7 parish ministers, and 40 parents), selected using census sampling for parish ministers, convenience sampling for parents, purposive sampling for church elders, and stratified random sampling for youth. Data reliability was established through Cronbach's alpha, test-retest, and inter-coder reliability methods, while validity was ensured via pre-testing and face, construct, and content validity. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages and means), Chi-square tests, and correlation analyses, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings were presented using tables, charts, and verbatim excerpts. The study found significant relationships between church interventions and substance abuse mitigation, with conscientization, pastoral care, advocacy, and rehabilitation programs all showing positive impacts when properly implemented. However, implementation gaps were identified, particularly in technology utilization, specialized addiction treatment services, structured follow-up mechanisms, and strategic community partnerships. Socio-cultural factors like family dynamics, peer influence, and community attitudes significantly moderated intervention effectiveness. The study recommends enhancing church programs through technology integration, specialized training, structured mentorship frameworks, improved medical treatment support, strategic partnerships, and culturally sensitive approaches that address socio-cultural contexts. These findings contribute to developing improved church-based interventions to reduce drug and substance abuse among Kenyan youths.
Comprehension of External Environment, Decision Making, Strategy Implementation and Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Kinshasa - Dr Congo
(KeMU, 2020-11) Nongolola, Kasanga Junior
The ability of managers to comprehend the environment in which they operate and make decisions about strategy implementation which in turn affects performance of organisations is scarcely documented in empirical studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between comprehension of external environment, decision-making, strategy implementation and performance of micro, small and medium enterprises in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. This study tested the nexus between comprehension of external environment and performance, the effect of comprehension of external environment on both decision making and strategy implementation, the influence of decision making and strategy implementation respectively on performance, the moderating role of decision making and mediating role of strategy implementation on the relationship between comprehending the external environment and the performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in different industries in Kinshasa. A positivist paradigm with deductive approach and a cross-sectional survey design were used. Primary data was collected using a drop-and-pick later questionnaire which was distributed to 643 respondents from MSMEs that were officially registered and operating in Kinshasa. Secondary data was collected from the MSMEs’ past financial documents such as balance sheets, statement of cash flows, and profit and loss statements. Both financial (return on asset, increase in sales and profit) and non-financial (managers’ qualitative assessment of customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, growth in number of employees and improvement in number of customers) measures were used to measure the performance of the MSMEs. The findings were that comprehension of external environment had a statistically significant effect on performance (B = 0.748, t = 9.873, p < 0.05), on decision making (B = 0.105, t = 13.406, p < 0.05) as well as on strategy implementation (B = 0.80, t = 35.214, p < 0.05). Further, both decision making and a strategy implementation had statistically significant influence on performance (B = 0.762, t = 8.46; B = 0.45, t = 5.962 p < 0.05). While decision making significantly moderated the relationship between comprehension of external environment and performance, strategy implementation significantly mediated the relationship between comprehension of external environment and performance. These findings contribute to theory, policy and management practices. The study recommends that MSMEs should enhance managers’ intuitive and rational decision making skills, ensure that cultural norms of the community are well understood, and embrace technology to enhance creativity and innovation. Lastly, the government should create a centre for capacity building of MSMEs through seminars, workshops and conferences. This study also recommends further studies on more factors affecting the performance of MSMEs in Kinshasa.
Corporate Entrepreneurship Strategy and Competitive Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya
(KeMU, 2024-10) CHESIGOR, FELIX KIPTOO
Achieving superior performance is the primary objective of every organization. This pursuit of excellence is central to management practices, driving organizations to seek diverse opportunities for improvement. Corporate Entrepreneurship is the practice by which established organizations decide to pursue competitive advantage through sustainable innovation and entrepreneurial behavior. Its key parameters are strategic renewal, strategic organizational architecture and corporate venturing. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of strategic renewal, strategic organiational architecture as well as corporate venturing on the competitive financial performance of Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya. The study also sought to ascertain how environmental dynamism moderates the relationship between Corporate Entrepreneurship Strategy and competitive financial performance. The study anchored largely on the ambidexterity theory of leadership for innovation but was also supported by stakeholder theory, achievement motivation theory of entrepreneurship, the theory of systematic innovation, and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. The study used the positivist philosophy, hence using quantitative research methods. The study applied a blend of multistage sampling, purposive sampling as well as stratified sampling methods having been a survey of Deposit Taking Saccos operating in more than one county in Kenya by the year 2022. The unit of analysis was 63 out of a total 175 licensed Deposit Taking Saccos were operating in more than one county Deposit Taking Saccos and the unit of observation was 715 Senior Head office staff and 159 branch managers, a total population of 915. A sample size of 278 participants was derived from Yamane’s formula for sample size determination. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the respondents, and secondary data from the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (Sasra’s) Annual Sacco supervision reports 2017-2021. A pilot study was conducted in two Deposit Taking Saccos, namely: Kenya Achievas Deposit Taking Saccos in Kisii County and Vision Afrika Deposit Taking Saccos in Nakuru County yielding a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.917, that was very high and greater than the 0.7 threshold. The validity of the instruments was done by Lawshe’s Content analysis method using five Subject Matter Experts and a Content Validity Ratio of more than 95%, hence accepted. Data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics, with the hypotheses being tested using binary logistic regression at a confidence level of 95%, (α=0.05). The study found that Strategic Renewal, Strategic Organizational Architecture, and Corporate Venturing were positive and significant predictors of the probability of competitive financial performance in Deposit Taking Saccos. Environmental Dynamism did not have a significant moderating effect in the relationship between these variables. Overall, Corporate Entrepreneurship Strategy was a positive and significant predictor of competitive financial performance of Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya. Further, the moderating effect of Environmental Dynamism in this association was not significant. The study recommends that Deposit Taking Saccos should apply strategic renewal initiatives; emphasize on building strategic organizational architecture, and pursue Corporate Venturing in their quest for competitive financial performance. Further, as Deposit Taking Saccos pay vi vii attention to customer tastes and preferences, changes in technology and competitor strategies they should be careful not to deviate from their traditional cooperative business model as enshrined in the Cooperative Principles and advocated for by the ambidexterity theory of leadership for innovation. These findings inform the Sacco industry on how best to implement the Corporate Entrepreneurship strategy in the quest for competitive financial performance.
Credit Risk and Lending Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
(KeMU, 2019-08) Karanja, John Gakuu
Credit risk poses substantial exposure both to the banks and the economy; a scenario evident in East Africa financial crises; this in part owing to the fact that the banking sector is vital in any economy. The decline of profitability within the banking industry and financial losses can be attributed to credit exposures that went awry. This underscores the significance of management of credit risk within the banking sector. While lending is profitable for the banks especially on account of the interest paid on the amount borrowed, it also has disadvantages which results from delays or default in loan repayments. This study was purposed to evaluate the credit risk and lending performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Descriptive survey research design was employed whilst the target population for this study was employees of the 42 commercial banks in Kenya as at 1st January, 2018. Purposive sampling was used to pick 42 credit managers and simple random sampling invoked to determine the other 301 respondents from the target population of 1260 employees. Both structured and unstructured questions were used to collect primary data. Thereafter, the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency distribution tables, measures of central tendency and standard deviations. In addition, advance statistical techniques including logistic regression analysis and Pearson correlation were used to establish relationships among variables and provide description of the data while qualitative data was analyzed in narrative form. The results were then presented in tabular representations supplemented by relevant explanations. The results of the study revealed that the combined effect of credit risks positively influenced the lending performance of banks. The study concluded that credit risk activities significantly influenced the lending performance of commercial banks; and as a result the operating capital of commercial banks had gone down to very low levels since lending is a source of income for the commercial banks and this has affected the performance of the entire banking sector. The study recommended that Government of Kenya through the National Treasury and in collaboration with Central Bank of Kenya and Kenya Bankers’ Association should formulate policies that will help the commercial banks reduce the level of credit risks and improve the lending performance which was currently affected to a great extent.
Critical Analysis of Factors Affecting Teaching and Learning Management for Pupils with Intellectual Disabilities in Special Schools, Meru-County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2024) Esther, Kaario M’birithu
Effective teaching and learning for pupils with intellectual disabilities (ID) is significant for socioeconomic development. In Kenya, there are limited educational opportunities and support for pupils with intellectual disabilities, resulting in exclusion and reduced academic achievement for this population. Even though Meru County has a policy on impairments mainstreaming, special schools that are meant to assist these students have not been able to overcome difficulties in managing instruction. The management of teaching and learning for students with intellectual disabilities in special schools in Meru County, Kenya, is influenced by several factors, which this study critically analyzed. The main objectives of the study were to evaluate how teaching and learning management for students with intellectual impairments in special schools are affected by the attributes of instructors, the school environment, the curriculum, the school culture, and the attitudes of teachers. The moderating role of teachers' attitudes was also ascertained. Four theories—contingency theory, Pavlov's classical conditioning theory, Vygotsky's theory, and the bioecological theory of development—informed this study. This mixed-methods research utilized descriptive survey research design. The convergence of both quantitative and qualitative findings in informing conclusions. The target population was four special schools, where units of observation were 45 teachers, four head teachers, 387 parents, four Sub-County Directors of Education, and four Teachers' Service Commission Sub-County Directors. The sample size of 45 teachers, 32 parents, four head teachers, four Sub-County Directors of Education, and four Teachers' Service Commission Sub-County Directors were purposely selected for the study. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. These tools were validated and checked for reliability using inter-rater reliability, and by computing Crunch Bach coefficients. The percentages, mean, and standard deviation were determined, while correlation and regression analysis helped test the variables' relationship. The thematic analysis technique was applied to qualitative data. Information was presented using tables, figures, themes, categories of themes and excerpts in some instances. While most teachers find the learning environment moderately conducive, concerns arise over assistive technology adoption, individualized learning shortages, deficiencies in teaching materials, infrastructure, staffing, and weak curriculum adaptation. Teachers' qualifications and competencies positively influence teaching and learning management, while the school environment has a negative impact. A perception gap exists in curriculum alignment with the needs of intellectually disabled pupils. Teacher characteristics, school environment, curriculum, and culture significantly influence the teaching and learning management of learners with intellectual disabilities. The study concludes that challenges persist despite efforts to improve special schools, particularly in infrastructure and teaching materials. Teacher characteristics are crucial in teaching and learning management, necessitating ongoing professional development. The school environment requires interventions like teacher training and curriculum adaptation. A perception gap in curriculum alignment highlights the need for clear communication and ongoing curriculum reviews. Teachers' attitudes play a significant moderating role, emphasizing the importance of targeted professional development. Recommendations include infrastructure upgrades, assistive technology integration, curriculum adaptation, policy revisions, enhanced teacher training, and materials adequacies. The study connects with contingency, classical conditioning, social learning, and ecological systems theories and emphasizes the need for policy revisions. It has notable practical implications for curriculum reassessment, adequate funding, equipment upgrades and teacher support.
A Critical Analysis on the Effects of Islamization of Igembe People Through Miraa Trade in Meru County Kenya
(KeMU, 2020-11) Jotham, Kirimi Mwenda
The study proposition was that Islamization of Igembe people had taken place largely due to miraa trade but no research had so far been undertaken in religious studies perspectives to address the issue. The four objectives of the study were determining the extent of the spread of Islam in Igembe, studying the cultural importance of miraa, establishing the contribution of miraa trade to Islamization, and examining the effects of Islamization. Theoretical framework relied on Islamization, Risk, Uncertainty, and Profit, and Immigration theories. The synthesis produced ‘Islamization through miraa trade theory’. A qualitative design was adopted with triangulation of methods which included interview schedules, and semi-structured open-ended questionnaires. The instruments were pretested to ascertain their validity and reliability. Stratified, simple random, and purposive sampling techniques were employed to pick a sample of 252 respondents out of a population of 126,000 miraa farmers, vendors, and trade association officials. Content, narrative and descriptive data analysis methods were used in the analysis of the findings. The main finding was that Islamization of Igembe people through miraa trade had taken place with mostly negative effects which included exposure of Igembe women to Islamic law on marriage, selling of ancestral miraa land to Muslims, school dropout, truancy for students, and miraa gang violence among others. The results further showed miraa diacritical marker of Igembe people identity linked to their traditions and history. From the findings, the study concludes that miraa trade is pivotal in Islamization of the Igembe people, and Muslims are doing business in a way that it is oppressing the residents pushing them to abject poverty. The study recommended delinking of Islamization from miraa trade, enforcing existing miraa regulations to mitigate adverse effects, future research to find out if there are healing properties in miraa plant as claimed by respondents, if Muslim children too are affected by Islamization through miraa trade, and if any Muslims have been converted to Christianity or to Igembe traditional religion.
Critical Factors Influencing Success of Sunday-School as a Mission Field at Bondeni Africa Inland Church, Kenya
(Kemu, 2021-10) Rop, Charles Kipkoech
It is indicated that the emphasis of the Sunday-school as a mission field has reduced across churches. The African Inland Church simply mentioned the Sunday-school as one of its functions; however, it fails to show the progress of the Sunday-school and how it presently functions as a mission field. It was of paramount importance to examine the Sunday-school as a mission field in the AIC church as a representative of all other churches that have this mission as part of their functions. The general objective of the study was to have a critical review of mission work at A.I.C Bondeni in Nakuru County, Kenya. Specifically, the study examined how budgetary allocation, competence of Sunday-school teachers and also how administrative support influence Sunday-school as a mission field in the aforementioned church. The study was guided by the Bosch’s paradigm theory of mission. The population of 548 Sunday-school instructors, youth, parents of Sunday-school children, pastors, and administrators at the AIC Bondeni Local Church was studied using a descriptive survey design. Stratified random sampling was used to select 85 congregants from the research population. To obtain data, a detailed self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was pilot tested before being used to collect data for the main study, in order to determine its validity and reliability. Prior to data collection, all necessary permits and consents were obtained. The collected data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively with the aid of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences software. Results were presented using tables. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. Results revealed that budgetary allocation, teachers’ competence, and administrative support have a positive and statistically significant influence on the success of Sunday-school as a mission field. Teachers’ competence had the strongest influence on Sunday-school success while administrative support had the least. From the discoveries, the study recommends that AIC Bondeni and other churches should create budgetary allocation for teachers’ stipends, assess the theological understanding of Sunday-school teachers, create continual teachers’ training and development programmes, and enhance church leaders’ involvement in the planning and implementation of church activities.
Debt Collection Strategy, Industry Rivalry and Customer Satisfaction in Financial Institutions in Somalia
(KeMU, 2023-08) Sultan, Ahmed Ali Ahmed
Customer satisfaction is an important indicator of an organization's performance. Customer satisfaction with financial institution’s products, services, and procedures is crucial because performance is central to strategic management. However, while customer service in financial institutions in Somalia is generally high, the customer satisfaction is very low as per the existing service statistics. Banks in Somalia have been experiencing low bill collection and increase in bad debts. Although the problem of customer satisfaction and increase in bad debts continue to persist in financial institutions in Somalia, Studies focusing on customer satisfaction and debt collection strategies are scanty. The purpose of this study therefore was to determine how a debt collection component of an operational strategy affects customers' satisfaction within Somalia's financial institutions. Although the operations strategy of the financial institution is operationalized through the use of debt collection practices, it was unknown how these strategies affected customer satisfaction in Somalia's financial institutions. This study looked at how the relationship between customer satisfaction and financial institutions in Somalia was moderated by debt collector behavior, proactive and reactive debt collection strategies, and industry competition. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed in this study. Primary data were gathered from 215 Somalian employees of a financial institution through the use of a structured questionnaire. To determine the relationship between the debt collection strategy and customer satisfaction, all hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics derived from correlation and regression analysis at the 5% level of significance (p=0.05). Inferential statistics involved the use of binary logistic regression. Descriptive statistics involved the use of frequencies percentages and cross tabulations. Reactive debt collection and the behavior of debt collectors were significantly correlated with customer satisfaction, but not with a proactive debt collection strategy. In logistic regression analysis, it was also found that the behavior of debt collectors and reactive debt collection positively influenced customer satisfaction (p 0.05). However, proactive debt collection did not significantly affect customer satisfaction (p>0.05). In addition, competition in the industry had little effect on the relationship between debt collection strategy and customer satisfaction. In light of the findings of this study, it is recommended that financial institutions in Somalia improve their responsive obligation collection procedures and practices for better execution. Future studies should focus on other strategies that can enhance customer satisfaction in financial institutions in Somalia other that debt collection strategies.
Determinants of Sustainable Competitive Advantage Within Food and Beverage Firms in Kenya
(2014-06) Stephen, Laititi Mutunga
Urbanization is proceeding at a high pace with urban dwellers expected to outnumber rural population in the near future. The demand for processed foods with shorter preparation periods that offer convenience for the urban population is high and is set to increase. This calls for higher processing capacity in the food and beverage industries. Stiff competition is already being experienced in this industry in Kenya which calls for firms to position themselves strategically to survive. Investment in competitive strategies by companies in this industry is critical for their survival and will determine their success or collapse in future. This study aimed at empirically analyzing the nature of competitive strategies companies in the food and beverage sector engaged in to acquire sustainable competitive advantage, and the drivers underlying that competitiveness. Purposive sampling of 95 food and beverage firms located in Nairobi and Mombasa and their environs and registered with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers was done. The study was designed as a survey of all the firms targeting the chief executive, the finance/marketing manager or the human resource manager as respondents. The study design was descriptive. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. The data was then coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). From the 95 firms surveyed, 32 successfully participated giving a response rate of 33.7 percent. Statistical analysis revealed that cost leadership generic strategy was significant as a predictor of sustainable competitive advantage while differentiation was not. On effects of firm resources on sustainable competitive advantage, the study found that effects of organizational structure were statistically significant and critical to success of firms in this industry. The use of human capital in innovative adaptation was found statistically significant for owner/chairman and executive management. Dynamic operational efficiency was found to be driven mostly by efficiency of production processes which was statistically significant while effects of selected macroeconomic factors of inflation, exchange rates and interest rates were not statistically significant. The failure at significance tests of macroeconomic factors meant that the factors were not critical at influencing the business environment of the food and beverage firms in Kenya. The findings of this study are important in academia, industry, and government by adding to the body of knowledge and enlightening on the competitive nature of the food and beverage industry in Kenya. The findings are enriching in the developing areas of resource capability configurations (resource based view of the firm) and the linkage with generic strategies in the Kenyan environment. The findings will be useful to investors especially in the food and beverage sector which is the leading one in Kenya in the background of devolved governments and development of counties as well as rapidly growing urban centers which are the new frontiers for industrialization. Use of perceptual performance data for sustainable competitive advantage was found appropriate and longitudinal or time series studies as well as use of secondary data on performance is recommended for future research on this subject.
Determinants of Uptake of Mortgage Financing for home ownership in Kenya
(kemu, 2022-09) Kigomo, Juliah Ruguru
Since mortgage financing is a valuable method of funding real estate investment, inadequate housing and the proliferation of slums in cities remain a crucial developmental issue that countries continue to contend with in most developingcountries. However, little is known about what limits home ownership throughthismode of financing in Kenya. This study examined the influence of economic, demographic, social, and technological factors on uptake of mortgage financingfor home ownership, and how government policy affected this relationship. The positivist philosophy with descriptive survey design was adopted. Data collection sheets wereused for collection of secondary data from published sources. Frequencies, means, standard deviations and inferential statistics were calculated from the collecteddata. Upon analysis of data collected, findings showed that economic factors did not haveastatistically significant effect on uptake of mortgage financing for home ownershipinKenya. The demographic factors, social factors and technological factors had a positiveand significant effect on uptake of mortgage financing for home ownership in Kenya. However, results from published secondary data showed that while some economicfactors (GDP and population growth rate) had a significant relationship with uptakeof mortgage financing for home ownership, some (lending rate and inflation rates) didnot. The findings from the regression analysis were that GDP per capita and inflationratehad a statistically significant positive influence on uptake of mortgage financingfor home ownership, while lending interest had insignificant effect on uptake of mortgagefinancing for home ownership; population growth rate had a significant negative effect on uptake of mortgage financing for home ownership. Lastly, government policies hadasignificant moderating effect on the relationship between the four factors (economic, demographic, social and technological) and uptake of mortgage financing for homeownership. It is therefore recommended that mortgage providers finance ownershipof low-income houses which the majority of Kenyans with low incomes can afford. Moreover, the public should formalize their informal incomes as proof of their credit worthiness when they seek mortgages and ability to pay for the mortgage. Further, thestakeholders in the mortgage market including Capital Market Authority, and Nairobi Securities Exchange should develop a secondary mortgage market to improve access. Mortgage liquidity facilities to benefit the entire sector and development of a Mortgagecovered bond systems aimed at institutional investors should indeed be embracedbylarger lenders. This will necessitate an evaluation of pension scheme and insurancecompany investment policies in order to able to match them with housing needs.