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The Effect of fraud management strategies on the non-financial performance of microfinance banks in Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFFull - text thesisOver the past decade, microfinance banks (MFBs) in Kenya have experienced a significant increase in the number and value of fraud cases, which has negatively impacted their performance. Despite various strategies and measures implemented to combat fraud, its incidence and effects continue to rise as fraudsters develop new methods. This study aims to assess the impact of fraud management strategies on the performance of MFBs in Kenya. Specifically, the study seeks to determine the effects of fraud risk deterrence, fraud risk prevention, fraud risk detection, and fraud risk mitigation on the non-financial performance of MFBs in Kenya.
The study is grounded in the Fraud Triangle Theory, the Theory of Differential Association, the Fraud Diamond Theory, and Institutional Theory. A positivist approach was adopted, employing a descriptive research design. The population consisted of the 13 licensed microfinance banks in Kenya, targeting 316 permanent employees in senior and middle management positions within each MFB as the unit of observation. Data was collected using a questionnaire administered via a Google link sent to each respondent. Analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing both descriptive statistics, such as frequency distributions, and inferential statistics. The findings were presented in tables and graphical formats, such as bar graphs and pie charts, for ease of interpretation.
The research revealed that non-financial performance was supported by the adoption of various effective fraud deterrence strategies by MFBs, including the use of fraud detection tools, preventive and control measures, and fraud investigation and detection practices. Additionally, fraud prevention strategies, such as frequent risk monitoring and employee training in fraud risk management, have been relatively successful. However, there is a need for greater clarity regarding whether these fraud risk prevention strategies are stringent enough to enhance non-financial performance. Many MFBs have not yet effectively institutionalized financial accountability through audit efficiency and fraud detection strategies.
The study recommends that MFBs enhance fraud risk deterrence by instituting punitive penalties for employees caught engaging in fraud and identifying the appropriate tools for implementation. Furthermore, obtaining the cooperation of other departments is crucial for effective fraud risk deterrence
The Effects of microfinance products on financial inclusion of residents of Kibera Slums in Nairobi County
Get PDFFull - text thesisMotivated by the pressing need to address financial exclusion among marginalized populations, particularly in urban slums like Kibera, the research aimed to assess how microfinance interventions contribute to enhancing access to financial services and promoting economic empowerment within this community. Specifically, the study specific objectives were to establish the effect of micro-credit, micro-savings and micro-insurance on financial inclusion in the informal settlements, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was underpinned by three theories namely asymmetric information theory, social capital theory, and modern economic theory. The study used descriptive research design and a structured questionnaire in data collection. The study sample comprised of 384 households from Kibera slum in September 2023. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis techniques were used in data analysis. The study established that the micro-credit, micro-savings and micro-insurance positively contributes to the financial inclusion in the informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. Given the positive influence of micro-credit on financial inclusion, policymakers and financial institutions in Nairobi County should consider actively promoting and supporting micro-credit programs. This could involve creating awareness, providing financial literacy programs, and easing access to micro-credit for individuals in informal settlements. The study established micro-saving as a significant predictor of financial inclusion and demonstrating its substantial impact on the respondents. To further enhance financial inclusion, efforts should be made to facilitate and promote micro- saving initiatives. Recognizing the positive contribution of micro-insurance to financial inclusion there is a need to expand and improve the accessibility of micro-insurance services in informal settlements. Policymakers, insurance providers, and NGOs can collaborate to design and implement affordable and tailored micro-insurance products that cater to the specific needs of this demographic.
Key Words: Microfinance, financial products, financial intermediaries, small and micro enterprises, financial inclusion
Adoption of Behind-The-Meter Battery Storage Systems for residences in Kenya
Get PDFFull - text thesisThis research investigates the adoption of Behind-the-Meter Battery Energy Storage Systems (BTM BESS) in Kenyan urban households, focusing on mitigating the challenges posed by unreliable electricity supply, particularly for households engaged in work-from-home (WFH) activities. Electricity reliability challenges in Kenya's densely populated urban areas presents a significant challenge to the growing WFH workforce. While BTM BESS offer a potential solution for reliability, their affordability with grid-charging remains uncertain. The study develops a modified Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) model that integrates the WFH Reliability Metric and the WFH Income Value of Lost Load, offering a nuanced understanding of BTM BESS affordability tailored to the needs and economic realities of WFH individuals. Analysis reveals that BTM BESS becomes increasingly affordable as a reliability solution for WFH individuals, particularly those facing frequent outages or whose income is highly dependent on constant electricity access. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable energy transitions by highlighting the economic and reliability advantages of BTM BESS for urban households in Kenya, proposing policy recommendations to enhance BTM BESS adoption and support the provision of reliable electricity as per Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7)
The Influence of digital marketing strategies on consumers purchase decisions for post-graduate programs in private universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Get PDFFull - text thesisGlobally and locally, competition for post-graduate students is increasing. As a result, universities need to think of strategies that can help influence enrollment choices for their post-graduate programs. One such strategy is digital marketing. In this respect, the primary objective of the current study was to evaluate the influence of digital marketing on consumer product choice for post-graduate programs in Nairobi County. The specific objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of social media marketing, email marketing and website marketing on purchase decisions for post-graduate programs. The theories that underpinned this study were the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Learning Model of Consumer Decision Making. Positivism was used in this research. The research method adopted for this research was the descriptive cross-sectional design. Judgmental sampling was used to obtain the views of respondents, who consisted of post-graduate students in private universities in Nairobi. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires that were administered using a fill-and-wait strategy. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple linear regression). Findings suggest that digital marketing strategies – social media marketing, email marketing, and website marketing – have positive and significant influence on consumer purchase decision. Therefore, this concludes that social media marketing, email marketing, and website marketing are significant predictors of consumer purchase decisions for postgraduate programs in private universities in Nairobi. Website marketing had the strongest effect of the three strategies. Therefore, this research recommends leveraging these digital marketing to drive postgraduate enrollments with particular focus on website marketing for optimal results. Also, since this research focused on only three digital marketing strategies, further research is needed on other types of digital marketing.
Keywords: consumer purchase decision, social media marketing, email marketing, website marketin
Examining the financial effect of net zero carbon emissions goal on Kenyan airlines
Get PDFFull - text thesisDespite the adverse effects of aviation on the environment caused by the increase in global air traffic, there has been limited policy locally to mitigate carbon emissions. This was discussed on a global platform in October 2022 that culminated in an adoption of a long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) of achieving a neutral carbon emissions goal by 2050. The roadmaps to net zero address two key points: reducing the amount of energy needed to fly and substituting the fuel used in aviation. Unfortunately, current national plans are behind schedule on achieving these milestones. This study specifically examined the impact of the LTAG net-zero goal on the local aviation sector and the effect of technological advancements, operational changes and implementation of sustainable aviation fuel on an airline’s overall costs. This study was anchored on the Porter hypothesis which defines the impact of environmental regulation on business performance and the contingent resource-based theory that defines the correlation between a firm’s strategy for managing how its activities interface with the environment and its competitive advantage. It was based on a pragmatic research philosophy in examining the relationships between the study variables while integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods to glean various perspectives on the research problem. The current research used on a mixed research approach with structured and semi-structured questionnaires that was instrumental in examining the causal link between ICAO LTAG recommendations and airline costs by gathering data from questionnaires and interviewing key experts in aviation management. The study population was drawn from the 69 local airlines. The sample study was 138 respondents who hold senior management positions in the airlines. A combination of primary and secondary data was utilized in this research. The secondary data was obtained from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), KCAA, aeronautical business reports and journals. The study employed standard deviation, means, regression and correlation analysis. The correlation analysis showed that technical improvement, operational improvement and SAF implementation all had a weak positive significant relationship with the airline costs in Kenya. Results from the regression analysis revealed that net zero carbon emission goal explained 36.7% of the airline costs in the Kenyan aviation industry. The study further found that technological improvement positively and significantly contributes to improved airline costs. The analysis also revealed that operational improvements had a positive and significant effect on airline costs in the Kenyan aviation industry. Lastly, the findings on the third variable revealed an insignificant effect of sustainable aviation fuel implementation on the airline costs in the Kenyan aviation industry. The study recommends that airlines should consider aviation emissions when undertaking fleet upgrades, aiming to incorporate more environmentally friendly technologies. The study also recommends continued investment of resources in optimizing operational processes as improvement of these operations lead to an increase in the airline's margin. The study further recommends an increase in government support and incentives which may be necessary to facilitate the transition to SAF and alleviate the financial burden on airlines
Influence of service quality on customer satisfaction in general insurance companies in Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisSeveral studies have been done to demonstrate how service quality is connected to customer satisfaction in different sectors. There are however few studies aimed at examining the nexus between service quality and customer satisfaction in general insurance. Previous studies in the insurance industry in East Africa have shown that service delivery is not at its best and that customer satisfaction remains a challenge. Negative reputation, mistrust and ethical malpractices are notable challenges in the Kenya insurance industry. This study investigated the influence service quality on customer satisfaction in the general insurance sector using SERVQUAL model. The study was anchored on the Expectancy Disconfirmation Paradigm and Dissonance Theory as a supporting theory. The study philosophy was positivism which adopts a deductive and objective approach to research. A quantitative method with descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. A survey was conducted on a sample of 375 general insurance policyholders. Convenience sampling technique was used to reach informants. Structured questionnaires were used in collection of primary data. The instrument was checked for validity and reliability. Reliability of the instrument was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was applied to analyze primary data. Descriptive analysis involved the use of means, percentages and standard deviations while deductive statistics incorporated Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses. The findings established that Tangibility, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance and Empathy had positive and remarkable influence on customer satisfaction in general insurance companies in Kenya. Policymakers can consider the findings when developing policies that promote insurance inclusivity, education, and consumer protection. Regulatory bodies will be informed by the findings when enforcing market conduct supervision to safeguard consumer interests. Insurance practitioners can leverage on the identified service gaps to formulate necessary strategies to enhance service delivery. This research contributes to the existing theories on service quality and customer satisfaction and bridges the literature gap in general insurance studies.
Keywords: SERVQUAL, Customer Satisfaction, Service Quality, General insurance
Beyond the exhaustion requirement: when courts must hear pre-election disputes in Kenya
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectMy study focuses on the analysis and determination of whether parties can invoke the jurisdiction of the courts, bypassing the exhaustion requirement. I observed how several parties would go to court to present pre-election disputes, and would be turned away. My study employed a qualitative research approach, examining relevant legal provisions, case law and scholarly works. Through this research, my study has established that pre-election disputes can involve fundamental rights, obligating courts to entertain them. While courts should respect the separation of powers, particularly the independence of the IEBC, the Constitution elevates upholding rights above this principle when infringement is alleged. Additionally, the Constitution, particularly regarding the right to a free and fair election, necessitates constitutional courts' involvement in pre-election disputes with potential rights violations. Based on these findings, the research proposes recommendations for judges, legislators, the electoral body in Kenya (IEBC), parties who may experience pre-election disputes and legal practitioners. These recommendations suggest that courts could consider employing case-by-case discretion when deciding whether to entertain pre-election disputes, considering factors like the strength of legal arguments, shifting the burden of proof from the party seeking non-exhaustion to the party advocating for strict exhaustion, and the potential irreparable harm that may be suffered by the parties. The study further recommends that legislators could consider clearly defining the scope of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and outlining specific situations where non-exhaustion is acceptable. These could be based on dispute complexity, potential harm involved, and inclusion of a "futility clause" for evidently biased or unreasonable delays by the specialized tribunals
Commercial academic cheating from a Kenyan perspective: tackling the challenge of implementing legal and institutional reforms
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectWith a focus on Kenya and an analysis of the Australian context, this paper delves into the intricate issue of commercial academic cheating in the academic setting. The study carefully investigates the challenges posed by the blurred nature of acceptable academic assistance and commercial academic fraud. According to statistics, over 60% of students are likely to contract their work more than once, and roughly 3.52% of students engage in commercial academic cheating. In addressing the widespread prevalence of commercial academic cheating in Kenya, this paper draws attention to the absence of specific laws intended to address this type of academic dishonesty. Addressing this matter is essential to preserving academic integrity, maintaining the validity of educational credentials, and discouraging unethical behavior that diminishes the significance of education. This paper's methodology, which focuses on evaluating current legislation and suggesting legislative changes to make commercial academic cheating illegal in Kenya, is based on doctrinal legal research. The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Amendment (Prohibiting Academic Cheating Services) Act 2020 of Australia influences this legislative approach. This method entails an analysis of statutes, case law, and institutional structures in order to formulate practical solutions for dealing with commercial academic cheating in the Kenyan context. The findings emphasize how urgently Kenya needs specialized legislation to make commercial academic cheating illegal and effectively discourage academic fraud. It stresses the significance of precise definitions and severe sanctions to counter commercial academic cheating taking cues from Australia's legal system. The paper's conclusion urges relevant authorities in Kenya to adopt specific penal code measures in order to outlaw commercial academic cheating and preserve academic integrity. It also emphasizes on the need for capacity building and promotion of the orange economy to create employment opportunities. Overall the paper insists that the criminalisation of commercial academic cheating in Kenya requires effective legal and institutional reforms
An Assessment of how extended producer responsibility can be integrated to help tackle plastic pollution in Kenya
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectPlastic pollution is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most pertinent concerns. The longevity of plastics, which is one of its most valued characteristics, makes management of plastic waste an incredibly difficult task. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a concept that has arisen as one of the most promising policy approaches for tackling this menace. It has been introduced by many jurisdictions globally. The Kenyan government has also begun attempts to integrate this concept into the Kenya waste management legal framework. In 2022 it released the Draft Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations under the Sustainable Waste Management Act. Many aspects of these draft regulations are commendable. They employ a broad definition of producer that defines producers of goods as any entity that introduces a product to the market, encompassing manufacturers, importers, distributors, and vendors. It also sets out obligations for these producers such as recycling and eco-design of products. It provides for creation of individual and collective compliance schemes so that producers can band together to fund raise for fulfilment of their new obligations. However, these regulations have many shortfalls that may limit the effectiveness of EPR in mitigating the plastic pollution crisis. This study seeks to assess how Extended Producer Responsibility can be integrated into Kenya’s waste management legal framework for management of plastic waste. The study will be guided by the following objectives; to examine the salient features and inadequacies of the 2022 Draft Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, to examine the current and prospective international legal framework around management of plastics pollution and extended producer responsibility, to carry out a comparative analysis of the European Union legal framework around Extended Producer Responsibility and plastic waste management, and finally to give recommendations for the amendment of the Draft EPR Regulations to effectively integrate EPR into the Kenyan environmental legal framework and for the introduction of EPR guidelines for plastic waste management. The research methodology used in this study is desk-based research. The study utilizes doctrinal analysis of legal instruments, analysis of written sources such as journal articles and books, and a comparative analysis with the European Union to assess how EPR can be integrated into Kenya’s waste management system. Shortfalls of the draft regulations include lack of provisions on regulation of imported goods, lack of provisions addressing support for Small and Medium Enterprises to comply with the new obligations, and an insufficient framework for monitoring and assessing compliance with the scheme. Introduction of guidelines for products under different product classes such as glass products and plastic products should also be implemented. This will be in consideration of the different nature of these product classes, from the processes of disposal and the different environmental risks they pose if improperly disposed of. These guidelines should introduce mandatory product requirements, which are very effective measures to reduce the environmental impact of plastic pollution
The Halting problem: a study on the adoption of diplomatic assurances in Kenya for refugees and asylum seekers who are a threat to Kenya’s national security
No full textFull - text undergraduate research projectThe main objective of this dissertation is to show that diplomatic assurances can be adopted into Kenya’s extradition laws to prevent further human rights violations that arise from renditions. The research will limit its study to looking at the fiduciary relationship states have with foreign nationals such as refugees and asylum seekers who have sought protection in a foreign state. This relationship will aid in the assessment of why states failed or succeeded while relying on diplomatic assurances to ensure that the subject of the agreement would not be exposed to mistreatment that would be defined as torture and ill-treatment. To replicate the lessons learnt from the successful and failed application of the agreements, the dissertation shall structure requirements that would aid in guiding a state to assess the validity of the assurances before approving the expulsion of the suspected terrorist. The methodology that will be relied on to aid in informing these desired discussions includes desk-oriented research, primary sources such as international authorities and secondary sources such as scholarly work. From the applied methodology, the main finding is that the degree of human rights violations rendered individuals are exposed to and the risk of compromising national security present an impossible situation to courts and the institution responsible for these matters. In conclusion, the balance required while questioning which of these two to protect gives a god-like power to the decision maker. To reduce the amount of pressure placed on the body in charge of deciding, the dissertation recommends the adoption of diplomatic assurances in cases that require a balance of the above issues