Masters Thesis and PhD Dissertations

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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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION, STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF LEVEL FOUR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN KENYA
(2023-09) NYAMAI EVERLYN MUSANGI; Prof. Thomas Ngui, Ph.D.; Prof. Thomas A. Senaji, Ph.D
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP, FINANCIAL RESOURCE DIVERSIFICATION, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, AND INSTITUTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN KENYA
(management university of africa, 2023-09) KAMAU FRANCIS KAHIHU
This study examined the relationships among transformational leadership, financial resource diversification and strategic partnerships in institutional sustainability. It sought to examine four specific relationships, namely (i) between transformational leadership and sustainability; (ii) whether or not there was a mediating effect of financial resource diversification on the relationship between transformational leadership and institutional sustainability; (iii) whether or not there was a moderating effect of strategic partnerships on the relationship between transformational leadership and institutional sustainability; and (iv) whether or not, there was a moderated-mediated relationship of financial resource diversification on the relationship between transformational leadership and institutional sustainability of nongovernmental organizations in Kenya. The anchor theory was transformational leadership and used the positivistic research philosophy approach. It adopted a cross-sectional research design targeting the 3028 active non-governmental Organizations at the national level. It used a questionnaire to collect primary data. A pilot study was conducted on 35 respondents. Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin and Cronbach Alpha results were greater than 0.7 for all variables. A key limitation related to the sensitivity of the data which was overcome through adequate guarantee on data use. The study achieved a response rate of 71.6%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of International Business Machine’s Statistical Package for Social Science version 26.0. The study used Analysis of Moment Structures version 18 to generate fit models, Path Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling. The findings indicated that transformational leadership significantly influenced the institutional sustainability of NGOs in Kenya. No major limitation was encountered apart from respondents reluctant to participate due to nature of information sought and this was addressed by creating good rapport. The study findings established that strategic partnerships have a significantly enhanced moderating effect on the relationship between transformational leadership and the institutional sustainability of the NGOs. It found financial resource diversification to significantly mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and institutional sustainability of NGOs in Kenya. As such, it confirmed the moderated-mediated effect of financial resource diversification on the relationship between transformational leadership and institutional sustainability of NGOs in Kenya. The study recommended adopting transformational leadership practices. It also urges the administration of the NGOs to effectively motivate their staff to participate in NGO activities. Finally, the study informs key policy decisions among NGO policymakers, authorities, and organizational development stakeholders.
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP, POLICY IMPLEMENTATION, STRATEGIC LINKAGES, AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF KENYA AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
(2024-06) WARINDA ENOCK; Dr. Domeniter Naomi Kathula
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN NAKURU COUNTY
(management university of africa, 2024-06) LERIARI LTAJIRIN AMBROSE
Implementing procurement procedures in public health facilities in Nakuru County ensure the quality of goods and services acquired, leading to better healthcare outcomes for patients and timely delivery of supplies. Regardless of the effort by the public health facilities in Nakuru County to improve performance of the procurement function, poor implementation and non-compliance to procurement regulations still pose as key challenges. The study therefore sought to determine the effect of organizational structure on the implementation of procurement procedures in public health facilities in Nakuru, Specifically the study sought to determine the effect of chain of command, work specialization, span of control and formalization on the implementation of procurement procedures in public health facilities in Nakuru County Kenya. The study was anchored on the implementation theory, contingency theory, agency theory, systems theory and bureaucratic theory. The study was anchored on the implementation theory and contingency theory. The research design for the study was a descriptive survey design. The study targeted 82 respondents involved in the procurement process in health facilities; they include medical officer in charge of the various targeted health facilities, procurement officers and department heads from user departments in health facilities in Nakuru County. The study adopted Slovins’ formula to get the sample size of 68 respondents from the total target population. The researcher further used simple random sampling to select the sample size for each of the category of the target group. A pilot-test was conducted at Kericho County Referral hospital where 7 questionnaires were issued out. Data was collected using the drop and pick later method which was best collected after two weeks. In this method, the consent statement was issued and then the questionnaire administered. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive statistics involved the use of percentages, frequencies, measures of central tendencies (mean) and measures of dispersion (standard deviation). Inferential statistic involving the use of correlation analysis and multiple regression analyses. Correlation analysis was used to determine the nature of the relationship between variables. Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between a single dependent variable and several independent variables. The study concluded that there is a positive and statistically significant correlation between chain of command on implementation of procurement procedures in public health facilities in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study further concluded that there is a positive and statistically significant correlation between work specialization on implementation of procurement procedures in public health facilities in Nakuru County. The study also concluded that there is a strong positive correlation existed between span of control and implementation of procurement procedures. The study finally concluded that a strong positive correlation existed between formalization on the implementation of procurement procedures in public health facilities in Nakuru County Kenya. The study recommends that to optimize the chain of command for the implementation of procurement procedures, it is essential to foster a culture of division of labor and specialization within the procurement team. This can be achieved by clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each team member based on their expertise.
HUMAN RESOURCE PLANNING AND BUDGETING PROCESS IN GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF MAGUTINI LEVEL FOUR HOSPITAL
(management university of africa, 2024-07) NANCY KATHURE MBAKA
Human resource planning is a crucial component of HRM that many businesses use to make sure the best employees are hired for the proper positions with the correct skills and knowledge. In terms of efficiency, service delivery, and product quality, this is particularly true. Budget discrepancies persistently persist during the implementation. Planning for human resources typically reflects the effectiveness of a certain institution's performance, which depends on it. To determine the human resource planning and budgeting processes in government health institutions in Kenya, Magutini Level Four Hospital was study focus. The study examined recruitment, employee retention, staff training, and employee benefits in the budgeting process at Magutini Level Four Hospital. The study's major anchor theory was goal-setting theory, which is backed by institutional and human capital theory. The study's foundation was a positivist research paradigm that used a study design that was descriptive. The researcher intended to reach 750 respondents; however, secondary data was employed in the literature study, and 260 respondents were chosen as the sample size by the use of stratified random sampling and administered questionnaires. Findings were examined using descriptive statistics (standard deviation, percentages, and frequencies), and the data were shown using tables. To show how the study variables related to one another, inferential statistics were used. The Pearson correlation can assist in determining the direction and strength of the relationship between the variables. A 2-tailed test was used for the correlation analysis with a 5% significance level. The results demonstrated a strong connection between the budgeting process and human resource planning. The budgeting process and employee benefits had a moderate association according to the results of the regression analysis, indicating a significant relationship. Regression analysis revealed a strong association between the characteristics identified by the research and recruiting additional staff in the budgeting process. Regression analysis showed a substantial correlation and a link between training, development, and performance. Employee retention and the budgeting process were significantly correlated and linked. According to the study's conclusion, factors such as staff recruitment, employee retention, training and development, and employee benefits affect the budgeting process. When all variables are considered, including the budgeting process, these factors can account for more than 61% of the variation in the budgeting process. The research study makes the following suggestions for enhancements to the management and board of directors of the Magutini Level 4 Hospital: The administration of Magutini Level 4 Hospital has to invest in its people. Training and development expenditures are crucial for building human capital, and top management must support this by providing the required funds. HRM initiatives are important in this, but they won't be able to flourish if top management of the company doesn't actively support them. The study's conclusions suggest that the company's executives should provide adequate funding for HRD and the budgeting procedure. Periodic cost estimates are required for every job in the plan in order to make sure that funds are used as efficiently as feasible. The research suggests that management look for further support for technical methods in executing strategies by providing chances for advancement to their staff and having clearly defined career routes for them to preserve the cohesion of efforts to assist strategy execution. Further investigation of the planning and budgeting procedures for human resources in Kenyan state enterprises is warranted in light of the study's results, recommendations, and conclusion. This additional research should aim to confirm the results of the current investigation and provide new data to support the current conclusions.
ROAD ASSET MAINTENANCE, BUDGETARY ALLOCATION, REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND PERFORMANCE OF ROAD AGENCIES IN KENYA
(2024-08) CATHERINE N. KIMANI; Dr. John Cheluget; Dr. Thomas Ngui
ANTECEDENTS OF ETHICAL ISSUES IN POLICE RECRUITMENT IN KENYA: A CASE OF THE EMBAKASI POLICE TRAINING INSTITUTE
(management university of africa, 2024-09) JULIET O. NYANGÁI
The ethical issues surrounding police hiring in Kenya have raised concerns, primarily in regard to openness, equity, and following of the set hiring protocols. The integrity of the recruiting process has been weakened by a number of complaints directed against the Kenya Police Service, including claims of partiality, corruption, and a lack of accountability. These moral dilemmas impact public confidence in law enforcement agencies in addition to making it more difficult to choose competent applicants in a fair and reasonable manner. Although recruiting and selection procedures, procedural guidelines, and a legislative framework aimed at maintaining ethical standards are in place, it is still unclear how successful these systems are. Using the Embakasi Training Institute as a case study, this paper examines the causes of ethical problems in police recruitment. The specific objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of the indirect procedural guidelines on ethical issues in police recruitment in Kenya, to determine the effect of recruitment and selection policies on ethical issues in police recruitment in Kenya, to investigate the effect of recruitment strategies on ethical issues in police recruitment in Kenya and to examine the effect of the legal framework on ethical issues in recruitment at the Kenya police service. The study was based on three theories, which are the Attribution Theory Institutional theory and Implicit Personality theory. This study was anchored on Institutional theory as the key theory because of its emphasis on the deeper and more resilient aspects of social structure. The researcher used descriptive research design. The study's target population was 200 police officers and staff involved in the recruitment process at Embakasi Police Training institute. The sample size was 100 staff of Embakasi Police Training. Data was collected using structured questionnaires which were distributed to the sampled respondents at Embakasi Police Training institute. The questionnaires were collected within one month. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with help of SPSS. The findings were then presented using tables and charts. From the analysis of the filled questionnaires, it was found that there is adherence to recruitment policy and code of ethics during recruitment at the Kenya Police Service as such indirect procedural guidelines influence ethical police recruitment at the Kenya Police force in Embakasi. The study also found that recruitment strategies put in place by the Kenya Police force affect the ethical police recruitment in Kenya. The study then concluded that indirect procedural guidelines, recruitment and selection policies, recruitment strategies and legal framework all significantly affect ethical recruitment at the Embakasi Police Training Institute. From the study it is recommended that recruiting agencies should put in place procedural guidelines, recruitment and selection policies and strategies to enhance ethics in recruitment. The findings of this study will be beneficial to policy makers, academicians and researchers. The findings will also be of benefit to the recruitment practice in public and private organizations. The findings will inform policymakers on the need for policy changes and implementation of ethical recruitment practices in the police service.
LEADERSHIP STYLES AND ADOPTION OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF KENYA
(management university of africa, 2024-09) ALBERT KOCHEI
INTEGRATIVE LEADERSHIP, VALUE CHAIN MANAGEMENT, REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND PERFORMANCE OF FRESH TOMATO AGRIBUSINESS IN KENYA LAKE REGION ECONOMIC BLOC
(2024-10) Muguna Stephen Bundi; Prof. Emmanuel Awuor, PhD; Dr. Paul Machoka, PhD
MARKET DYNAMICS AND PENETRATION OF MICROINSURANCE IN KENYA. A CASE OF SELECTED INSURANCE COMPANIES.
(management university of africa, 2024-10) SHADRACK NDIRITU WAWERU
This study mainly evaluated the effect of market dynamics that include product diversification, pricing, information technology adoption, and government intervention on the penetration of microinsurance. From the analyzed data, the study revealed that product diversification, with a mean score of 3.93 and a Beta of 0.328, significantly predicts microinsurance penetration by meeting diverse customer needs and expanding into underserved areas. Pricing strategies, crucial for competitiveness, show a mean score of 4.98 and a Beta of 0.210, indicating their role in balancing affordability and profitability for customer acquisition and retention. Information technology adoption, with mean scores of 4.21 and 4.60 for digital channels and communication respectively, improves accessibility and customer engagement, supported by a Beta of 0.067. Government interventions, evidenced by a Beta of 0.075, enhance affordability and trust through subsidies and regulatory frameworks. Main recommendations include further research on product diversification and dynamic pricing models, supportive policies for transparency and subsidies, practical training on product development and technology integration, and curriculum development for future professionals. The study concludes that strategic focus on these factors will enhance microinsurance penetration, financial inclusion, and sectoral growth.
DEVOLUTION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND PERFORMANCE OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PROJECTS IN KENYA: A SURVEY OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN KWALE COUNTY
(management university of africa, 2024-10) KOMBO JOSEPHAT CHIREMA
The county government was intended to bring government services to the grassroots and, hence, empower the citizens in various ways through various undertakings. Various services, including finances, structures, public participation, and capacities to develop human resources, are envisioned to ensure programs undertaken at local levels are performing as expected and their impacts are felt by society. However, reports and studies have indicated that the expectations are yet to be achieved, and the people are yet to reap these benefits. The initiated community empowerment project has not been meeting expectations, and its impact on community wellbeing is not felt. This study sought to determine the devolution of government services and performance of community empowerment projects in Kwale County and had financial resources, human resource capabilities, public participation and leadership accountability as variable. Descriptive research design was used with a target of 133 community empowerment projects within Kwale County. The variable relationship was determined through regression model. The relationship between public participation, human resource capabilities, financial resources, leadership accountability and the performance of community empowerment projects was determined using regression correlation analysis. In inclusion, addressing funding challenges through diversified sources and improved financial management practices is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of community empowerment efforts in the region. Skilled and knowledgeable personnel drive effective project implementation, enhance community engagement, and contribute to sustainable outcomes. Addressing human resource challenges through targeted investments in training, recruitment, and leadership development is essential for maximizing the impact of empowerment initiatives in the region. Active involvement of community members enhances the relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of projects by fostering ownership, transparency, and innovative problem-solving. Accountable leaders enhance project implementation, foster community trust, and ensure effective resource management. Addressing challenges related to accountability and implementing robust structures for transparency and oversight are essential for maximizing the positive impact of empowerment initiatives in the region. The study recommends that, the county should adopt sound financial management practices, including detailed budgeting, regular financial reporting, and transparent accounting procedures. This helps in tracking expenses, preventing mismanagement, and ensuring that funds are used effectively. All relevant parties including the federal and local governments-should have a well-defined plan in place for how they intend to fund their community empowerment initiatives. This would ensure that the projects are finished in the way required to meet the predetermined objectives. The county should develop strategies to recruit skilled individuals who have relevant experience and expertise. The county should also create supportive work environments and career development opportunities to retain experienced staff and volunteers. Consider providing performance-based incentives, recognition programs, and opportunities for career advancement. The county should conduct awareness campaigns to inform community members about the project’s objectives, benefits, and their roles in the process. Educating the community on the importance of their participation can lead to more active and informed involvement. The county should encourage leaders to model ethical behavior and accountability in all aspects of project management. Ethical leadership fosters a culture of integrity and responsibility among project staff and stakeholders. The county should reward leaders and team members who demonstrate strong accountability and performance to motivate them take ownership of their roles.
PERFORMANCE OF POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMMES AND SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A CASE OF CARITAS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME IN HOMA BAY COUNTY, KENYA
(management university of africa, 2024-10) COLLINS OCHIENG OMOLLO
This study examined the performance of poverty alleviation programmers and socio-economic development: a case of Caritas International in Homa Bay County within Kenya. The independent variable under study were youth vocational training, capacity building, livestock and crop development. The study was anchored by the empowerment theory; supported by the human capital theory and the restricted opportunity theory. The study adopted the descriptive study design to describe the social and economic characteristics of the target population. The target population was 1,142 household heads out of which through stratified random sampling, 92 respondents were selected to be part of the study sample. Proportionate sampling was then employed to ensure that the three sub counties under study were proportionately represented in the sample. The data was collected through questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated and pre-tested before the actual data collection. Data analysis was done through the use of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 29. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated to help in summarizing data to aid in making meaningful conclusions and recommendations. Tables, charts and percentages were used to present the summarized data. The researcher observed research ethics before the actual research, during the actual research and after the research. The findings of this study reveal that a youth vocational training has enabled the youth to gain useful skills which have enabled them to obtain gainful employment; capacity building has equipped households with resources and skills that have led to the attainment of self-reliance; proceeds from livestock production is a source of income used for investment and at the same time reduces food insecurity within households and crop development enhances household nutrition and on the other hand surplus realized from production is a source of income which can be used for investment in education, descent housing and access to better healthcare services. Recommendations from the study are as follows; Capacity building programs should include training on saving culture and financial management to enable households to use the income earned from the sale of farm products prudently and also to use their earnings to scale up their production. The national and county governments should supplement the efforts already made by Caritas in alleviating poverty through crop and livestock development. There is need for providing more resources to the poor households, so that crop and livestock production can be done in a large scale to enable commercialization. There is need to conduct a study on how land fragmentation affects household’s level of production in terms of technical efficiency of agriculture and the sustainability of food production system.
ASSESMENT OF DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ON DISASTER RESILIENCE OF KENYAN COUNTIES: A CASE OF BARINGO COUNTY
(management university of africa, 2024-10) ABDUSHAKUR KHATIB LENDAPANA
Despite all the disaster risk management measures that are in place, disasters have continued to rock Baringo County. This research aimed at assessing effect of disaster risk management systems on disaster risk resilience of Kenyan counties, using Baringo County as case. Specifically, the study aimed at; to determine the effects of disaster risk awareness on disaster risk resilience in Baringo County, to examine the effects of disaster risk governance on disaster risk resilience in Baringo County, to assess the effects of risk reduction measures on disaster risk resilience in Baringo County and to examine the effect of disaster preparedness measures on disaster risk resilience in Baringo County. System Theory, Institutional Theory and Stakeholder Theory was used as the theoretical framework underpinning the study and employed a cross-sectional case study method. A total of 405 officers were targeted who work in sectors with responsibility in disaster risk management within Baringo County comprising of Directorate of DRM, department of Agriculture and Livestock, Water, Health and Nutrition, Fire, Security and peace building and NGOs/Development partners implementing Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives at the county level. A stratified random sampling was used to get the research subjects. Data collection was done using structured questionnaire. The quantitative data collected was analyzed quantitatively by use of descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS software version 27. A multiple regression model was applied to demonstrate the association between the independent variables and the dependent variable of disaster risk resilience, and the results was presented in tables, charts and bars. Overall, the study findings showed that there exists a strong positive relation between the independent and the dependent variables as shown by R = 0.799 and R2 = 0.638 this means that 64% of variation in disaster risk resilience is explained by changes in all the independent variables. The level of significance was <0.000 thus the overall regression model significantly predicted the dependent variables. the findings also showed that disaster preparedness measures were the predictor that most effects disaster risk resilience in Baringo County with Unstandardized coefficient (β) value of .479 followed by disaster risk reduction measure with β of .205. Disaster risk awareness was the least significant determinant of disaster risk resilience in Baringo County with Unstandardized coefficient β of .047. This study recommends that Baringo County government and its partners need to continue strengthening investment in all four independent variables as evident has shown they play complimentary role in addressing disaster risk resilience.