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Effect of government initiatives on youth entrepreneurship performance in Nairobi County
No full textFull - text thesisThe main objective of the research was to determine the effect of government initiatives on youth entrepreneurship in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were; to establish the effect of entrepreneurship education programs on youth entrepreneurship performance, analyze the effect of government policies on youth entrepreneurship performance establish the effect of access to finance on youth entrepreneurship performance and evaluate how market opportunities moderate the relationship between venture products, product development, and youth entrepreneurship performance in Nairobi County. To expound on the literature, resource-based firm theory and opportunity-based entrepreneurship theory were adopted and the research was pivoted on a positivist research philosophy. The researcher used a descriptive research design and stratified random sampling to select a sample of 305 respondents who took part in the study out of a total population of 1,251 traders as indicated by the city hall licensing office. Primary data and data collection were conducted through self-administered questionnaires. A pilot test was done to check for data validity and reliability and finally, the data collected was analyzed and presented in the form of means and standard deviations using tables. This entailed distributing 15 questionnaires randomly to the Kamukunji market different from Gikomba. Study findings indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship between government initiatives which include entrepreneurship education programs, government policies and access to finance and youth entrepreneurship performance. The study concludes that with improvements in finance, skills, and regulations, Kenya's youth entrepreneurship initiatives can drive economic growth. The study thus recommends that tertiary education should not just be about skills but rather, value-added skills through blended entrepreneurship knowledge to promote self-employment among youths. Second, the issue of policies should not be a blanket for all entrepreneurship. Exemption and grace periods should be adopted for new youth-owned businesses to favour their growth. Lastly, even though the government has elaborate funding for the youth, the bureaucracies and legal requirements, its inaccessibility and lack of awareness should be reviewed to promote loan uptake. This study has addressed the issue of the effect of government initiatives on youth entrepreneurship performance and suggests a study on measures of the sustainability of these youth-owned businesses to ensure that they dependably contribute to national economic GDP and at the same time create additional employment
The Impact of government spending efficiency on forest restoration outcomes in the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisThe Mau Forest Complex (MFC) is one of the most extensive montane forests in Eastern Africa. It is located in Kenya’s most crucial water catchment regions, but it remains affected by persistent environmental degradation. Despite considerable public investments aimed at its restoration, doubts persist around whether these resources have been efficiently allocated, implemented, and monitored. This study investigates how government spending efficiency, specifically in terms of allocation, project implementation, and monitoring and evaluation efficiency, affects forest restoration outcomes, both ecologically and socially. It is anchored in Theory of Public Expenditure and Forest Transition Theory and adopted a pragmatic worldview and also a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was collected from a stratified sample of 217 participants, comprising government officials, indigenous groups and community representatives involved in forest-related interventions. A multiple linear regression model was employed using SPSS version 27 to assess relationships among the variables, followed by qualitative interviews that deepened and clarified the quantitative findings. The findings of the study showed a strong positive association between allocation efficiency and restoration outcomes. However, the effectiveness was weakened by slow disbursement processes and governance-related obstacles. Project implementation showed moderate efficiency, particularly in cost management and collaboration, yet was hampered by frequent delays and administrative bottlenecks. Similarly, while monitoring mechanisms were present, the limited integration of stakeholder feedback and modern technology weakened adaptive management. The study’s contribution is anchored in bridging theoretical concepts with empirical findings on government spending efficiency on forest restoration initiatives in a developing-country context. It sheds light on systemic inefficiencies in public forest restoration spending and offers targeted recommendations to improve institutional responsiveness, community engagement, and long-term sustainability in forest governance.
Key words: Government Spending, forest restoration initiatives, allocation efficiency, project implementation efficiency, M&E efficiency, stakeholder engagements, long term sustainability, environmental and social outcomes
Impact of change management on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises within the healthcare sector in Nairobi County
No full textFull - text thesisThis study aimed to assess the impact of change management on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the healthcare sector in Nairobi County. Change management is crucial for organizational success as it defines standards and procedures that enhance performance. The study focused on three objectives: examining the impact of strategic leadership change, investigating the effect of technological changes, and evaluating the influence of organizational culture change on SME performance. The findings will help SMEs develop policies to drive growth. The study was based on Kotter’s 8-step model, Lewin’s 3-step model, and the Balanced Scorecard. A cross-sectional survey design was used for data accuracy, targeting senior managers from healthcare SMEs.
Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to respondents to collect data for the study, which used descriptive analysis and SPSS for both qualitative and quantitative data. The correlation tests revealed statistically significant positive linear associations between strategic leadership, technological changes, organizational culture, and the performance of SMEs within the healthcare sector in Nairobi County, Kenya. Regression analysis further confirmed a significant positive relationship between change management and SME performance. Additionally, the analysis found that technological changes and organizational culture had a significant effect on the performance of healthcare SMEs in Nairobi County.
The study recommends that the government should introduce grants and subsidies to support the adoption of advanced technologies in healthcare SMEs. The study also suggests that managers and leaders should clearly communicate the organization’s vision and mission to all employees as well as aligning organizational goals with the vision and mission to ensure everyone is working towards common objectives. The study also recommends that organizations should promote behaviors and practices that create a conducive and motivating work climate
Effect of technology adoption on the sustainable competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisThe banking industry had been grappling with a dynamic landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving customer preferences. The proliferation of fintech innovations and advancements in digital technologies had been transforming the banking landscape, compelling banks to adapt and incorporate digital solutions to remain relevant and competitive. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of technology adoption capabilities on the sustainable competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya. The specific objectives were to investigate the impact of automation on sustainable competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya, to establish the impact of alternative channels on sustainable competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya, to determine the impact of optimization of Human Capital on sustainable competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya and to determine the impact of customer relationship management on sustainable competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya. The study was anchored on four theories: resource dependency theory, technology adoption theory, expectation disconfirmation theory, and Porter’s theory of competitive advantage. Furthermore, the study was framed within the pragmatist point of view, employing a descriptive research design to elucidate the correlation between the variables under investigation. The population under scrutiny encompassed the 39 commercial banks operational in Kenya as of December 2023. Data collection hinged upon a semi-structured questionnaire, which was administered to two respondents from each bank. The targeted participants consisted of managers within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Business Development departments or individuals occupying analogous roles. The findings revealed that the automation of the bank processes enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and improves service delivery, while alternative banking channels such as mobile and internet banking increase accessibility and customer convenience. In relation to the role of adopting technology in the bank alternative channels, the findings reveal that it significantly enhances sustainable competitive advantage by increasing accessibility of the bank products, improves customer engagement, and facilitate personalized financial services. In relation to the technology adoption of the human capital function, the findings reveal that the bank operations are optimized because it improves the organization training and talent management, which in turn enhances productivity and innovation, fosters customer loyalty and brand reputation. Technology adoption in the CRM technologies was found to enhance the organizations data analytics capabilities, which in turn led to improved customer satisfaction, loyalty, and long- term business growth. The study underscores the need for banks to integrate technology adoption with digital transformation and regulatory compliance to maximize competitiveness. In regard to the digitalization of customer It also highlights policy implications, emphasizing the role of regulators in fostering a supportive environment for financial innovation. By aligning with the resource-based view (RBV) theory, this research contributes to existing knowledge on technology-driven competitiveness in the banking sector, offering insights for scholars, industry practitioners, and policymakers.
Key words: Sustainable competitive advantage; Alternative channels, automation, human capita
The Evolution of Kenya’s land policy, legal framework and its impact on pastoralism in Kajiado, Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisThe rise in population globally, the trend towards rapid urbanization, centralisation of land tenure, establishment of strict borders between previously open territories have all challenged the way of life for pastoralists around the world. These pose challenges to human’s connection to the drylands in a way that efficiently protects ecosystems, biodiversity and manages low fertility soils. In many countries, pastoralists are a large portion of the national population, often ethnic minorities numbering between 100 and 200 million people globally (IUCN, 2020). In this dissertation, I explore the possibilities within pastoral land use and management in Kajiado County of Kenya, for the purpose of shaping legislation and policies that capture the experiences and needs of pastoralists. This dissertation intends to: (1) undertake an evaluative study of the state of pastoralism in Kajiado, outlining its problems and prospects; (2) analyze the policy and legal land tenure system at the national and county level; and (3) determine the consequences of the examined policy frameworks on the future of pastoralism. Recognizing the effects of colonial and post-independence land policies on pastoralists, the study offers cross-generational approaches to realign policy to pastoralists lived realities and proposes frameworks that other ASALs could emulate. A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected through ten semi-structured interviews (n = 10) and one focus group discussion involving ten participants (n = 10), all purposively selected from different sub-counties to reflect diverse pastoralist practices. Participants were selected based on geography, herd size, and experience with land access challenges. Thematic analysis, guided by the Gioia methodology, was applied to synthesize insights from narratives into conceptual patterns using both manual coding and Atlas.Ti software. Findings indicate a significant transformation in pastoral systems. Mobility is declining due to land fragmentation, fencing, and urban encroachment. Pastoralists are shifting from full nomadism to seasonal or semi-sedentary forms. Environmental stress—especially prolonged droughts—has contributed to herd size reduction and forced diversification into farming and informal trade. Digital tools, including mobile phones and climate-monitoring applications, are increasingly used for market access and pasture planning, although access is uneven. The study also highlights the tension between customary tenure systems and formal land governance. While communal grazing lands remain central to pastoralist survival, policies promoting private land titles have disrupted shared access. These institutional and ecological constraints have led to economic instability, rising land-related conflicts, and limited access to markets. The study concludes that pastoralism remains ecologically viable and socially relevant in Kajiado County, but its sustainability depends on policy reform and institutional inclusion. Legal recognition of communal grazing lands, formalization of migratory corridors, and direct participation of pastoralists in land governance are critical
Assessment of sustainable electricity generation scenarios in Burundi using multi-criteria approaches
No full textFull - text thesisWith an 11% electrification rate, Burundi is one of the countries in the sub-Saharan region still facing significant energy access challenges in the region. This has considerably impacted the economic development, energy security and technical advancement of the country. The country primarily relies on hydroelectric power, with 49MW installed out of a potential 1700MW, as well as diesel thermal plants, solar, biomass, peat, firewood, coal, bagasse, although on a smaller scale. Due to a poor energy mix and inadequate maintenance of existing hydro infrastructure, technical issues, like insufficient capacity, supply disruptions lead to low-quality electrical supply. Moreover, the increasing reliance on traditional biomass has led to deforestation, and environmental degradation. There have been nevertheless attempted initiatives to close the energy supply and demand imbalance, while promoting renewable energy integration. Burundi is boosting energy generation through public and private initiatives, including rehabilitating existing hydropower infrastructure, developing rural electrification with mini-hydro, solar, and wind power, extending electric networks and building regional plants with neighbors. Feasibility studies for solar and wind power investments are also in progress. Despite this, there is no data and structured modeling tool available to support evidence-based decisions about these investments. This study aimed to assess the pathways to electricity generation by developing and testing an energy planning tool, that integrated available resources and the future energy demand in Burundi, to close the existing gap between supply and demand. It will serve as a resource for the relevant stakeholders as they tackle the issues of energy access, affordability, security, decarbonization and decentralization, and support potential investors in their decision making
Green frontiers in Kenya’s Trade Marks Act (No.51 of 1955): assessing the registration and certification of green marks
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThe age of corporate sustainability has motivated organisations to adopt green marketing techniques to appeal to their pro-green consumers. An example of these techniques is using green trademarks and certification marks, which denote a product’s sustainability and ecological friendliness. The main problem outlined is that existing regulations appear not to have adapted to the novelties presented by the registration and use of green trademarks and certification marks. This has exposed consumers to unsubstantiated sustainability claims in Kenya’s Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market segment. The proposed research will examine the problem by employing theoretical underpinnings from the quality theory of trademarks, as propounded by Frank Schechter, to establish whether the legal framework can accommodate new green marketing tools in contemporary times. The study adopts a doctrinal legal research methodology to analyse statutes, court jurisprudence, and scholarly works to understand the aims and the scope of green marketing. The novelty of the research is likely to be found in the examination of the current regulatory regime against contemporary corporate sustainability standards, from which recommendations regarding the registration of green trademarks and certification of green marks in Kenya’s FMCG industry will be made
Moderating effect of biodiversity conservation on the relationship between agroforestry practices and productivity of smallholder farmers in Mt. Elgon, Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisAgroforestry, practiced on over 1 billion hectares globally, represents 28% of agricultural land area and offers potential solutions to smallholder farmers’ challenges, including soil degradation, low productivity and climate variability. Despite its extensive adoption, there is limited statistical evidence quantifying the impact of agroforestry practices and biodiversity conservation on farm productivity. This study sought to address this gap by examining the relationship between agroforestry practices, biodiversity conservation and productivity in Mt. Elgon Sub-County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to analyze the effects of agroforestry types, implementation scale and utilization of extension services on productivity. Additionally, it evaluated how biodiversity conservation moderated the relationship between agroforestry practices and productivity. The research was underpinned by three theories: the Theory of Agroforestry Systems, which explains the ecological and economic synergies of integrated farming systems; the Resource Dependence Theory, emphasizing farmers’ reliance on external and natural resources; and the Theory of Planned Behavior, which accounts for farmers’ attitudes and intentions in adopting agroforestry. A pragmatist research philosophy guided the study, focusing on actionable insights for addressing real-world challenges. A concurrent triangulation research design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to ensure robust findings. The study targeted smallholder farmers practicing agroforestry in Mt. Elgon Sub-County, Kenya, estimated at 16,283 households. A sample size of 384 farmers was determined using Fisher’s formula, with participants selected through stratified random sampling across geographical zones and purposive sampling for key informants to ensure comprehensive representation of agroforestry practices. Data was collected through questionnaires and key informant interviews from a stratified random sample of smallholder farmers in Mt. Elgon Sub-County. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 27, employing descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data underwent content analysis. The findings revealed that the type of agroforestry system significantly influenced farm productivity, with more diverse systems showing greater benefits. Expanding the scale of agroforestry implementation had the strongest positive impact on productivity, demonstrating the advantages of wider adoption. Access to extension services contributed moderately to productivity gains, particularly when combined with other factors. Most notably, biodiversity conservation played a crucial moderating role, enhancing the positive relationship between agroforestry practices and productivity, especially when implemented at larger scales and supported by extension services. The research recommended that farmers should be supported with targeted interventions to enhance the scale and effectiveness of agroforestry implementation. This study contributes to policy frameworks and extension programs, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity management in the region.
Keywords: Agroforestry Practices, Biodiversity Conservation, Smallholder Productivity, Sustainable Agriculture, Mt. Elgon Kenya
Effects of marketing strategies on the financial performance of construction companies in Nairobi County
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThe main objective of this study was to examine the effects of marketing strategies on the financial performance of construction companies in Nairobi County. Specific objectives included; to find out the impact of diversification strategy on the financial performance of construction companies in Nairobi County; to establish the effect of market penetration strategy on the financial performance of construction companies in Nairobi County; and to determine the effect of market development strategy on the financial performance of construction companies in Nairobi County. The study was supported by Marketing Mix Theory, Push and Pull Theory, and Market-Based View Theory. The researcher used descriptive research design. The study targeted 217 marketing officials who work at construction companies in Nairobi County. Yamane's technique was conducted to obtain the sample size for this study. Questionnaires were used in this study to gather primary data. Descriptive analysis was utilized to analyze data, and SPSS version 28 was utilized as a tool for statistical analysis and data management. The researcher ensured validity and reliability of the study instruments. Finally, the researcher observed all ethical issues in research. The study revealed a positive correlation between diversification strategy and financial performance in construction firms in Nairobi County. Product variety growth, market share diversification, and the introduction of new goods significantly improved financial performance. Market penetration strategies have led to increased client acquisition rates and market shares, resulting in improved financial results. Market development strategies have also improved financial performance by expanding market presence and increasing income. Therefore, investing in diversification, market penetration, and market development strategies is crucial for construction companies in Nairobi County to enhance their financial performance. The research suggests that construction organizations should diversify their products and services by introducing new, unconnected goods and services to increase market share and benefit from economies of scale. They should differentiate their products based on their target market and financial constraints, communicate this differentiation to distributors, retail outlets, and end users, and examine marketing materials before distribution. Adopting market penetration strategies is crucial for financial growth. Marketing and finance managers should focus on building new distribution channels, executing a proper pricing plan, and market segmentation to meet client needs and increase patronage. The study focused on Nairobi County's construction forms and suggests future research on other counties, broadening the industrial scope to include manufacturing, retail, banking, investments, service, telecommunications, and insurance, and exploring previously unexplored factors
Promoting equity in Kenya’s carbon markets: legal lessons and strategies for inclusive participation and benefit - sharing in Kenya
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThis research proposal aims to provide an analysis of carbon trading markets globally and their implications here in Kenya. The study looks into the social and economic effects of carbon trading on local indigenous communities in Kenya, as well as the degree of community involvement and participation in emission reduction initiatives. The research will also draw from other jurisdictions’ experiences with their voluntary carbon markets and aim to identify best practices in utilising the voluntary carbon markets to achieve equitable resource distribution and uphold the right to clean and healthy environment as enshrined in Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010). By examining both global and local dynamics, the study intends to contribute valuable insights to the effectiveness, equity, and sustainability of carbon trading mechanisms in Kenya and propose recommendations for enhancing their benefits for both the environment and local communities