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Effect of organization culture on employee burnout in the banking industry in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisBurnout is prevalent in the workplace in varying degrees across nations, sectors, or categories of employees. In Kenya, past studies on employee burnout report a prevalence of 62% in the banking industry. Given that banking plays a significant role in the national economy, it is imperative for commercial banks to develop and implement strategies to reduce this burnout. Global evidence suggests there is a role for organizational culture on burnout among bank employees. Yet, research on this relationship in Kenya’s banking sector remains scarce. Therefore, this research investigated effect of organization culture on employee burnout in the banking industry in Nairobi County, Kenya. Its specific objectives were to: analyse market culture effect on employee burnout in the banking industry in Nairobi County; examine clan culture effect on employee burnout in the banking industry in Nairobi County; determine hierarchy culture effect on employee burnout in the banking industry in Nairobi County; and assessing adhocracy culture influence on employee burnout in the banking industry in Nairobi County. The study was underpinned on competing values framework theory and job demands-resources theory. A positivist research philosophy that integrated descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. Out of a population of 12,882 clerical staff around the country, the target population of the study was 271 clerical staff in headquarters of commercial banks in Nairobi County. Using a sample size determination formula, 161 participants were decided as the sample size. A structured questionnaire adapted from previous studies was administered to respondents after a pilot study and confirming its validity and reliability. Both drop and pick later method and online Google forms modes of administration were used. The data was analysed descriptively first and thereafter followed by inferential statistical analysis by way of the Pearson (r) correlation and multiple linear regression using the statistical package for the social sciences. The findings were captured in tables and supported by interpretation and discussions. The findings revealed that the four organizational culture types explained 17.4% of change in employee burnout and this was statistically significant. The coefficients indicated that market culture, adhocracy culture, and hierarchy culture did not have any relationship with employee burnout. On the other hand, the study found that clan culture had a negative and significant effect on employee burnout implying that increasing clan culture practice would reduce burnout among clerical staff. The study concludes that clan culture has a positive outcome for employee burnout. Market culture, hierarchy culture, and adhocracy culture did not have any outcomes on employee burnout among clerical staff. The study recommends that the government, through the Central Bank of Kenya, the government can support initiatives aimed to promote wellness in the sector such funding for counseling and treatment centers for mental health issues. The study recommends for top management in banks to promote the tenets of clan culture into their company’s vision, mission, and core values. This can be achieved by creating initiatives in the organization that recognize and award team work and collaboration among employees
Assessing access to justice through the integration of traditional justice systems in Kenya within the formal legal framework
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThis research explores the existence of traditional justice systems in the Kenyan legal system, focusing on the impact of the repugnancy clause on traditional mechanisms. While the CoK,1 recognizes culture as the foundation of the law and provides for the utilization of TDRMs under certain conditions, the repugnancy clause has historically marginalized traditional systems. The research aims to inform policy reforms aimed at fostering greater recognition, protection, and integration of traditional justice systems within the broader legal framework. Employing a doctrinal legal research methodology, the research analyzes legal rules from primary and secondary sources, drawing insights from cases, statutes, and existing literature. By emphasizing the necessity for institutional links between formal legal systems and traditional mechanisms, the research aims to facilitate a referral system, appeals, and reviews, ultimately targeting lawmakers and marginalized communities for positive change in the legal landscape
Moderating effect of staff training on determinants of fraudulent practices committed by bank employees in Kenyan commercial banks
No full textFull - text thesisIn the modern financial landscape, fraudulent practices in commercial banks pose a critical challenge to financial stability, regulatory compliance, and customer trust. This study examines the determinants of fraudulent practices among employees in Kenyan commercial banks, focusing on internal control systems, regulatory compliance, organizational culture, and technological advancements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various factors in preventing fraudulent activities and maintaining the integrity of banking operations. The research is based on the Fraud Triangle Theory, Fraud Diamond Theory, Social Learning Theory and Routine Activity Theory, which offer valuable insights into the motivations and opportunities for fraud within financial institutions. A positivist approach is taken, employing an explanatory research design. Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires directed at bank managers involved in risk management, compliance, internal auditing, and governance across Kenya’s 38 licensed commercial banks. A total of 152 participants were selected using a census sampling method and the data was analyzed through both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to uncover patterns and relationships among the variables. The study findings reveal that Kenyan commercial banks have effective internal control systems, comply with regulatory requirements, foster a strong ethical culture and utilize advanced technologies to prevent fraud. The study further reveals that there was a strong positive correlation between internal control, regulatory compliance, organizational culture, technological advancements, staff training and fraud detection. The study concludes that robust internal control systems, regulatory compliance, a strong ethical culture, and the use of advanced technologies are key factors in reducing fraudulent practices in Kenyan commercial banks. It is recommended that Kenyan commercial banks enhance their whistleblowing mechanisms, invest in regular employee training on fraud prevention, and further strengthen their internal control systems. Additionally, banks should continue to adopt innovative technologies and foster a culture of ethics and transparency to minimize fraud risks
Estate planning in the digital age: adapting the Law of Succession Act to address challenges presented by digital assets
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectIn the era of digital dominance, estate planning faces a daunting challenge: adapting to the complexities of digital assets within existing legal frameworks. This study explores the urgent need to amend the Law of Succession Act to accommodate the realities of the digital age. The surge in digital assets, spanning cryptocurrencies, social media profiles, and cloud-stored documents, reshapes the landscape of inheritance, exposing gaps in current laws and leaving individuals vulnerable to legal ambiguities. Through a comprehensive examination drawing on legal, technological, and societal perspectives, this study identifies shortcomings in asset classification, valuation, and transfer within succession law. It proposes innovative reforms informed by comparative legal analysis and emerging practices, including redefined property definitions and streamlined probate processes facilitated by technological integration. Ethical considerations, such as privacy and data security, are also scrutinized. By confronting these challenges, the study advocates for a progressive approach to inheritance law, rooted in equity, transparency, and testamentary autonomy. Envisioning a future where estate planning seamlessly navigates the digital landscape, this study aims to ensure the equitable distribution of digital assets in the digital era
Decarbonization of urban road infrastructure using solar street lighting in Kenya: assessing implementation and impact
No full textFull - text thesisDecarbonizing urban road infrastructure using solar street lighting is a very promising perspective for the sustainable development of Kenya. This dissertation deals with a comprehensive study investigating the implementation and impacts of solar-powered lighting system adoption in urban areas, taking Mombasa City’s southern bypass highway as a case study. The fact that warrants the transition is that the benefits are manifold, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy efficiency, better public safety, and economic savings in running and maintaining lighting systems. However, the potential of solar street lighting has several limitations and assumptions that require empirical research to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness. The dissertation design is based on a comprehensive literature review to consolidate the current knowledge on solar street lighting, followed by a detailed methodology based on data collection, model development, and data analysis. The Mombasa Southern Bypass case study has helped us understand the local context, considering regulatory frameworks, technological requirements, and socioeconomic factors. The research, by running a qualitative and quantitative investigation about the main technical, economic, and regulatory issues arising from the implementation of solar street lighting, aimed to estimate the impacts that the sustainable infrastructure solution has on urban planning, energy consumption, and environmental quality to orient the definition of the potential advantages and disadvantages for policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders in implementing such solutions. The way forward is to gather findings from the outcomes of this research, which aided in developing evidence-based mechanisms to achieve decarbonization and sustainable urban development in Kenya and beyond. The study found that while street lighting infrastructure in Mombasa City is functional, significant improvements are needed, with a predominant reliance on conventional lighting technologies like incandescent and fluorescent lamps. In addition, the study found that solar street lighting is viable in Mombasa, and the irradiation level is sufficient to maintain reliable operation. The study identified several barriers to adopting solar street lighting in Kenya, including high initial costs, insufficient technical expertise, inadequate infrastructure, limited local solar technology availability, and logistical challenges. It also highlights the lack of government incentives, public resistance, and financing issues as significant obstacles to widespread adoption. Further, the study revealed that adopting solar street lighting in urban areas, including Mombasa City, is expected to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The study recommends transitioning to solar-powered lighting technologies in Mombasa City and the rest of the country to reduce energy consumption and emissions. It suggests integrating sustainable lighting into urban planning, investing in local solar technology adoption, and developing financing mechanisms to overcome financial barriers. Additionally, it emphasizes strengthening local capacity through training, streamlining approval processes, and increasing awareness campaigns to address public resistance and ensure the successful implementation of solar street lighting projects
Factors affecting tax compliance among small and medium enterprises in Nairobi’s central business district, Kenya
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectTax is an important stream of revenue for government's development projects and therefore all efforts must be made by governments to ensure that it is accurately and efficiently collected so as to facilitate the government's operations. In an effort to maximize collection of revenue and efficiency in tax administration, key changes to tax policy evolving around ensuring equity, further widening the tax base, promoting increased investment and in doing so, reducing the tax compliance burden, have in the recent past been made by the Kenyan government. This study sought to identify the factors that influence tax compliance in Kenya, specifically focusing on SME's operating within Nairobi's Central Business District. The researcher outlined a detailed literature review and identified the variables for this research. The dependent variable being tax compliance, the independent variables being tax rates, tax literacy, compliance costs and tax attitude. The tax rate included those of Corporate Tax and Value Added Tax. The research was a descriptive survey. Given the large population of registered SMEs in Nairobi, a sample size of 194.The research was conducted using questionnaires which were distributed out with the help of two assistants and the results were out the data was analyzed by coding according to variables in the study for efficiency so as to reduce replies given by respondents to a small number of classes. The study found that tax literacy, compliance costs, tax rates, and taxpayer attitudes significantly influenced tax compliance among SMEs in Nairobi's CBD. Tax literacy was the most impactful factor, with SMEs that understood tax processes showing higher compliance. High tax rates and prohibitive compliance costs discouraged many businesses from adhering fully to tax regulations. Mixed attitudes towards tax payments were observed, influenced by perceived inefficiencies in government expenditure. The conclusions emphasized the need for improved tax education, simplified filing processes, and reduced compliance costs to enhance voluntary compliance. Recommendations included progressive tax rate adjustments, subsidized professional support for SMEs, and initiatives to rebuild trust in government spending through increased transparency
Factors influencing youth participation in agriculture in Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisThe extent of youth involvement in agriculture in Kenya has been minimal. For instance, the statistical data highlights a troubling trend in Kenya, where youth participation in the agriculture sector is notably low, with only 10-15% actively involved. Therefore, this study was designed to examine and analyze the factors influencing youth participation in agriculture in Kenya. The study is guided by four objectives i.e., to identify the influence of perception of career in agriculture on participation by the youth in Kenya; to examine the influence of youth access to agricultural information on participation in agriculture to assess the influence of social-capital networks on participation in agriculture and to analyze the impact of economic factors on participation in agriculture by the youth in Kenya. This study is based on insights of the push–Pull Theory and the Theory of planned behavior to develop the arguments for the main relationships hypothesized. A descriptive survey design was used in the study. The study collected data from the registered Strathmore alumni youth. The research employed quantitative research data. The quantitative data was obtained using questionnaires. The descriptive statistics used by the study were mean, percentages and frequencies whereas correlation and regression analysis were the inferential statistics which the study adopted. Descriptive statistics provide an account of how the respondents responded to statements in the questionnaires using percentage, frequency, and mean response. The research utilized a binary planning model to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. It found that a considerable number of respondents were male, with the rest being female. Most participants were aged 25 to 35, while others were between 20 and 24, and a smaller group was aged 18 to 19. The results showed that the majority had completed primary education, followed by secondary school graduates, with equal numbers holding diplomas and degrees. In the regression analysis, with independent variables such as perception of a career in agriculture, youth access to agriculture information, social capital networks, and economic factors set to zero, participation in agriculture was recorded at 6.856. The data analyzed also showed that taking all other independent variables at zero, a unit increase in perception of career in agriculture, social capital networks, youths’ access to agriculture information and economic factors would lead to a decrease in participation in agriculture. The study concludes that the variables under investigation have significant influences on the decision to participate in agriculture. Access to agriculture information impacts sector participation. Recently, youth engagement in agriculture has increased, due to strong social capital networks. Additionally, current economic conditions present Kenyan youth with significant opportunities to actively engage in agriculture. The study recommends that stimulating youth involvement in agriculture necessitates a holistic policy package involving all stakeholders in the country, especially the youth who are currently under-represented. The country must actively engage the youth in the development of food systems and link any efforts with those aimed at achieving Sustainable development goals. The government also plays a key part in stimulating agriculture value creation by organizing more agricultural seminars and promoting benefit maximizing opportunities to those lacking the necessary skills to create value within the agriculture chain. The government engages the youth through agricultural extension programs organized through a self-help group framework that would see joint efforts at agriculture value creation, reduce risk and encourage diversification. They also call on the government to streamline financial regulations to increase the sector’s development.
Key words: Perception of career in agriculture, youths’ access to agriculture information, social capital networks and economic factors
Redefining the ingredients of penetration and identification in rape and defilement cases in Kenya: a case for mandatory DNA testing in cases involving bodily fluids and epithelial cells
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectDefilement and rape is the predominant forms of abuse in Kenya, and it exacts severe mental and physical tolls on victims. It not only exposes the victims to early pregnancies but also to the risks of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, addressing both defilement and rape cases are fraught with challenges such as the possibility of coaching children victims, fabrication of rape allegations, the denial of exculpatory evidence for accused persons. Additionally, the non-operationalization of Kenya’s DNA database hinders the effective prevention, investigation and investigation of such cases. The current Kenyan law and practice does not mandate for DNA testing in defilement and rape cases and the resultant effect is the increased possibility for mistaken identity hindering the ability to establish innocence. This study aims to interrogate the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006 Cap 63A to determine whether or not mandatory DNA testing can help alleviate the above mentioned challenges with regards to defilement and rape cases involving bodily fluids and epithelial cells. Anchored on the rational theory of crime, this study utilizes a doctrinal research methodology to scrutinize primary sources alongside secondary data to assess the legal landscape surrounding defilement cases in Kenya. Further, the study undertakes a comparative study of the legislation and practice of DNA testing in South Africa. South Africa is selected as a comparator country because of its progressive legislation and jurisprudence, from which Kenya can draw some valuable lessons. Ultimately, the findings of this study have the potential to provide valuable insights for policymakers and legal practitioners highlighting the imperative of integrating provisions on mandatory DNA testing in defilement and rape cases involving bodily fluids and epithelial cells into the existing legal framework. This integration could significantly bolster the protection of children from sexual abuse and ensure that perpetrators are only held accountable for their actions.
Key words: (Defilement, Rape, Sexual Offences Act, and Mandatory DNA testing.
Examining the legal challenges in debt financing: implications on economic development in Kenya
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThis study will demonstrate the link between legal issues in debt financing, their implications for Kenya's economic growth as well as its effect on the debt that the country is in. Kenya has been and remains dependent extensively on debt financing to drive its economic growth and development goals. However, the efficacy and sustainability of this method are hampered by several legal obstacles, including concerns about transparency, accountability, and debt management techniques. The study intends to investigate how inadequate debt management techniques, lack of transparency, and accountability in borrowing procedures lead to unsustainable debt build up and impeding economic progress. An analysis of how the effects of excessive borrowing stifles consumer spending, investment, and resource allocation, perpetuating social gaps and preventing inclusive growth due to the increase of the cost of living which is one of its effects. The end goal of this research piece is to inform policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders about the urgent need for debt management and fiscal policy reforms by providing critical insights into the nexus between legal challenges in debt financing and economic development in Kenya. This study is tantamount as it will contribute to evidence-based policymaking for achieving fiscal sustainability with transparency and accountability, risk management with regard to debt and the impact this has had on economic development prospects for Kenya by advocating some sustainable solutions that will have better prospects in the long run.
Key words: Economic growth, debt financing and debt management
Reclaiming tax sovereignty: a critical analysis of the OECD marginalization of developing countries and justifying unilateral tax measures amid retaliatory trade risks
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThe rapid growth of the digital economy has caused serious gaps in international tax frameworks, with digital multinational corporations (MNCs) who are based in developed countries deriving colossal profits in market jurisdictions without a physical presence. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been in the front line to offer guidelines for the taxation of the digital economy. However, these guidelines have been criticized for their developed-country bias and inadequate consideration of developing countries’ needs. To assert their tax sovereignty, developing countries are slowly employing independent unilateral tax measures such as the digital service tax (DST) and significant economic presence (SEP) to secure revenues from the digital economy. However, this has been confronted with concerns over possible trade retaliation measures by developed countries that might perceive such measures as discriminatory to their MNCs. Consequently, the trade retaliatory measures are seen as a ploy to force countries into making trade-offs for their tax sovereignty in return for favorable trade relations, eroding their tax autonomy to create tax policies that reflect their needs. This study critically examines how each update of the OECD initiatives falls short for developing countries and goes ahead to examine the influence of corporate lobbying in shaping the OECD’s initiatives with a specific focus on the inconsistent application of the OECD’s lobbying recommendations, the concept of revolving doors and the OECD’s role as a market-liberal think tank. Furthermore, the study explores the intersection of tax sovereignty and trade obligations by examining Kenya’s DST and proposed SEP to draw out inequities and practical barriers such as retaliatory actions from the current framework. The study employs both primary and secondary sources to analyze the OECD framework. As a way forward, the study recommends reforms to ensure an inclusive and equitable global tax framework.
Keywords: Digital Economy, Lobbying, Multinational Companies, Tax Sovereignty, Unilateral Tax Measures, Trade Retaliatory Measures, Kenya, Taxation Framework, Developing Countries, Developed Countries