IJMLS Volume V issue 2

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.mua.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1573

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND LEADERSHIP AGILITY: CONCEPTS AND THEIR APPLICATION
(management university of africa, 2024-11) Prof. Thomas Katua Ngui
The digital transformation taking place globally has necessitated the adoption of artificial intelligence in all sectors of the economy. This adoption of artificial intelligence has also been used by leaders in all industries to help them improve on their performance. The use of AI is witnessed mainly in the performance of the hard aspects of leadership hence leaving the leaders with only the soft aspects of leadership to deal with. Adoption of AI in leadership has contributed to improved agility hence giving the organizations a competitive edge over the organizations that have not yet adopted AI. Agility is when people have the capabilities and understanding to respond quickly to disruption, capitalize on new opportunities and address threats (Adamopoulos, 2021). Despite the adoption of AI having its own challenges the benefits of AI by far out way the challenges encountered while using AI.
ETHICAL AI AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP IN RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION
(management university of africa, 2024-11) Rutto, Benard.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) presents significant opportunities and challenges for sustainable development. Ethical considerations in AI development and deployment are crucial to ensuring these technologies benefit society and do not exacerbate existing inequalities or create new ethical dilemmas. This paper explores the intersection of ethical AI, sustainable development, and the pivotal role of leadership in fostering responsible innovation. By examining frameworks, case studies, and leadership strategies, the paper highlights how leaders can guide ethical AI practices to support sustainable development goals (SDGs).
DATA-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP: PIONEERING INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODELS
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Maingi, Jefferson Tua
The integration of data-driven strategies in business leadership has revolutionized decision-making processes, enabling more accurate, timely, and sustainable business models. In an era where data is considered a vital asset, leaders who effectively leverage data can drive significant innovation and sustainability in their organizations. This paper explores the critical role of data-driven leadership in fostering innovation and promoting sustainable business practices. Through an in-depth analysis of case studies and existing literature, the paper highlights the transformative impact of data analytics on leadership, the benefits of adopting a data-driven approach, and the challenges associated with its implementation. Furthermore, the paper discusses future prospects and emerging trends in data-driven leadership, offering insights into how organizations can harness the power of data to achieve long-term sustainability and competitive advantage.
ASSESSING THE AWARENESS OF AGENDA 2063 ON GENDER DEVELOPMENT IN MALINDI, KENYA
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Dr. Dorothy Tsuma; Evans Makasanda
This study assessed the awareness of Agenda 2063 on gender development in Malindi, Kenya, aiming to explore its implementation and impact within the local community. Malindi, a coastal town in Kenya, represents a diverse demographic with specific socioeconomic challenges that necessitate targeted gender development strategies. Despite global and national commitments to gender equality, local implementation and awareness of Agenda 2063 remain understudied, highlighting a critical research gap. Statistics indicate that only 30% of the population in Malindi is aware of Agenda 2063, with serious disparities in understanding its gender-focused initiatives. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the extent of Agenda 2063 awareness on gender development in Malindi, emphasizing its relevance and potential impact on socio-economic outcomes. This study was anchored on Gender and Development Theory. The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population comprised community members, local authorities, and civil society organizations actively engaged in gender-related initiatives in Malindi. Data collection involved structured questionnaires distributed among 250 respondents, selected through stratified sampling. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS for quantitative data, focusing on descriptive statistics and inferential tests to assess awareness levels. The analysis involved both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Key findings indicated a moderate awareness level of Agenda 2063 on gender development in Malindi, with 45% of respondents expressing familiarity with its objectives and principles. Further analysis revealed that awareness levels varied significantly across different demographic groups. For instance, younger respondents and those with higher education levels were more likely to be aware of Agenda 2063. Additionally, respondents actively engaged with local authorities or civil society organizations showed higher levels of awareness and understanding of the gender-focused initiatives under Agenda 2063. However, significant gaps existed in understanding specific strategies and implementation mechanisms. The study concludes that there is need for localized advocacy and capacity building efforts to advance gender development goals in Malindi. Moreover, the study concludes that there is a need for localized advocacy and capacity-building efforts to advance gender development goals in Malindi. In view of the findings, the study recommends enhancing educational programs to raise awareness about Agenda 2063 and its gender-related objectives. Strengthening community outreach is also essential to ensure that information reaches all segments of the population. Furthermore, fostering partnerships between local authorities and civil society organizations within Malindi c facilitate the dissemination of information and the implementation of gender development strategies. In view of the findings, the study recommends that there is need to enhance educational programs, strengthening community outreach, and fostering partnerships between local authorities and civil society organizations within Malindi. These efforts are crucial for realizing Agenda 2063's vision of inclusive development and gender equality across Kenya.
THE ROLE OF PROJECT LEADERS' COMPETENCE IN EMR IMPLEMENTATION: INSIGHTS FROM NYANDARUA COUNTY, KENY
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Hungu W. Noree; Nyaga G. Juster, PhD
The implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems is critical for enhancing healthcare delivery, yet resource-constrained settings like Nyandarua County, Kenya, face persistent challenges. This study investigates the impact of project leaders’ competence on the successful implementation of EMR systems within healthcare facilities. Anchored in Change Management and Adaptive Leadership theories, the research employs a cross-sectional design, collecting data from 62 healthcare professionals through structured questionnaires. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between leadership competence and EMR implementation success (β = .351, p < .05), explaining 7.1% of the variance in effectiveness. However, gaps in soft skills, such as team-building, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving, were identified as critical challenges. The study underscores the need for targeted leadership development programs and enhanced change management strategies aligned with infrastructural improvements. Recommendations include integrating soft skills training into leadership capacity-building initiatives and addressing systemic barriers to foster sustainable EMR adoption. These insights provide valuable contributions to healthcare leadership discourse and inform strategies for strengthening EMR implementation in resource-limited contexts.
AI-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP: SHAPING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES THROUGH INNOVATION
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Sande Noelyne Nasubo
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a central technology in industries across the globe, driving innovation, improving operational efficiency, and enabling more sustainable practices. With the increasing urgency to address global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and rising social inequalities, AI presents an opportunity for businesses and governments to make meaningful progress toward sustainability. This article examines the transformative role of AI in sustainability, exploring how AI-driven leadership can shape a sustainable future through innovation. Focusing on sectors such as energy, agriculture, waste management, and social equity, it discusses how AI technologies can drive environmental stewardship, enhance social responsibility, and stimulate economic growth. Additionally, the paper explores the role of visionary leadership in adopting AI-driven strategies that align with sustainability goals while ensuring ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI deployment. By addressing both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI, this article provides a comprehensive overview of AI's role in shaping a sustainable, AI-enabled future.
SMART TECHNOLOGIES AND SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP: DRIVING INNOVATION IN THE DIGITAL ERA
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Sande Noelyne Nasubo
In the context of the rapidly evolving digital era, smart technologies are transforming the way industries operate, creating new opportunities for innovation and sustainability. These technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, smart grids, and automation—offer substantial benefits across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and energy. However, the integration of smart technologies requires leadership that embraces sustainability principles to ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably and do not come at the cost of the environment or social well-being. This article explores the dynamic relationship between smart technologies, sustainable leadership, and innovation, focusing on how organizations can strategically leverage these technologies for long-term, sustainable growth. It also discusses the challenges of adopting these technologies, the role of ethical leadership in their governance, and the strategies that leaders can employ to foster an inclusive, responsible, and sustainable digital future.
LEVERAGING BIG DATA FOR SOCIAL IMPACT: LEADERSHIP IN DATA GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Kuria, Benard
Big data is transforming the way societies address complex and systemic issues, offering the potential to revolutionize how social challenges are identified, understood, and tackled. From climate change to healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation, data-driven insights hold the promise of profound social impact. However, realizing this potential is not without its challenges. To fully harness the power of big data while safeguarding privacy, promoting equity, and ensuring long-term sustainability, robust leadership in data governance is essential. This article explores the intersection of big data, leadership in data governance, and sustainability. It examines the role of leaders in shaping ethical data practices, creating inclusive and equitable data governance frameworks, and ensuring that data solutions contribute to the social, environmental, and economic well-being of future generations.
UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COLLABORATIONS IN AFRICA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES TO SUCCESSFUL ENGAGEMENTS
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Dr. Angeline Wambui Wambugu
University-Industry collaborations in Africa have been identified as a vital component for economic growth, job creation, driving innovation, and societal development. The study aimed at identifying the barriers and challenges to successful university-industry collaborations in Africa. The study adopted a systematic review method. Following a search of the Google Scholar database and application of the exclusion criteria, 33 relevant articles were selected for an in-depth analysis. The review categorized barriers into Contextual barriers, university-related barriers and industry-related barriers. The study concluded that inadequate resources are a major barrier that affects the ability to implement partnerships, and hampers the trust and confidence of industries in collaborating with universities. Additionally, financial and human resource constraints can affect the ability of SMEs to form partnerships with universities. In addition, the role of governments is crucial in encouraging university-industry collaborations, in keeping with the concept of the Triple Helix model. The government needs to craft policies that encourage firms to collaborate with universities while providing tax incentives to those industries that have such collaborations. Furthermore, the government can enhance the development of university-industry collaboration through a direct role in providing funds for universities and R&D projects and a regulatory role that shapes intellectual property rights. Finally, the service sector and SMEs offer underutilized opportunities for partnerships with universities. Areas of future research were also discussed.
THE IMPACT OF BUSINESS SCALING ON ENTREPRENEURIAL GROWTH
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Elvis Ingadi Ludenyo; Dr. Agnes Korir
Entrepreneurship is sometimes idealized as a quest motivated by passion and tenacity, but what really distinguishes successful businesses from transient startups? The complicated link between entrepreneurship and business expansion is investigated in this paper together with the necessary traits enabling scalability in the present competitive market. The objective of this study is to transcend conventional business discourse and ascertain the essential principles that facilitate the transformation of startups into high growth organizations. We examine the interplay between entrepreneurial attitude, strategic agility, innovation ecosystems, and access to financing in determining long-term success. We analyze the significance of digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and global market integration in contemporary business expansion. Methodologically, this study uses a mixed-methods approach combining case studies with qualitative insights from company executives and successful entrepreneurs with quantitative data from industry reports and market analytics. Examined is peer-reviewed material from the past five years in order to identify trends in high-growth businesses spanning many sectors. Also provided are actual case studies of companies who have overcome the odds by using strategic pivoting, disruptive innovation, and strong leadership to scale successfully. Findings indicate that although finance access is still vital, growth-oriented companies give adaptability, customer-centric innovation top priority along with strong digital infrastructure. Furthermore, companies who embrace sustainability and social impact not only get competitive benefits but also build investor trust in a time of conscious capitalism. The paper emphasizes even more the growing relevance of entrepreneurial ecosystems—were cooperation among entrepreneurs, investors, legislators, and academics promotes faster development. This research contests traditional beliefs, highlighting that entrepreneurship beyond mere firm creation; it involves orchestrating growth. This research paper provides a framework for businesses, governments, and investors hoping to create globally competitive, scalable, and resilient companies by synthesizing factual facts and expert opinions. This research paper enhances the current discussion on business evolution by providing practical techniques for traversing the intricate and frequently uncertain journey of entrepreneurial success. The findings are an essential resource for corporate executives and academia, emphasizing that sustainable growth is not coincidental but rather purposefully designed.
SUSTAINABLE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN MULTINATIONAL FIRMS IN KENYA
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Grace Wanjiru Kibobo; Carolyne Mungai
Stakeholders play a crucial role in shaping sustainable HRM practices in organizations. These HRM practices include policies and procedures for managing an organization’s workforce (Armstrong & Taylor, 2023). Despite the recognized benefits, there are notable gaps in literature regarding the implementation of sustainable HRM practices in the multinational firms, particularly in developing countries. In Kenya, the agricultural sector still remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy despite its share to GDP declining over the years to 21.3% (Central Bank of Kenya, 2024). With such a small portion of the total national budget, there emerges a local investment insufficiency that is escalated by weak agricultural production factors and lack of advancement in farming techniques. To deal with this, the government encourages foreign investors, through the inflow of multinational companies and foreign direct investments, to fill in the insufficiency in local production. However, the question to address is whether the MNC embrace sustainable human resource management practices in search for their economic goals. To contribute to the understanding of the relationship between sustainability and human resource management practices, this study conducted a survey on employee development and employee engagement and analyzed their impact on sustainability of human resource management practices in multinational firms. The study collected primary data through open ended questionnaires which were administered to 96 employees of Kazuki Limited, out of which 60 questionnaires were filled and returned. The development of the questions in the questionnaire to measure employee engagement and employee development was based on a study by (Stankeviciuses & Savanevičiene, 2018). In addition, the study adopted a measurement scale by (Yu et al., 2021) to measure sustainable human resource management practices. The correlation analysis results established that the sustainability of HR practices of multinationals operating in Kenya’s Agricultural Sector was positive and significant with the employee development at 0.591. Thus, employee development was found to have a positive and significant impact on the sustainability of human resource practices in multinational firms. The study contributes to the debate on stakeholder’s value as well as acts as a policy guide for multinational firms. The study recommends that multinationals operating in Kenya’s Agricultural Sector prioritizes employee development by integrating it in their sustainable goals.
LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING REMOTE AND HYBRID TEAMS
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Leseiyo Moses; Derow Aden Ali (PhD); Osoro Jared Nyaema
The shift to remote and hybrid work models has significantly transformed traditional workplace dynamics, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for leaders. This study investigates the leadership strategies essential for managing remote and hybrid teams in Kenyan organizations, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The research addresses a critical problem: the lack of effective leadership strategies to overcome communication barriers, ensure employee engagement, and foster team cohesion in dispersed work environments. The study’s key objectives include examining the role of communication, trust-building, inclusivity, emotional intelligence, and the integration of AI tools in fostering productivity, adaptability, and long-term sustainability within teams. The study’s target population includes 200 leaders in Nairobi's telecommunications, banking, and technology sectors, and a stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 50 participants. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, which were tested for validity and reliability through a pilot study. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Key findings reveal that 85% of the leaders surveyed indicated that adaptive leadership strategies, combined with AI-driven tools, significantly enhanced team performance, trust, and inclusivity in hybrid and remote environments. Furthermore, 70% of respondents reported that emotional intelligence played a crucial role in overcoming challenges related to employee engagement and cohesion. The study recommends the development and implementation of leadership training programs focusing on adaptive leadership styles, emotional intelligence, and the integration of AI technologies to address the unique challenges of managing remote and hybrid teams. These findings offer a practical roadmap for organizations to remain resilient, adaptable, and competitive in an evolving digital landscape, ensuring long-term success in the face of remote work’s growing prominence.
EQUALITY AND EQUITY ISSUES RELATING TO ONLINE TEACHING IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Mrs. Mabel Odima; Dr. Agnes Korir
There is an increasing concern on the major gap that exists in the level of equality and equity that emanates from online learning. During the Covid lockdown that occurred worldwide four years ago, online teaching and learning was adopted as the most viable avenue to ensure continuity of learning. It was an alternative that produced both equality and equity challenges from the onset. The objective of this desktop research is to address the gender issues around equality among the different sexes of university students in the same home. It focused on which gender was allowed time to concentrate on learning and why. Was the male child allowed to concentrate with studies while the female interrupted to perform other duties amidst learning. Was fairness practiced or were there discrepancies in how parents administered online learning? Equity, which is a by-product emanating from the process, will only focus on the effect of preferential treatment on one gender over the other on how that would in turn hamper with the future opportunities of the affected gender. A cross-sectional review of recent studies was analyzed to compare results and draw conclusions which led to certain possible positive recommendations on curbing the effects post lockdown as well as prevention of reoccurrence of the same in case of any future pandemic or global lockdown. The essence is to recognize that each person may have different circumstances, but resources and time must be allocated equally to enable all reach an equal outcome.
THE INTERSECTION OF DIGITAL INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY: LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Kamuti, Tony Kiilu
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has brought about transformative changes across industries, offering both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. This intersection of digital innovation and sustainability requires leaders to navigate a dynamic landscape where technological advancements must align with sustainable development goals. This paper examines the critical role of leadership in integrating digital innovation with sustainability, highlighting the challenges leaders face and the opportunities they can leverage. Through a detailed analysis of case studies and theoretical frameworks, the paper explores how leaders can foster a culture of innovation while ensuring that their organizations contribute to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The discussion includes practical strategies for overcoming barriers and driving sustainable innovation in a digital age.
BIG DATA COMPLEXITY AND PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA
(management university of africa, 2025-11) Gyaviira Ogola; David Nzuki
The banking industry is fast moving away from the traditional manual methods to sophisticated digital methods of doing business that is leading to production of large quantities of customer data. Despite the migration to digital era, commercial banks are still struggling to remain a float with some of them having been placed under receivership due to deteriorating performance. This study sought to determine the effect of big data complexity on performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study used an explanatory research approach. The target group consisted of all 39 commercial banks that were registered as of December 31, 2020. Descriptive statistics was used to explain the nature of the study variables through the use of inferential statistics. Linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the study variables. The results showed that big data complexity had a significant effect on performance According to the study, management of Kenyan commercial banks should make sure that big data capabilities are user-friendly when used, employ enough human resources to effectively integrate big data capabilities into operations, ensure that staff members have no trouble using big data capabilities, and make sure that staff members have no trouble understanding or interpreting the information in big data technologies to improve performance. The research also recommends that commercial banks in Kenya should ensure that it is simple to test out big data capabilities to see if customer expectations are met and be able to pilot big data capabilities before deciding to adopt it for performance improvement.
CONTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE GROUP SAVINGS & LOAN PROJECT TO HOUSEHOLD ECONOMIC WELFARE IN KIBERA, NAIROBI COUNTY.
(management university of africa, 2025-11) David Akilimali Chipinde
Community empowerment projects are initiated and designed to meet the felt needs of the target group in the community. However, most of the community empowerment projects experience major challenges in their life cycle thus begging the question whether they have any effects on the lives of the community members. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of community participation in the Group Savings & Loan Project to household economic welfare in Kibera, Nairobi County; The study was a descriptive using census of 98 members of Group Savings & Loan Project (GSL). Data, primary, was collected from the members and project team using a semi-structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Secondary data was obtained from project documents. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for analysis of quantitative data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data, which was presented in tables and bar charts as frequencies and percentages, and used to draw conclusions and make inferences. Qualitative data from the interviews was analyzed thematically and presented in a narrative format. The findings revealed that stakeholder participation contributes to 19.6% variance in Household economic welfare, R Square=.196, β=.442, p<.05. The study concluded that stakeholder participation has a positive contribution to household economic welfare of project beneficiaries. It is recommended that the savings and loans project enhance its stakeholder participation. These results have the potential to improve the economic status of community members through income generation and the satisfaction of basic needs by providing community development and government officials with the appropriate knowledge necessary to effectively manage and implement community empowerment projects.