African Journal of Empirical Research
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Unpacking consumer purchase intentions: A stimulus organism response approach to service quality, pricing, and brand loyalty in emerging telecom markets in Tanzania
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the indirect effects of perceived service quality and price perception on purchase intention, mediated by customer satisfaction and brand trust, using the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework. Anchored in the Service Quality Framework and Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory (EDT), the study conceptualises service quality and perceived price as external stimuli influencing internal evaluations, which subsequently shape consumer behavioural intentions. A cross-sectional survey of 601 mobile users across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar was conducted, with data analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4. The results reveal that both service quality and perceived price significantly influence purchase intention through the sequential mediation of customer satisfaction and trust. Specifically, perceived price fairness (β = 0.030, t = 9.587, p = 0.000) enhances satisfaction, which increases trust (β = 0.048, t = 10.610, p = 0.000). Similarly, service quality (β = 0.032, t = 13.976, p = 0.000) positively impacts satisfaction and ultimately fosters trust (β = 0.032, t = 8.563, p = 0.000). The study concludes that perceived price fairness and service quality indirectly increase purchase intention through satisfaction and trust. Based on these results, the study recommends that telecom operators should prioritise fair pricing and superior service to enhance satisfaction, build trust, and promote customer loyalty
Transportation management as a supply chain driver and performance of large manufacturing firms in Kenya
Get PDFThe manufacturing sector in Kenya stands to be at the centre of economic growth and development owing to its role in job creation and value addition. Despite its promising potential, the sector has over the past five years faced stagnation and overall decline in performance, as a result of accelerating disruptions in the operating environment such as sky rocketing costs of production, political instability, increased competition, unpredictable policy frameworks among others. Available evidence shows that one of the major supportive aspects that could enable modern businesses particularly manufacturing firms to be more resilient and competitive amid the disruptions is transportation management, which helps streamline the logistics processes for cost-efficiency, timely deliveries, and customer satisfaction. However, there remains scant evidence on embrace of transportation management as a supply chain driver in large manufacturing firms in Kenya, hence the motivation of this study. The study was anchored on Transaction Cost Economics theory, which upholds the essence of streamlining processes like transportation to minimize on costs and maximize on value. Using a cross-sectional research design, the study targeted supply chain managers drawn from 553 large manufacturing firms in Kenya. Using Slovin’s sampling formula, a total of 233 respondents were sampled. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data, which was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings revealed that transportation management had not been effectively embraced among most of the surveyed large manufacturing firms in Kenya. It was also uncovered that the large manufacturing firms recorded declining and unstable performance for the period under review. The downward trend in performance was strongly correlated with low embrace of transportation management, implying that transportation management significantly influenced performance of large manufacturing firms. This raises the need for supply chain managers in large manufacturing firms in Kenya to uphold effective transportation management to strengthen and streamline the flow of goods across the supply chain network for enhanced performance
Socio-economic effects of inter-ethnic conflicts on communities living around Kubasali escarpment in Kakamega and Nandi counties, Kenya
Get PDFInter-ethnic conflicts are common worldwide. One of the main reasons of inter-ethnic conflicts in Africa is negative ethnicity. In Kubasali escarpment Luhya Ethnic group in Kakamega County have been in conflict with their neighbors the Nandi from Nandi County for a long time over destruction of property, land ownership, land boundary, political and resource use disputes. The inter-ethnic conflicts between the two ethnic groups have been reoccurring frequently despite regular interventions by various stakeholders since independence, affecting socio-economic development in Kakamega and Nandi Counties. The study aimed at assessing the socio-economic effects of inter-ethnic conflicts on communities living around Kubasali escarpment in Kakamega and Nandi counties. The study was based on the Interpretivism philosophical approach of research. The study population comprised;32 Assistant-chiefs, 8 Ward Administrators, 16 NGOs Officials, 24 Religious Leaders, 4 Deputy County Commissioners, 8 Assistant County Commissioners, 4 Sub-County Administrators, 18 Council of elders, 40 Police Officers, 24 Village Elders, 16 Chiefs, 8 Members of County Assembly, 18 Victims, 16 Perpetrators and 384 Households Heads totaling to 620. The study employed descriptive design. Classical theory of economic growth guided this research. The study employed simple random, systematic random, census, purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Fisher’s formula for determining sample size of Household heads was employed. Primary data collection was done using questionnaires, Interviews schedules, Observations checklists and Focus group discussion guides. Secondary sources included relevant documents and reports. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic narratives; Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that, disruption of learning, loss of property, loss of lives, stalled development projects and loss of livelihood are the socio-economic effects of inter-ethnic conflicts in the study area. The study concludes that, Inter-ethnic conflicts have got a negative influence on the socio-economic development in the study area. The study recommends that, a study should be conducted on the alternative dispute resolutions such as conciliation, reconciliation and civil disobedience to provide everlasting solutions of peace in the study area. The study recommends improved working relationship between the local residents, NGOs, civil society and the ethnic groups to make peace initiatives more effective and address various concerns of the ethnic groups to mitigate occurrences of inter-ethnic conflicts in the study area
Chemical composition, larvicidal and antibacterial activities of some leaves of the Cameroonian’s flora
Get PDFRecent studies have demonstrated the resistance of target pests to certain chemical insecticides. Environmental pollution is one result of the use of these chemical insecticides. The objective of this study was to determine larvicidal and antibacterial properties of the essential oil extracted from plants (Curcuma longa, Petroselinum crispum and Apium graveolens) by hydrodistillation. These plants were selected because of their utilisation, for instance, as tea. Chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and GC coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Larvicidal efficacy was assessed following guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO). C. longa yielded the highest extraction efficiency at 0.9%. All these samples are rich in monoterpenes (C. longa: 87.90%; P. crispum: 97.80%; A. graveolens: 88.08 %; M. piperita: 94.94%). In C. longa extract, Δ3-carène (37.40%) was the main compound. In the Apiaceae, 1,8-cinéole was the major component (P. crispum: 63.97% and A. graveolens: 63.33%). The larvicidal tests showed that C. longa and P. crispum exhibited the highest larvicidal activity on Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae. The immature stages were most susceptible. In addition, A. graveolens and P. crispum exhibited excellent antibacterial properties. Bacillus subtilis was the most sensible (DI=12mm). C. longa and P. crispum essential oils can be used as bio-insecticide and A. graveolens as a natural antibiotic
Challenges in the utilization of student-centered learning strategies on academic performance in clinical medicine at the Kenya Medical Training College, Bondo and Siaya campuses, Kenya
Get PDFStudent-centred learning (SCL) places the student at the centre of policies, practices and decision-making in the teaching–learning process. The teacher and the instructor provide the learners and the students with opportunities to learn independently. For many years, there has been a problem with regard to the theory practice gap in student-centred learning at Kenya Medical Training College, as indicated in many studies. Therefore, this study mainly focused on challenges of student-centred learning strategy in clinical medicine at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Bondo and Siaya Campuses. The study was conducted at Siaya and Bondo Campuses. The study utilized descriptive survey design where stratified random sampling was used to classify the two KMTC. Purposive sampling was used to select the samples with the required information. Proportionate sampling was employed to select a sample size within the samples that would reflect the numerical strength of the samples selected and finally simple random sampling technique was used to accord each member a chance of being selected and each choice would be independent of any other choice. The target population for the study was 295 students and 25 lecturers. The study used Yamane method to arrive at a sample size of 203 students. Correspondingly, pilot study was carried out and feedback obtained was used to correct research instruments that were afterwards used to collect data in the field. Data was collected through validated questionnaires for students and interviews from lecturers. Descriptive and inferential analysis was utilized to analyze data both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results revealed a significant relationship between challenges of student-centered learning and academic performance (t-statistic = 1.965, p-value = 0.001< 0.05). The study concluded that student-centered learning in clinical medicine is a transformative approach that aligns educational practice with the evolving demands of healthcare and recommends that programs to train students in time management, self-regulation, and teamwork should be embedded early in the curriculum to support their engagement in SCL
Plural contracting and adoption drivers for avocado contract farming in Njombe District, Tanzania: Exploring credit inclusiveness and infrastructure accessibility
Get PDFSpreading risks among farmers from production to market access is vital, and the opportunity to console is plural contracting. This study assessed plural contracting adoption among avocado farmers in Tanzania. Specifically, multiple contracts incurred for avocado farmers were examined, and access to credit finance and infrastructure were adoption drivers examined to influence adoption of avocado contract farming in Njombe District, Tanzania. Guided by agency theory, cross-sectional data were collected from a sample size of 385 respondents using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were employed to analyse both qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. The study identified four categories of contract farming among avocado cultivators: input, production, marketing, and full-service contracts.Variables such as age, gender, education, and geographic region significantly influenced participation rates.The predominant demographic of farmers consisted of middle-aged individuals who operated on a small scale and lived in rural areas.The findings indicate that various contract forms incentivise farmers to adopt practices, with these four types being the most significant.Moreover, pivotal elements that significantly facilitate the adoption of avocado contract farming include access to credit (OR=0.579, p=0.002), infrastructure (OR=2.564, p<0.001), advisory help (OR=0.623, p=0.023), and contract enforcement methods (OR=0.470, p<0.001). Moreover, access to credit finance and infrastructure, in addition to advisory support and clear contracts that include efficient enforcement procedures, significantly influences farmers\u27 willingness to adopt contract farming.The results demonstrate the significance of socio-demographic characteristics, institutional support, and well-structured contracts in facilitating the adoption of avocado contract farming. It is recommended that plural contracts, access to credit finance and infrastructure need policies and regulatory frameworks for guiding farmers to have appropriate contractual arrangements. Further, a replicate study should focus on the relationship of avocado quantities sold, price, and income of the farmers
Marine administration systems in transportation and the performance of logistics companies in Tanzania
Get PDFThe transport and logistics industries play a vital role in a country\u27s economic development and stability, and are essential for supporting international trade. Transportation is closely linked to logistics, which forms a core component of the supply chain. Increasing expectations for high service quality and minimal tolerance for poor performance have created a highly competitive environment in marine operations, placing significant pressure on marine managers to ensure both reliability and cost-effectiveness. MerKab Logistics Company Limited has been facing difficulties in how its managers, who are stationed at the head office in Dar es Salaam, can effectively oversee marine operations when trucks are operating across international borders. This case study aimed to provide a solution to this issue through the implementation of a marine management system. The research was guided by two theoretical frameworks: The Diffusion of Technology and the Theory of Replacement. The study concentrated on the Dar es Salaam area, and a descriptive research design was deemed appropriate given the qualitative nature of the data. A purposive sampling method, which is a type of non-random sampling, was used. The targeted population of 106 employees from MerKab Logistics Company Limited was used. The sample size was 84 employees from MerKab Logistics Company Limited, calculated from the Yamane formula. Information was gathered through interviews and document analysis, and the findings were interpreted using narrative analysis. The research identified several issues, including difficulties in integrating data into the system, excessive information overload, and concerns about system security. To address these problems, the study recommended the development of reliable digital tools, elimination of manual paperwork, automation of data entry and reporting processes, enhancement of communication systems, and upgrades to the company\u27s maintenance operations
Mathematical modeling of burglary dynamics incorporating unemployment in Kenya
Get PDFBurglary remains a critical socioeconomic challenge in Kenya, with unemployment identified as a key driver. This study presents a deterministic compartmental model using ordinary differential equations to explore how unemployment influences burglary dynamics in Kenya. The population is divided into five classes: susceptible, exposed, active burglars, incarcerated individuals, and those released from prison. Analytical results demonstrate that the model is well-posed, with positive and bounded solutions. Using the next-generation matrix method, we compute the effective reproduction number Re to analyze the stability of the burglary-free equilibrium point which is locally and globally asymptomatically stable when Re < 1 and the burglary-endemic equilibrium point which is both locally and globally asymptotically stable when Re > 1, indicating persistent burglary. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the employment rate ω is the most critical parameter for control, with a higher employment rate that significantly reduces Re. Numerical simulations using ODE-45 in MATLAB software corroborate these findings, showing that increased job opportunities drastically lower the incidence of burglary. This study provides insights for policy formulation, highlighting employment creation as an effective strategy to reduce burglary. This work contributes to social mathematical modeling by bridging socioeconomic factors with crime dynamics, offering a replicable framework for similar contexts. The model introduces novel elements such as recidivism and unemployment-linked transmission dynamics, offering a unique contribution to crime modeling in Kenya
Social protection practices and retention of girls in primary schools in Pokot West Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFThis research article investigates the impact of social protection practices on the retention of girls in primary schools in the Pokot West Sub-County of Kenya. Guided by the Education Production Function Model, the ex post facto research design was chosen, giving a picture of the enrolment and retention data from 2020 to 2023. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews with 147 headteachers and the Sub-County Director of Education. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis were carried out. Quantitative data underwent several linear multiple regression analyses, whereas qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Cronbach\u27s alpha (coefficient of 0.887) was used to determine the reliability. The results of the multiple linear regression indicate that schools adopting social protection practices, such as feeding programmes and counselling services, have retention rates that are 15-20 points higher compared to schools that do not implement these practices (p = 0.014), after accounting for the type and location of the school. The findings support the fact that social protection can help develop attendance and alleviate vulnerabilities, which is consistent with the evidence from the world on the use of similar practices to empower girls in disadvantaged regions. These practices can help retain women as well as promote gender equity by managing obstacles. The paper suggests institutionalising social protection practices to enhance girls\u27 retention and promote educational equity in marginalised areas
The influence of artificial intelligence on improving tax collection in Zanzibar Revenue Authority
Get PDFThis research was conducted to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on improving tax collection practices within the tax collection agency known as the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA). The study aligned with two specific objectives: first, to assess employees’ perceptions of AI on improving tax collection at ZRA, and the second objective is to examine the role of AI in tax fraud detection on improving tax collection at ZRA. The study employed a quantitative research methodology with a cross-section research design. The Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) was the model which was used to support this study. The target population was 373 employees who are engaged in tax collection practices, with a sample size of 193, which was obtained through Yamane’s formula, and the proportionate stratified sampling strategies are used to select the participants. Closed-ended questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics through multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that there is a positive relationship between the employees’ perception and improved tax collection (r=0.827, p<0.1). This strong positive perception indicates a readiness and supportive environment to implement AI in tax administration, which can help to streamline processes and increase operational efficiency. The results also showed that there is a positive relationship between the AI role in tax fraud detection and improved tax collection (r=0.849, p<0.1). This indicates that AI has the potential to increase revenue and help the taxpayers to comply with tax regulations effectively. Since ZRA employees perceived AI as useful tools to improve tax collection, they are ready to support it. It is recommended that ZRA urgently needs to invest in AI to help improve revenue performance; this investment will require a robust digital infrastructure with strong data security and privacy measures while adopting a phased implementation strategy. To avoid failure, it is advisable to start with pilot projects while carefully selecting suitable AI technologies for successful integration with existing systems