MASTERS THESIS AND PHD DISSERTATIONS

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PSYCHOSOCIAL CHALLENGES FACING WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN KENYA: A SURVEY OF KAKAMEGA COUNTY
(Management University of Africa, 2020-08) AMBUNDO LYSTONE SACHIEL
The general objective of the study is to establish the psychosocial challenges women face in political leadership in Kakamega County Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the effect of marginalization on women participation in political leadership; to determine the effect of patriarchal biases on women participation in political leadership; to find out the influence of lack of family support on women participation; to investigate the effect of political barriers on women participation in political leadership. This study adopted correlation design where both quantitative and qualitative data was collected. The target population comprised of women political leaders who participated in political leadership in Kakamega County. The census of all the 48 women was sampled, with data collected using questionnaires. Data analysis was aided by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23. Qualitative data was analyzed by narrative reporting, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The response rate was at 91.67 % which was above average and sufficient to continue with the data analysis. Marginalization had a positive linearly significant influence on participation of women in political leadership. Women participating in elective positions are considered as unruly characters in society with society dissuading women from elective positions. Patriarchal biases had a positive linearly significant influence on participation of women in political leadership. Family support had a positive linearly significant influence on participation of women in political leadership. The findings established that women rarely get financial backing from the family members for elective positions with financing of women for political leadership viewed as waste of resources. The study established that political barriers had a positive linearly significant influence on participation of women in political leadership. Political barriers was the most important factor in influencing participation of women in political leadership followed by marginalization, family support and the least was patriarchal biases. The study concluded that political barriers were the most important factor in diminishing participation of women in political leadership. The study concluded that marginalization is a common feature in diminishing the prospects of women participation in elective positions. The study concluded that for women to succeed and fully participate in politics, fighting and overcoming patriarchal obstacles is a necessity in order to achieve the 30% quota desired by the constitution. The study concluded that support of women by family and society at large is an important component of empowering women aspiration and prospect for participation in politics. The study recommendation is that since marginalization is a common challenge, there is need for positive social change to educate public on elimination of discrimination to support equity for women to participate fully in the political process. The study recommended that to overcome patriarchal biases and ensure fairness in political participation of women, measures should be taken to compensate for historical and political psychosocial disadvantages that prevent women from participation in politics. The study recommended that to reinvigorate family support for women participation in politics, economic empowerment of women, education and access to information, may act as an effective tool. On areas for further studies and for comparative analysis, the study on psychosocial challenges women face in political leadership in Kakamega County Kenya may be cascaded to other regions in Kenya.
LEADERSHIP STYLES AND MANAGEMENT OF CHURCH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA; A SURVEY OF SELECTED PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN NYERI TOWN SUB COUNTY
(Management University of Africa, 2020-09) GATHUMA JANE MUTHONI
This study was undertaken on leadership styles and management of church youth development in Kenya, a survey of selected Pentecostal churches in Nyeri Town Subcounty. The objectives of the study were to assess the influence of transformational leadership style, democratic leadership style, strategic leadership style and the servant leadership style and management of church youth development in selected Pentecostal churches in Kenya. The study used strategic leadership theory, transformational leadership theory and servant leadership theory. The study was anchored on transformative leadership theory as church leaders are able to inspire followers to change expectations, perceptions, and motivations in order to work towards common goals. The study used a descriptive survey research design, where the target population was purposively selected. The study used census method where data was collected using self-administered questionnaires from 57 youth officials, with 48 of them responding sufficiently from the seven selected Pentecostal churches in Nyeri Town Sub-County. The study findings were that transformational leadership style was the most significant variable, followed by strategic leadership style, then servant leadership style and finally democratic leadership style. The study concluded that once youth are taught on the leadership skills and roles in the church system, they can assume the leadership position with confidence and certainty; strategic leadership style triggers the youth to be future oriented thereby allowing their development on the church affairs which leads to increased management of church youth while youth officials have the requisite skills for management of church systems, but their capacity is not embraced in church activities by the selected Pentecostal churches in Nyeri Town Sub County. The study recommended that youth need engagement in teaching, training and supervising them while undertaking the church activities; for democratic leadership style study advocated for avenues of skills impartation, capacity building programmed and inclusion of the youth in church decision making; strategic leadership style called for church youth leadership to organize meetings, gather relevant data on leadership, and participate in designing, implementing and reviewing of church policies; and for servant leadership style the study recommended that there is need for environment diversity of youth opinions coupled by church youth participation, cultivating a culture of inclusivity and trust of the youth in the affairs of the church, and managing the church youth development through the persuasion and creating incentives for the youth that triggers their leadership in selected Pentecostal churches in Nyeri Town Sub County. The study recommends that for comparative analysis the same study can be replicated to other regions in Kenya and in other churches.
SERVICESCAPE, STAFF MOTIVATION AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA: A SURVEY OF MOMBASA COUNTY
(Management University of Africa, 2020-09) ARIF GULAMHUSSEIN
The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between services cape and employee performance in commercial banks in Kenya by conducting a survey in Mombasa County. Specifically, the study endeavored to determine the relationship between ambient conditions and employee performance, to determine the relationship between spatial layout and employee performance; to determine the relationship between signage and employee performance and to establish whether services cape leads to motivation of employees leading to employee performance in commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed correlational design. The population of the study comprised of all individuals in employment with commercial banks based in Mombasa County. The primary data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire obtained from one hundred and fifty (150) participants. To help in the determination of the relationship between services cape and employee performance, a regression model was used. The study found out that commercial banks largely put in place measures to ensure ambient working conditions, spatial layout dimensions of services cape and adopted the use of signage to a large extent. Further, it was found out that employee motivation moderates the relationship between services cape and employee performance. The study also found out that spatial layout and employee performance had a low positive significant correlation while employee motivation and employee performance was found to have a moderate positive and significant correlation and the correlation. The study also found out that ambient conditions and employee performance have a low positive but non-significant correlation while at the same time, signage and employee performance have a low positive but insignificant correlation. The regression analysis found a significant relationship between services cape and employee performance. The study therefore concluded that there is a significant relationship between services cape and employee performance. The study also concluded that commercial banks have adopted services cape dimensions including spatial layout, ambient conditions and signage. Regarding employee motivation, the study concluded that the commercial banks realized improved employee motivation due to services cape by reducing stress levels, improving the self-esteem of employees, reduction of levels of absenteeism and reduction of staff turnover. The researcher recommends that managers of commercial banks should find mechanisms of improving the initiation and use of services cape dimensions. This is because banks are often the focus of the public and hence must provide a good services cape to attract them into banking, besides improving market share. The researcher also recommends that the commercial banks should create effective services cape elements such as ambient condition, space function, sign, symbols and artifacts.
DETERMINANTS OF COMPETITIVENESS OF PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS IN KENYA: A CASE OF AUTOSTERILE EAST AFRICA, KENYA
(MUA, 2020-10) MARGARET WAMBUI KAMAU
This study investigated the determinants of competitiveness of pharmaceutical manufacturers in Kenya: a case of Autosterile East Africa, Kenya. The specific objectives were to examine how economic growth, management efficiency, business environment efficiency and business facility infrastructure influence competitiveness of locally manufactured goods in Autosterile East Africa, Kenya. This study used descriptive survey design. This study used census sampling to involve 69 respondents; 8 top level employees, 22 middle level employees and 39 lower level employees in Autosterile East Africa. Questionnaires used in the survey formed the primary data and was analyzed by use of Statistical Packages for Social Science version 25. Multiple regression analysis was done to test the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The study findings found out that economic growth, management efficiency, business environment efficiency and business facility infrastructure all have a positive relationship with competitiveness of locally manufactured goods. Business environment efficiency was the most significant determinant of competitiveness of locally manufactured goods. From the findings, it was highlighted that a large number of respondents agreed that the GDP has influenced the competition among our competitors a mean of 1.23 and a standard deviation 0.12. A large number of respondents agreed that organization structure of firms dictates its competitive advantage over other firms as shown by a mean of 1.22 and a standard deviation 0.15. A majority agreed that demand for goods and services influences competition of goods and services as shown by a mean of 1.58 and a standard deviation 0.29 while a large number agreed that political stability has an impact in competition among firms as shown by a mean of 1.68 and a standard deviation 0.64. The government of Kenya need to boost the Economic Growth in order to enhance the competitiveness of Locally Manufactured Goods. This can be done by providing subsidies to business owners and fund the SMEs in starting up business. The locally manufactured goods firms should enhance their management efficiency so as to better their competitiveness of their locally manufactured goods. This can be done by the firm’s management developing leadership structures that are efficient.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRISIS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFOMANCE OF PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN KENYA; A SURVEY OF PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN NAIROBI.
(Management University of Africa, 2020-11) MOSES MUKURIA
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Crisis-Management (CM) and the pharmaceutical manufacturing firms’ performance. As such, the research examines the connection between CM and the performance of firms in Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. The study seeks to identify prevention of crisis influences pharmaceutical manufacturing companies performance; to explore the influence of crisis containment on pharmaceutical manufacturing company’s performance; to evaluate business communication affect pharmaceutical manufacturing company’s performance. The research relies on the descriptive survey design, where the study’s target population included 1 Managing director and 1 Chief finance officer from the 22 registered pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nairobi County since they will provide response on different aspects of performance. This brought the total to 22 Managing directors and 22 chief finance officers. The total population was 44 respondents. Census was used for the study where 44 respondents. Firms were unit of analysis while the population was the unit of observation. A fact-based conclusion was made using primary research. Questionnaires were used to obtain primary data. Data analysis was done through SPSS Version 22.0 and the descriptive statistical methods which included the averages, mean and percentages. The data was presented through tables, bar graphs and pie charts. On whether activities are well planned during crisis, majority of respondents disagreed as evidenced by (M=2.0750; SD=0. 47434). On whether activities are well coordinated to handle crisis, majority of respondents disagreed as evidenced by (M= 1.9500; SD=0.95943). On whether activities are well coordinated to handle crisis, majority of respondents disagreed as evidenced by (M= 1.9500; SD=0.95943). The study recommended that to effectively detect crisis, pharmaceutical firms should have in place a team to analyze crisis before they happen. To effectively prevent crisis from happening, they should have clear plans on how to come out of crisis. The companies should have improved capacity and well-coordinated crisis management activities by regularly training and equipping staff with necessary equipment’s required to respond to crisis on time. The firms should ensure that the communication channels used to communicate crisis reaches many people. Suggestion for further study is recommended to identify other crisis management practices which can improve performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. The study concluded that pharmaceutical company’s management did not take time to analyze the crisis in the organization. Pharmaceutical companies lack effective monitoring mechanisms. There was regular assessment by pharmaceutical companies to detect crisis. On whether crisis is well explained, companies tried to explain the crisis. There was no proper planning to prevent crisis from happening. There were no proper policies in place to enable pharmaceutical firms deal with crisis. There were no effective quality control measures in place to prevent crisis from occurring. Employees of pharmaceutical firms were not well equipped with skills that can enable them prevent crisis from happening. Pharmaceutical firms had put in place physical system has been put in place to handle crisis. There was regular audit on crisis management activities. Crisis containment activities were not well coordinated. There was no proper evaluation during crisis. Many pharmaceutical firms lacked capacity to handle crisis. There were no proper measures to prevent income loss in the company during crisis. Pharmaceutical firms have invested in proper monitoring activities which enable them monitor crisis. The communication channels used by pharmaceutical firms were not effective in communicating crisis. There was no effective communication between customers and pharmaceutical firms; this affected the ability to handle crisis on time. Further study was necessary to identify more crisis management practices.
STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION, CAPITAL STRUCTURE, MACRO ENVIRONMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF ENERGY SECTOR INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA
(2020-11) ODHIAMBO JOHN MUDANY; Dr. Nicholas Kibiwott Letting PhD; Prof. Gituro Wainaina PhD
MANAGERIAL ROLES AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE IN PUBLIC TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA: CASE STUDY OF THE KENYA SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT, BARINGO CAMPUS
(Management University of Africa, 2020-11) EDDAH CHEPKURUI CHERUIYOT
The limited ease of managerial support, ineffective communication, inadequate training, stalled stakeholder input or involvement has been zeroed in as areas of concern in change management in particular with Government institutions. This study aimed to evidence contextually by assessing the role of managers in implementing technological change in an organization at the Kenya School of Government. The study was motivated by the concern of slow and abnormal resistance witnessed with emerging technological changes aimed at transforming the performance of organization. Institutions of learning are knowledge management centered and therefore, utilization of recent technologies to stem up performance such as efficiency, employee performance, corporate relationships and internal knowledge management mechanisms is integral. The limited ease of managerial support, ineffective communication, inadequate training, stalled stakeholder input or involvement have been zeroed in as areas of concern in change management in particular with Government institutions. Therefore, this study was poised to examine the effect of environment, , managerial behavior, and the extent to which training contributes influenced technological change at the Kenya School of Government. Resource based Theory, Lewin’s Three-step Change Theory, The Dynamic Capability Theory, Knowledge-Based Theory, and Managerial Hegemony Theory guided this study. The study adopted descriptive research design in undertaking this study. The study was conducted at the Kenya School of Government covering 178 employees who are staffers at the institution. Through, simple random sampling technique, the study sampled 50% of the target population to inform and respond to the questionnaire which is the main research instrument for data collection. The study utilized descriptive statistic design to analyze on data collected from the field. Presentation of results was in form of graphs, charts and tabulated tables with respective interpretations and discussions provided. The study found out that there is an effect of environment, communication, managerial behavior, and training on the implementation of technological changes of institutions. The study is important to the departments, Agencies, County and National Governments in Kenya, the Council and management of the Kenya School of Government, staffers and technological service providers, academicians and researchers with interest in change management, leadership and general management of public.
BUSINESS STRATEGIES, GOVERNMENT POLICIES, INNOVATION PROCESSES AND PERFORMANCE OF LARGE MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN KENYA
(2020-11) MUHINDI PATRICK WARUINGE; Prof. Peter Kithae, PhD; Dr. John Cheluget, PhD
THE EFFECTS OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF MABATI ROLLING MILLS MARIAKANI, KILIFI COUNTY
(Management University of Africa, 2020-11) KIHUGWA MWANGA WYCLIFFE
The need for a comprehensive understanding of the connection between total quality management and customer satisfaction cannot be overstressed. Most Organizations all over the world have been trying to cope with a rapidly changing business environment in which management have to be more astute in finding ways to sustain or gain competitive advantage. Most manufacturing companies are now adopting Total Quality Management (TQM) and other new philosophies to become more effective in the way they conduct business. The relationship between TQM initiative and improved performance has been researched with mixed results. The mixed results are a pointer for a need for a study to establish the effect of TQM practices on the performance of organizations. Secondly, studies in Kenya have not focused on the effect of TQM on the performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya hence a knowledge gap. Objective of this study was to examine the effects of total quality management practices on organizational performance vis-à-vis continuous improvement, Customer Focus, employee empowerment and top management commitment in the manufacturing sector in Kenya, a case study of Mabati rolling mills Limited (MRM) at Marikana in Kilifi County. Literature review on previous theoretical and empirical study were done, theoretical review, critical review and summary as well as theoretical/ conception framework were done. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study and primary data were collected with the use of open and closed questionnaire randomly selected respondents a sample of one hundred and forty-seven (147) randomly selected respondents from Top management (7), Middle management (12), General staffs (166), Bora Bora Authorized Distributor for Mabati Rolling Mills (5), external 10-month-old customers from Mombasa (18), Kilifi (14) and Kwale (11) Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, means and standard deviation were used. The study also used correlation and regression analysis to show the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. Presentation of the findings was done in figures, tables and charts. The study established that generally, the TQM practices of continuous improvement, Customer Focus, employee empowerment and top management commitment positively influenced the organizational performance. The study also established that continuous improvement directly influenced organizational performance, customer focus enhanced customer satisfaction which resulted into overall organizational performance. The study further established that employee empowerment influenced organizational performance. The study also established that top management commitment to quality management practices influenced organizational performance. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance, with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 21.0). The study recommended that there was need for the organization to grow a stronger culture that nurtures high-trust social relationship, respect for individuals and a shared sense of membership. The study also recommends that continuous improvement should be one of the pillars upon which manufacturing firm ‘s performance can be guaranteed. The firms should enhance top management commitment to quality management through motivation and incentives. The study recommends that future studies test the effects of the other elements of total quality management practices on organizational performance that were not part of the current study.
STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN KENYA:A CASE STUDY OF KENYA RED CROSS INTERGRATED COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN TANA RIVER COUNTY
(Management University of Africa, 2021-07) PATIENCE KADURIRA
The study purpose is to examine the influence of stakeholders’ involvement on the sustainability of community projects in Kenya: A case study of Kenya Red Cross integrated community projects in Tana River County. The Kenya Red Cross Integrated Community Project in Tana River County is one such project. Specifically, the objective of the study is to assess the influence of project resource mobilization, project planning, project communication, and project monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability of integrated community projects. The study adopted a descriptive research design where a population of approximately 1419 stakeholders were involved. The study used Slovin Formula to extract a sample size of 312. Furthermore, stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to pick the respondents. Data was collected using questionnaire via electronic means. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out that resource mobilization, project planning and project communication and monitoring and evaluation influenced sustainability of community project albeit at a varying degree and that project resource mobilization, project planning, project communication, and monitoring and evaluation were statistically significant. Moreover, the study concluded that resource mobilization, project planning and project communication and monitoring, and evaluation influenced sustainability of community project. The study concluded that project planning and project communication were statistically significant and positively related. However, resource mobilization, monitoring, and evaluation depicted statistically significant and negative relationship. The study concluded that project resource mobilization had a significant influence on sustainability of community projects and negatively related. The study recommends project stakeholders to adopt a wide variety of resource mobilization tools, and establishment of key structures and developing framework to help facilitate the coordination of community-wide efforts as well as establishment of an effective and coordinated communication process involving all relevant agencies and individuals with interest in community projects.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN STATE CORPORATIONS: A CASE STUDY OF KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)
(Management University of Africa, 2021-10) BEATRICE CHEPKIRUI LUGADIRU
The main objective was to examine the corporate governance practices and employee performance in state corporations, a case study of Kenya Bureau of Standards with specific objectives being; to examine the influence of leadership structure, corporate reporting, board composition and ethical code of conduct on employee performance at Kenya Bureau of Standards. The study findings will be used as a reference by other researchers in the field of leadership and employee performance and will provide a critical examination on corporate governance practices and employee performance in Kenya. The study is guided and anchored on the following theoretical foundations; stakeholder theory, agency theory, and stewardship theory. The study's main anchor theory was stakeholder theory. Descriptive research design was adopted for conducting the study that targets a population of 1000, and a sample size of 100 that was selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires. The pilot study was conducted using 10 employees who were randomly selected from the target population and the quantitative data was analyzed using simple statistics and SPSS. The data was presented using tables and figures. Inferential statistics was used for showing how variables are related (regression and correlations). The study used the Pearson correlation matrix. The study established that leadership structure and employee performance are primarily related, and leadership structures are an important factor that determines employee performance and there is a strong correlation. The study concludes that leadership structure statistically and significantly affects employee performance. The study analyzed the connection between employee performance and independent variables (leadership structure, corporate reporting, board composition, and ethical code of conduct) the findings show that the variation in employee performance is explained by leadership structure, corporate reporting, board composition, and ethical code of conduct. The researcher recommends that the ministry of industrialization should work hand in hand with KEBS management should create a chain of command that designates who each employee directly reports to. This cautions and prevents departments from competing and transferring employees anyhow. Titles and positions in all departments should be in line with KEBS organizational structure and Staff Establishment to prevent confusion. The Board of Directors and Management of KEBS should know that corporate reporting is an integral part of organizational success and therefore the study recommends that management of any organization such as KEBS should develop an organizational culture that is honest and reports income and expenditure without fear or favor, annual reports should be readily available for all employees and members of the public. Based on the findings of this study, the conclusion, and subsequent recommendation, there is a need for a further study on corporate governance and employee performance in state corporations in Kenya whereby the study should seek to provide more insights on the current study findings and validate these findings.
MOBILE MONEY SERVICES AND PERFORMANCE OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KAJIADO COUNTY IN KENYA: A SURVEY OF KITENGELA SUB COUNTY
(management university of africa, 2021-10) MBITHI GEORGE MUTISO
Since introduction of mobile money services in Kenya in 2007, there are more than 110,000 M Pesa agents, 40 times the number of banks ATMS in Kenya. In the first quarter of 2020 (January to March), there was a total of KES 1,087 billion transacted through mobile payments. Among users of mobile money services in Kenya, there are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs play a crucial role in the Kenya economy through income generating activities and employment creation. Despite the apparent significance associated with MSMEs and the numerous policy initiatives introduced by respective governments in the developing economies during the past decade to accelerate the growth and survival of MSMEs, the performance of MSMEs has been disappointing. The current study sought to bridge this gap by assessing the relationship between mobile money services and performance of small and medium enterprises in Kitengela, Kajiado County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: establish the relationship between mobile payments, mobile transfer, mobile financial services and mobile commerce and performance of small and medium enterprises in Kitengela, Kajiado County. The study benefited MSMEs’ business owners, scholars, and academicians. The study was anchored on Diffusion of innovation theory. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population was 817 formally registered MSMEs in Kitengela Town dealing in trade, services, and manufacturing. The study employed Fisher Model to come up with sample size of 261 who were the business owners or managers/operators. The study utilized primary data which was collected using questionnaires. Quantitative data was presented in frequency tables and figures while quantitative data was presented in prose form. Multiple regression was used to test the relationship between the independent variables and dependent variable. The study established that disbursement and repayment of loans influence mobile money transfer performance. It was also found out that withdraw of money from mobile phone have enhanced the overall performance of mobile financial services. Further, the study found out that checking account balance influenced the performance of mobile commerce among MSMEs. The study concluded that mobile commerce had a statistical significance relationship with the performance of MSMEs in Kitengela, Kajiado County. It was also concluded that salary processing and supplier’s payment influenced the performance of mobile money services among MSMEs in Kitengela, Kajiado County. The study therefore recommended that mobile services provider should seek to promote their services to encourage as many businesspeople as possible to make use of mobile money services. Further, the study recommended that the regulator of mobile phone providers should work towards reducing mobile money services charges between different networks.
ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN MAKUENI COUNTY. A CASE STUDY OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROJECTS IN KALAWA WARD.
(Management University of Africa, 2021-10) JANET NDUKU MUTUA
Despite the ever-increasing number of NGOs in Makueni County aimed at socio-economic empowerment of women, gender inequalities are persistent and poverty levels are high. According to Kenya Demographic and Health survey (KDHS, 2019) by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) the level of poverty in Makueni County is estimated to be 34.8%. This is evident by low participation of women in decision making process, control over ownership and access of resources and wealth, increased poverty levels, increased cases of gender-based violence. This has necessitated the need to establish the role of NGOs in women empowerment in Makueni County. The specific objectives of the study are to establish the role of NGOs in financial inclusion of women, the creation of awareness on property rights for women, role of NGOs in income generating activities for women and finally the role NGOs play in the resource accessibility for women. The anchor theory for this study is the Women Empowerment Framework by Sara Longwe and the other theories used in the study include Kabeer's 3-dimensional model; the public goods theory of financial inclusion. The study population was 60 women groups in Kalawa ward, Makueni County who have benefited from the NGOs programs. The total number of respondents were 1254 and a sample size of 294 was used. Data collection was done by use of questionnaire and focus group discussions which entailed interviewing members of the women groups. Data analysis was done using SPSS and R programming software. The study adopted the descriptive, correlation and regression analysis. Qualitative data was coded into the specific objectives, and analysis was done through content analysis. Inferential statistics was used to test variable relationships while multiple linear regression analysis was used to explain the correlation between the variables. F-test ANOVA and t-test was used for these tests. Data is presented and visualized using charts and tables. The findings of the study are that financial inclusion, awareness creation on the right to own resources and property, income generating activities and resource availability influence women empowerment. The focus group discussions highlighted that the NGOs are doing very little in regard to awareness creation on the right of ownership of resources and property. The resources availability is another major challenge, and the NGOs have done very little about this. Women cited that discrimination, being left out of development agenda, illiteracy and patriarchal nature of the society as the major challenge. The study recommendations are that NGOs, National and County Governments to provide linkage to markets for the products from the income generating activities by women groups. Both Government and NGOs should develop frameworks to engage women in development agenda.
ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITIES AND MARKET PERFORMANCE OF MOBILE OPERATORS IN KENYA: A CASE OF SAFARICOM PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
(Management University of Africa, 2021-11) DENIS RADONJI
Due to the intense competitive environment in the mobile communications industry, most organizations are compiled to review their strategies to align with use of technology, appropriate leadership style and business innovation in order to compete both locally and globally. The aim and justification of this study was to examine, investigate and determine the influence of technology adoption, leadership style, business innovation and the firm competitiveness on market performance of mobile operators in Kenya. The study was anchored on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) theory, supported by Stakeholder theory and Michael Porter Five Forces Model. The study targeted a population of 402 respondents. Stratified random and simple random sampling techniques were adopted to arrive at a sample size of 197 respondents. The study adopted the descriptive research design; the primary data was collected using structured questionnaire as a tool from a sample size of 197 respondents. The data collected was then be verified, coded and analyzed by use of software SPSS version 26. From the reliability statistics the tool had a Cronbach's Alpha 0.886 which confirmed that the tool was reliable and valid from the pilot test done with 20 respondents who did not participate in the final data collection. From the study findings, technology adoption, leadership style, business innovation and firm competitiveness, all had positive correlation with the market performance. Both correlation and Regression analysis established that leadership style, business innovation and firm competitiveness had a strong positive significance to the market performance with (p=0.000). The regression analysis showed that there was a positive significant correlation to market performance. Technology adoption (p = 0.294) had a weak significance on market performance while leadership style (p = 0.004), business innovation (p = 0.002) and firm competitiveness (p = 0.000) had a strong positive significance on market performance since the p-values were less than 0.05. Due to financial and time constraints, the research could not be conducted with the other two mobile operators, Airtel Kenya and Telkom Kenya, to have a comparative study to determine whether the results of the study could be in line with the findings from the Safaricom PLC one. It was noted that the study faced some challenges during data collection due to the effect of Covid-19 pandemic which in many cases delayed consent for data collection and could not allow other methods of data collection to be adopted such as one-one interview and explanations about the research to the respondents. It is recommended that more study need to be done on the other factors that influence market performance other than the four variables. Likewise, the impact of technology adoption on the market performance needs to be investigated further as it had lower coefficient and was established not to be significant.
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL
(management university of africa, 2021-11) CHOGE JEROTICH EMMY
The purpose of this research study was to determine the influence of performance management on employee productivity, using Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) as a case study. Organizations invest billions of shillings annually in managing employee performance The primary objective was to understand how performance management influences productivity among KNH employees. The study specifically sought to evaluate the effects of the performance management process, methods, feedback, and goal setting on employee productivity at the hospital. The study was grounded in Locke’s goal-setting theory and further supported by expectancy and equity theories. A descriptive research design was adopted, with a sample size of 372 participants drawn from the hospital’s 5,300 employees. Data was primarily collected through questionnaires. Additionally, a pilot study was conducted with 60 staff members from Mbagathi Hospital, selected due to its operational similarities with KNH, to refine the research instruments. The research study will be useful to different categories of people because it will assist in understanding effects of performance management on employee productivity at Kenyatta National Hospital. The study findings will guide the government in formulating and reviewing performance evaluation policies in the public service, the research study will provide the Kenyatta National Hospital's top management with insights on addressing performance appraisal feedback from line managers to the staff within their jurisdictions, the research will be important to other researchers and scholars who wish to conduct studies on similar research. The human resource department and administration at KNH will benefit tremendously from this study since they will gain a lot of insights on the current state of the hospital’s services, systems and facilities in order to find ways of ensuring the employees are satisfied and contented with their work. Data collection involved distributing questionnaires, with analysis performed using SPSS Version 25.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, and a regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of performance management on productivity. The analysis revealed that performance management goals significantly impact employee productivity, with a coefficient of 0.535 and a p-value of 0.019 (p < 0.05), indicating a strong positive relationship. The findings led to the conclusion that effective performance management—through well-structured processes, methods, feedback mechanisms, and goal-setting—positively enhances employee productivity. Consequently, the study recommends that KNH's human resources department ensure a transparent, logical performance management process that accurately identifies staff training needs. It further advises the department to communicate the importance and objectives of performance evaluations clearly and to employ a range of performance management techniques in employee assessments.
LEADERSHIP STYLE, FINANCIAL INNOVATION, BANKING REGULATION AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA
(management university of africa, 2022-09) WERU MWANGI
Leadership style has been considered a critical factor influencing financial performance of firms across the globe. Commercial banks in Kenya have registered mixed financial performance results over the past ten years despite the homogeneity of the industry market conditions. Disparity in financial performance prompted the need to assess if leadership style could be responsible. Relationship between leadership style and financial performance have been studied with mixed findings indicating a possibility of other factor-variable roles in mediating or moderation. Financial innovation being considered a leader’s decision, and banking regulations as factor outside leader’s decision ambit, could possibly define this relationship. However little or no empirical evidence have been documented to explain these phenomena prompting the need for this study. The study was guided by the specific objectives namely to establish the influence of leadership style on the financial performance of commercial banks operating in Kenya; examine the intervening effect of financial innovation on the relationship between leadership style and the financial performance of commercial banks operating in Kenya; determine the moderating effect of banking regulation on the relationship between leadership style and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya; and determine the moderating effect of banking regulation on the mediating role of financial innovation on the relationship between leadership style and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study was anchored on Behavioral Leadership Theory, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Agency Theory and Stakeholder Theory. The study adopted a positivist philosophy; correlational and cross-sectional research deigns and a target population comprising management staff working in commercial banks. 385 respondents were selected from 10,395 management staff. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires with data being analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, means and standard deviations were adopted while correlation analysis was used to establish the strength and direction of relationship between the variables. Regression PROCESS conditional analysis was used to establish the meditation, moderation and moderated-mediated analysis. Parametric test statistics was adopted to establish the significance influence of variable effect at 95% level of significance as well as to test the study hypothesis. The findings indicated that there exists a partial mediation effect on the mediating role of financial innovation on the relationship between leadership style and financial performance. Further, there is a significant negative moderating effect of banking regulation on the relationship between leadership style and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Lastly, the study findings indicated that there exists negative and significant moderating effect of banking regulation on the mediating role of financial innovation in mediating the relationship between leadership style and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study recommended that that top managers of the commercial banks need to take up effective transformational and democratic leadership style in their management programs. The leaders within banks should emphasize research and development and ensure that the working environment is suitable for creativity and innovation. Lastly, the study recommends that bank managers and owners abide by the banking regulations according to the CBK guidelines. Limitations wise, some banks considered information on banking innovation and impacts of regulation to be confidential and were therefore reluctant to respond to the questionnaire. Some bank managers also indicated that it was against their company policy to divulge any information on the company operations. The researcher took time to convince the respondents by informing them that the data was purely for research purposes. In some cases, alternative respondents were identified using the multi-level sampling method.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT, SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP, FARMER CHARACTERISTICS AND SUGARCANE PRODUCTIVITY IN SUGAR FACTORY CANE CATCHMENT AREAS IN KENYA
(2022-09) WANJALA AGGREY WALIAULA; Prof. Emmanuel Awuor, PhD.; Dr. Michael Ngala, PhD.
PILLARS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, INVESTMENT POLICIES, GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS AND PERFORMANCE OF PENSION FUND MANAGERS IN KENYA
(management university of africa, 2022-09) DEROW ADEN ALI
Pension fund performance has received increased attention across the world with public pension fund performing dismally when compared to private pension fund. Pension funds' performance in Kenya has been facing myriads of challenges ranging from poor administration and investments of pension funds, lack of transparency and accountability, non-remittance of monthly contributions by employers, misappropriation of scheme assets by the trustees, loss of scheme funds through negligence of trustees and poor investment of the scheme assets. The broad objective of this study was to examine the relationships between pillars of corporate governance, investment policies, government regulations and performance of pension fund managers in Kenya. The study sought to determine the intervening effect of investment policies on the relationship between pillars of corporate governance and performance of pension fund managers in Kenya; to establish the moderating effect of government regulations on the relationship between pillars of corporate governance and performance of pension fund managers in Kenya; and to determine the moderation - mediator effect on the relationship between pillars of corporate governance and performance of pension fund managers in Kenya. Neoclassical theory, Q-theory, contingency theory and stakeholder theory was used in the study. This study adopted positivism philosophy. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design whereby access to the widest possible amount of data from the targeted Fund Managers in Kenya was sought. The population of interest of the study was 31 Fund Managers in Kenya licensed by RBA and CMA. The study used purely primary data sources. Primary data was obtained from the selected respondents. Primary data was collected through questionnaire. Regression analysis was used to establish the relative significance of each of the variables on the influence of pillars of corporate governance, investment policies, government regulations on the performance of pension fund managers in Kenya. The study findings indicated that there was significant relationship between pillars of corporate governance and performance of pension fund managers in Kenya. In addition, the findings indicated that there was a partial intervening effect of investment policies in the relationship between pillars of corporate governance and performance of pension fund managers in Kenya. There was a significant moderating effect of government regulations on the relationship between pillars of corporate governance and performance of pension fund managers in Kenya. Lastly, there was a significant moderation – mediator effect on the relationship between pillars of corporate governance and performance of pension fund managers in Kenya. The study concluded that pillars of corporate governance practices being implemented had been incorporated in the Pension Fund’s investment management decisions with its assets being more diversified and having enhanced reporting on investments. This implied that the adoption of the regulations from the regulatory bodies such as number of trustees, tax on non-exempt incomes of pension fund members, regulatory meetings, risk tolerance limits imposed by the RBA, competition as stipulated by RBA led to better performance. The study recommended on pension reforms, by creating a new class of potential activist shareholders in the form of pension funds, could in principle improve corporate governance and increased shareholder discipline. The study recommend that the pension fund managers must work with stakeholders to bring about a harmonized, workable and transparent legislative and institutional framework for the retirement benefits industry. Lastly, the study recommends that the governing body of the pension fund should set forth in a written statement and actively observe an overall investment policy.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANIES IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF CIC GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
(Management University of Africa, 2022-10) BENJAMIN MAINA GITAU
The main purpose of the study was to establish the role of digital transformation in the organizational performance of the general insurance industry in Kenya with focus to CIC General Insurance. The researcher investigated Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things, Process Automation, and Artificial Intelligence on the performance of CIC general insurance company in Kenya. This study provides more information towards the status of digital transformation and performance in the insurance industry in Kenya and also helps policy makers in the insurance firms on areas to consider towards effectively improving the various aspects of digital transformation on their performance. The study validates previous research done in other markets or sectors and its similarities or differences in relation to the local insurance industry. The study was anchored on Resource-Based Theory, which explains the effect of utilization of available resources and their impact on the performance of an organization. Diffusion of Innovations theory as well as Dynamic Capability Theory supported the Study. The study used a descriptive research design. The study targeted 315 employees of CIC General Insurance Company. A stratified random sampling method was used where 65 respondents, representing 20% of the entire target population, formed the sample size of the study. The researcher used structured questionnaires to collect data from respondents. Statistical package for social sciences was used for data analysis to aid generation descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to help obtain results of multiple linear regression and ANOVA results. The study established that here was a linear and significant relationship between the four variables and the performance of the general insurance companies in Kenya. The four variables 57.3% of Digital Transformation. Digital Transformation was found to have a big impact on the overall performance of general insurance companies in Kenya. The study established that big data analytics contribute 21.8% of the Digital Transformation, 26.1% is as a result of the internet of things. Process automation influenced around 34.3% of the and artificial intelligence around 29.7% of the digital transformation. The study established that a company gathers and stores data from various sources, both internal and external. The study also found that big data analytics contributes to the minimization of fraud cases in claims. The study also found that IoT led to better risk assessment and that internet of things has enhanced better service quality. Likewise, the study established that process automation has reduced manual tasks in service delivery. Finally, the study found that artificial intelligence has enhanced better decision making and that artificial intelligence can lead to reduced claims cost management. The study also concluded that there was a linear relationship between big data analytics, the internet of things, process automation, artificial intelligence, and the performance of general insurance in Kenya. The study recommends that insurance firms should embrace big data analytics in their operational activities. To get insurance firms on the path to greater success in the area of big data management initiatives, there should be more emphasis on understanding where a company really is, where it needs to be, and how to start in order to improve its business value. The study recommends that insurance firms consider IoT as a tool for gaining competitive advantage in the insurance sector. On process automation, the study recommended that establishing business process automation requires one system that should be dependable and one that will increase productivity, performance, and reduce cost. It makes it possible for insurers to use machine learning, data modeling, and predictive analysis across the entire insurance value chain. This has led to a better bottom line and happier customers .
INTEGRATIVE LEADERSHIP, EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, AND PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN FRONTIER COUNTIES OF KENYA
(Management University of Africa, 2023-09) MOHAMED ABDINOOR DAHIR
School performance in the Frontier Counties Development Counties (FCDC) continue to raise critical questions owing to myriad issues. Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) performance in the region has been so poor that no school has ever featured among the top 100 nationally ranked schools in the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) ranking. The best student from the region has never made to the top 100 list of students nationally. Available literature reveals that few studies undertaken in this context in the past have been biased majorly on gender distribution hence the study was likely to be prejudiced during data collection. This study therefore aimed at assessing the effect of integrative leadership, employee motivation, and stakeholder engagement on the performance of public boarding secondary schools in selected Counties under the FCDC Kenya. The research objectives were clearly defined: To determine the effect of integrative leadership on the performance of public boarding secondary schools in selected Counties under the FCDC Kenya; to ascertain the mediating effect of employee motivation on the relationship between integrative leadership and performance of public boarding secondary schools in selected Counties under the FCDC Kenya; to establish the moderating effect of stakeholder engagement on the relationship between integrative leadership and performance of public boarding secondary schools in selected Counties under the FCDC Kenya, and to determine mediation–moderator effect of employee motivation and stakeholder engagement on the relationship between integrative leadership and performance of public boarding secondary schools in selected Counties under the FCDC Kenya. This research was rooted in the Full Range Leadership Theory, emphasizing integrative leadership variables. Employing a pragmatic research philosophy, the study utilized a mix of research approaches and strategies. The study covered a wider geographic scope, but the researcher deployed multiple assistants during the data collection to save on time. The study involved a comprehensive sample size of 440 participants, including student leaders, teachers, principals, Board of Management representatives, county directors of education, TSC county directors, and development partners. Unlike previous studies, which often exhibited gender bias, this research included mixed-gender public boarding secondary schools, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding. The selection of the current study through the involvement of mixed public boarding secondary schools was expected to bridge the knowledge gap brought about by other studies. Questionnaires were administered to teachers and students, while interviews were conducted with principals, BOM representatives, and County Directors. Data analysis included both quantitative techniques (descriptive and inferential statistics) and qualitative methods, organizing qualitative data into thematic categories. The findings confirmed a significant positive relationship between integrative leadership and school performance. Additionally, employee motivation partially mediated this relationship, indicating its role in enhancing performance. Furthermore, stakeholder engagement emerged as a significant moderating factor, enhancing the positive impact of integrative leadership on school performance. The study also found a significant mediation-moderation effect of employee motivation and stakeholder engagement on the relationship between integrative leadership and the school performance. The study suggests longitudinal study that tracks the performance of public boarding secondary schools in selected counties over time and assesses the impact of integrative leadership, employee motivation, and stakeholder engagement on the overall school performance.