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The Effect of corporate environmental initiatives on consumer purchasing behavior within the beverage sector in Nairobi County
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThis research project investigated the impact of corporate environmental initiatives (CEIs) on consumer purchasing behavior within Nairobi County's beverage sector. As global environmental concerns continue to rise, companies have adopted sustainable practices to enhance their brand image and meet evolving consumer expectations. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate consumer awareness of CEIs, their influence on perceptions, and their effect on purchasing behavior. Using theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and Diffusion of Innovations (DOl), the findings revealed that consumer attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly influence purchasing decisions. The study showed that while awareness of CEIs among Nairobi's urban consumers is moderate, there is a positive correlation between awareness and purchasing behavior, with younger, more educated consumers being the most responsive. Key conclusions indicate that businesses implementing visible and impactful environmental initiatives can enhance consumer trust, loyalty, and brand perception. Recommendations include increasing transparency, educating consumers on CEIs, and incorporating sustainability efforts into marketing strategies. Policymakers are encouraged to establish regulations that promote corporate sustainability practices while incentivizing compliance. Study limitations included time constraints, a focus on urban consumers, and challenges in accessing detailed company data. Nonetheless, the project provides actionable insights for businesses seeking to align sustainability with profitability and contributes to the broader discourse on corporate environmental responsibility
Determinants of access to credit among the Small and Medium Enterprises in Kibra, Nairobi: moderated by financial literacy
No full textFull - text thesisThe research examined critical determinants affecting SME access to financial resources for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kibra Constituency, Nairobi County. The global economy depends critically on SMEs, which support substantial employment and GDP growth but still have difficulty accessing funding. The research focuses on three key factors: firm characteristics, financial characteristics, and entrepreneurial characteristics, with financial literacy as a moderating variable. Using a quantitative research design, data was collected through self-administered questionnaires to owners and managers, obtaining a sample of 200 respondents. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the relationships between the variables, while hierarchical regression analysis was employed to assess the moderating effect of financial literacy. This approach measured how financial literacy influences the pattern of finance accessibility in relation to entrepreneurial characteristics. The findings reveal that firm size and financial characteristics such as audited financial statements, firm performance, tangible assets, and tax compliance significantly influence Access to Credit. Managers who exhibit entrepreneurial characteristics gain better outcomes concerning funding access through their accumulated work experience and active engagement in business networking activities. Financial literacy is a moderator that boosts the funding access capability of SMEs while linking their entrepreneurial characteristics to potential outcomes. The findings reveal that improving financial transparency and enhancing entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy creates essential conditions for better SME funding opportunities. Hierarchical regression results showed that financial literacy strengthened the relationship between entrepreneurial characteristics and Access to Credit. The study offered strategic recommendations to financial institutions, policymakers, and SME operators while providing critical knowledge about SME financing challenges that help similar contexts.
Keywords: Access to Credit, SMEs, Financial Literacy, Kibra, Entrepreneurial Characteristics, Firm Characteristics, Financial Characteristics, Regression Analysis, Microfinance, Access to Credit, Financial Inclusion, Kenya, Loan Accessibility, SME Funding, Moderating Effec
The Legal framework for accessing controlled medicines for pain management in Kenya: a case study of medical cannabis
No full textFull - text thesisThe study sought to evaluate the ability of the legislative framework for controlled medicines to effectively structure the process of implementation of access to medical cannabis (MC) for pain management in Kenya. Using Mazmanian and Sabatier's framework, it analyzed the statutory variables within the legislation governing controlled medicines. Through the lens of the Policy Diffusion Theory, the study identified barriers in implementing the policy-legal framework and investigated stakeholder involvement in regulatory framework development and implementation. The main research objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the legislative framework in facilitating access to MC for pain management in Kenya. The specific objectives were: (1) to evaluate the existing legal framework governing access to MC for pain management in Kenya; (2) to investigate the involvement of stakeholders in shaping and executing the regulatory framework for access to MC as an alternative for pain management; and (3) to identify the barriers to implementation of the policy and legal framework for accessing MC for pain management. Recommendations were then formulated to enhance the policy, legal, and regulatory framework for MC access, with a focus solely on the policy-legal framework, excluding social and scientific considerations and non-medical uses of cannabis. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology, featuring key informant interviews with policymakers, the regulatory authority, healthcare providers, and patient advocates. The findings revealed significant gaps and contradictions between science and Kenya's current legal framework, which provided for medical use as an exception for the use of cannabis; however, this provision had not been operationalized in policy, law, regulations and practice. Looking through the lens of the Mazmanian and Sabatier's framework, it was evident that lack of clarity in the legal provisions and lack of regulations for the implementation of licit use of medical cannabis was a legal barrier that impeded access to MC, pointing to a failure of the statute to structure the implementation process coherently. Furthermore, lack of stakeholder awareness and inconsistent implementation of relevant policies hindered access. However, the study highlighted openness among some stakeholders to explore MC based on research evidence. This was, however, impeded by the lack of a structured proactive mode of stakeholder involvement. Based on the findings, recommendations included legislative reforms to clearly structure access to MC for pain management, developing comprehensive MC policies through structured stakeholder engagement, implementing evidence-based guidelines, and healthcare provider training on MC, along with launching public awareness campaigns to destigmatize MC. The findings aimed to guide policymakers and regulators in refining the regulatory framework and potentially influencing legislative amendments to improve responsible MC access for pain management while preventing abuse and diversion, using policy diffusion to leverage on the experience of other countries that have successfully implemented access to MC
Influence of Enterprise Risk Management integration on financial performance of non-life insurance companies in Kenya with the moderating effect of regulatory framework
No full textFull - text thesisEnterprise Risk Management (ERM) is a comprehensive approach, encompassing processes, structures, culture, and infrastructure, that organizations implement to identify and manage potential risks within their risk appetite. It is integrated into strategic planning and operational activities to provide reasonable assurance of achieving organizational objectives. While the theoretical benefits of ERM are well-established, its practical implementation, particularly within the dynamic and often volatile non-life insurance sector, presents significant challenges. This study addresses the empirical problem of understanding the specific influence of integrated ERM systems on the financial performance of non-life insurance companies in Kenya. It aimed to evaluate the distinct impacts of ERM process, culture, structure, and infrastructure integration on financial performance of non-life insurance companies in Kenya. To achieve this, the study was guided by guided by agency theory and contingency theory which provided a comprehensive theoretical framework. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting managers of five key departments (chief risk officers, chief finance manager, head of claims, head of underwriting, and head of sales/business development) across all 37 non-life insurance companies in Kenya who were selected using a purposive sampling method with a targeted population of 185 staff and a respondent sample size of 155 staff. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires, while secondary data, including financial reports, was gathered using data collection sheets. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were adopted for data analysis. Findings suggest a state of underwhelming adoption of ERM components, especially ERM processes, structures, and infrastructure in Kenya’s non-life insurance sector. Inferential statistics reveal that integrating ERM culture and structure yields significant positive effects on both ROA and ROE whereas ERM process and infrastructure, while significantly predictive of ROA, does not extend to ROE. Additionally, the current regulatory framework does not significantly moderate the relationship between ERM practices and financial performance. Therefore, this study recommends that policymakers should enhance the regulatory environment to better complement the integration of ERM practices and that individual non-life insurance companies should prioritize investing in ERM culture and structure integration to optimize their financial performance, particularly in terms of improved ROA and ROE
Effects of internationalization strategies on the organizational performance of emerging multinational enterprises in Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisThe internationalization of multinational corporations from emerging markets is a growing phenomenon in international business. Yet, their expansion into developing and developed markets remains sparsely explored in international business research. Empirical evidence of factors influencing their performance in these developing markets is limited. Accordingly, this study examines the effects of internationalization strategies on the performance of emerging multinational enterprises in Kenya. The specific objectives were to: (1) assess the influence of the amalgamation strategy, (2) examine the effect of the ambidexterity strategy, and (3) evaluate the influence of the adaptability strategy on the organizational performance of emerging multinational enterprises in Kenya. The study was anchored on the Springboard Theory of International Business and the Balanced Scorecard framework of organizational performance. A postpositivist research philosophy and a descriptive research design were adopted. The target population was 213 multinational corporations from which 47 emerging multinational enterprises headquartered in Nairobi County represented the study unit of analysis. The purposive sampling method was used, targeting 3–5 top-level managers per firm, resulting in a sample size of 235 respondents. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire, which was pretested for reliability and validity. The results indicated that both ambidexterity and adaptability strategies had a significant positive impact on organizational performance, whereas the amalgamation strategy demonstrated no statistically significant effect. The study concludes that ambidexterity and adaptability strategies drive success for emerging multinational enterprises in Kenya. The study recommends policies to support talent development in meeting emerging multinational enterprises’ human capital needs and implementing intellectual property reforms to foster innovation. For practitioners, emerging multinational enterprise managers should prioritize market-specific product design and leverage local resources, technical expertise and natural assets to establish themselves in developing markets such as Kenya
Code and compliance: a legal causation framework for fully autonomous weapon systems deployed in urban settings
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThe advancement of fully autonomous weapon systems presents unprecedented legal and ethical challenges, particularly concerning accountability under International Humanitarian Law. These weapons, characterised by deep-learning-led capabilities, can function without direct human intervention, raising concerns about compliance with established norms of warfare. The study explores the necessity of an effective liability framework under International Humanitarian Law for when these weapons inflict harm on protected persons, particularly in urban combat settings. Current legal frameworks within International Humanitarian Law struggle to address accountability gaps introduced by these weapons. The study critically examines the existing liability mechanisms for conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction, highlighting their inadequacy in dealing with fully autonomous systems. Through an analysis of legal precedents, the study argues that a causation framework exactly like the one in common law negligence—specifically, factual and proximate causation—provides a robust foundation for attributing liability in the context of this study’s problem. Methodologically, this research employs a qualitative deductive approach, drawing from case law, international treaties, scholarly discussions, and more. The study finds that a causation framework exactly like the one in common law negligence should be integrated into International Humanitarian Law to hold users of these weapons (considered to be States) liable for harm they cause in urban areas. In instances where the weaponry is deployed directly to urban areas, liability should be established using the ‘but-for’ test. In cases where it is not deployed to urban areas but takes action within them, the foreseeability test should apply. Ultimately, the study proposes the above integration to ensure the use of these weapons aligns with fundamental humanitarian principles, advocating for judicial interpretation, institutional oversight, and reporting mechanisms to mitigate risks posed by fully autonomous warfare technologies
Influence of performance management systems on employee engagement in private universities: a case study of Strathmore University, in Kenya
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectOne of the most significant human resource practices in the world today is performance management. This is because, in order to improve employee performance, organizations must understand that their workers need a clear understanding of what is expected of them both in the short and long term. Regular prefinance evaluations are therefore considered essential, as they may involve asking workers to prioritize their tasks over activities that won't actually improve their output. The study found that PMS was a significant determinant of employee engagement at Strathmore University. The opportunities for professional development were seen to build the skills of employees and make them feel part of the institution, though at unequal levels. Feedback was constructive and timely, helping in aligning individual efforts towards organizational goals; what the respondents valued most was consistent and actionable feedback. Of these, goal-setting practices exerted the greatest influence because it was found that clearly set and aligned participatory goal-setting enhanced motivation and commitment. The findings underlined the integration of these facets of PMS to provide a supportive and involving work environment that drives organizational success
The Effect of non-financial incentives on employee performance among real estate companies in Nairobi County
No full textFull - text thesisEmployee performance plays a crucial role in driving organizational success, particularly in the dynamic real estate sector in Kenya. Despite the emphasis on financial incentives, non-financial incentives have gained attention as a key factor in improving employee motivation and productivity. This study sought to establish the effect of non-financial incentives on employee performance among real estate companies within Nairobi County. Specifically, it examined the influence of training opportunities, staff recognition, flexible work schedules, and staff empowerment on employee performance. The study employed descriptive cross-sectional research design, targeting a population of 450 top management staff in real estate companies within Nairobi County. A sample size of 212 respondents was used. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires, focusing on quantitative measures of the identified variables. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0, enabling the study to establish relationships between the various non-financial incentives and employee performance. The study findings showed that training opportunities have a significant positive influence on employee performance in real estate companies. In addition, the study found out that employee recognition programs have a significant positive influence on employee performance in real estate companies. Also, the study findings demonstrated that flexible work arrangements have a significant positive influence on employee performance in real estate companies. Lastly, the study findings showed that employee empowerment has a significant positive influence on employee performance in real estate companies. This study recommended that real estate companies enhance employee training, recognition, flexible work arrangements, and empowerment strategies to optimize performance. The study also recommended that organizations should implement structured training programs, transparent and merit-based recognition initiatives, balanced flexible work policies, and empowerment-driven management approaches to foster motivation, productivity, and long-term organizational success. Additionally, it was the recommendation of the study that continuous evaluation and alignment of these strategies with business objectives and employee needs are essential, and that regular assessments of training relevance, recognition fairness, flexible work impact, and empowerment effectiveness will ensure sustained employee engagement, innovation, and overall company growth.
Key Words: Non-Financial Incentives, Employee Performance, Real Estate Companies, Training Opportunities, Staff Recognition, Flexible Work Schedules, Staff Empowermen
The Effect of logistics regulatory restrictiveness on the performance of freight forwarding companies in Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisCovid 19 restrictions imposed by the government have resulted in significant impact to the economy and particularly to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). The selection of some interventions over others necessitates assessment of the rationale behind the various regulations that were put in place and how these have impacted specific industries. This study focused on the effect of government logistics regulatory restrictiveness on the performance of freight forwarding companies in Kenya. The objectives of the study were as follows: To determine the effect of customs restrictiveness on the performance of freight forwarding companies in Kenya; To determine the effect of investment restrictiveness on the performance of freight forwarding companies in Kenya. To determine the effect of movement of people restrictiveness on the performance of freight forwarding companies in Kenya. To determine the effect of road transport restrictiveness on the performance of freight forwarding companies in Kenya. The bulk of cargo movement in Africa is facilitated via road transportation with freight forwarding companies playing a central role in the distribution process. Two main theories are considered in this study – The Private Interest Theory of Regulation and the Balanced Scorecard. The current study utilized a descriptive-cross-sectional research design. There are 868 licensed freight forwarding companies in Kenya; managers from these organizations formed the population of the current study. Data, from 256 sampled respondents, was collected through closed-ended structured questionnaire and data analysis, both descriptive and inferential statistics, was performed. The study was rooted in the private interest theory and the Balanced Scorecard. Regression results indicated that the impact of the independent variables, by magnitude in descending order was as follows – custom restrictiveness, movement of people restrictiveness and finally investment restrictiveness. Road transport restrictiveness was not found to be a significant predictor of performance. Incomplete. The study concluded that customs and movement of people restrictiveness significantly impacts the performance of freight forwarding companies in Kenya, with customs restrictiveness having the most profound effect. Investment restrictiveness and road transport restrictiveness were found to have less impact. Limitations included reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias, and the focus on Nairobi, limiting generalizability across Kenya or other regions. Future research is recommended to explore the longitudinal impact of regulatory restrictiveness on freight forwarding performance, including qualitative studies to understand the nuanced impacts of such regulations. Additionally, expanding the geographical scope beyond Nairobi to include other major freight corridors in Kenya would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory impacts on the freight forwarding industry
Factors influencing customer satisfaction with online food Delivery platforms in Nairobi County
No full textFull - text thesisThe online food delivery sector in globally has experienced substantial growth, largely due to the increasing reliance on digital platforms for food ordering. This study explored the key factors influencing customer satisfaction with online food delivery services in Nairobi, focusing on aspects such as food quality, service quality, order fulfillment, and platform usability. The research was anchored in two theoretical frameworks: the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which highlights the importance of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness in technology adoption, and the SERVQUAL Model, which evaluated how different service quality dimensions impact customer satisfaction. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing data collected from Nairobi residents who actively use online food delivery applications. The study sample was 385 respondents who were sampled randomly from the residents of the county. The research adopted structured questionnaires in the data collection with electronic and physical questionnaires designed for the data collection process. The study applied quantitative analysis using a mix of descriptive and inferential approaches with tables and figures used in the presentation of the results. Conclusions were that food quality has an insignificant effect on improving the level of customer satisfaction with online food delivery services among Kenyan consumers. The findings supported the conclusion that both platform usability and service quality significantly improved the customer satisfaction with online food delivery services. The study concludes that customers are satisfied with the delivery time which is reasonable and meet customer expectations. Further, it was established that customers find online food delivery platforms to be easy to navigate, stable and free from crashes and glitches that can cause customer satisfaction. Recommendations on policy development were that the hotels should focus on food quality factors such as freshness and packaging to ensure these are maintained at healthy and clean levels to meet customer expectations. The study also recommends that managers strive to adapt platforms that are flexible and easy to use as this would increase customer satisfaction. Further the firms should strive to maintain a manageable customer base to ensure they maintain timely delivery times and ensure they control food temperature and presentation during delivery. Finally, the study calls on these firms to adopt digital technologies to improve route optimization and improve delivery time to maintain freshness and temperature