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Digital Skills and the Use of Digital Platforms in the Informal Sector: A Case Study Among Jua Kali Artisans in Nairobi in Kenya
Get PDFContext: For many businesses, one of the key indicators in their management is the adaptation of Information Technology in their operations. In Kenya, there has been a phenomenal growth in access to mobile phones, by June 2023, over 66 million mobile phones were connected to various telecommunication operators of which 58.3% were smart phones constituting 67.1% of internet connections. There are many digital technologies which can be adapted to facilitate the processing, dissemination, and access of information. The modern world has become competitive due to the uptake of Information Technology as one of the main business management skill, with the availability of smart phones and many applications that are easily available and easy to use. One of the main beneficiaries of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) is the Jua Kali artisans who are a key player in the Kenyan economy. Entrepreneurial competencies help the growth of businesses along the dimension of innovation. Kenya intends to entrench the use of Information Technology for public service delivery, business, skills, and innovation. The Jua Kali sector cannot be ignored, it contributes more than 80% of the total employment in Kenya. Approach: This research was carried out in the Eastlands of Nairobi, Kenya. Data were collected using a questionnaire, an interview and observation schedule. The study used an interview schedule to collect data from Jua Kali artisans carrying out their artisan businesses in the Eastlands of Nairobi and a questionnaire survey to collect data from a sample of identified Nairobi residents who had engaged an artisan to work for them six months prior to the research. Findings: The research established that most Jua Kali artisans acquired their skills in the Jua Kali sector by apprenticeship (86.3%) while a small percentage (12.7%) trained in Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions while a further one percent were trained by their former employers. Most of the artisans had attained the basic formal education qualifications i.e. primary education (27.9%) and secondary education (47.6%). The Chi-square (χ²) test was used to test the relationship between use of the basic social media digital platforms in business management and the formal education attained by artisans owning artisan businesses.
Conclusion: At 0.05 level of significance (α) the research established that there is a significant relationship between the adaptation of digital platforms in business management and the formal education attained by the artisans
Analysis of the drivers of financial performance of development financial institutions in Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisThe Development Financial Institutions are a critical nerve Centre to the economic growth of any country. The financial performance of Development Finance Institutions in Kenya over the last twenty years has not been performing according to the stakeholder expectations. DFI’s in Kenya had failed to provide a sustainable long-term finance to the industrial sector and the agricultural sector. This was evidenced by credit being allocated on the basis of political and social concerns, lack of effective and efficient incentives to collect. Studies on these development institutions have remained scanty with those that have attempted having varying outcomes thus making it difficult to provide a guide to policy formulation in Kenya. The purpose of the study was to analyse the drivers of financial performance of Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) in Kenya. The driver of financial performance considered in the investigation included asset quality, management efficiency and liquidity management in Kenya. The survey made use of census approach to arrive at five Development Finance Institutions employed in the investigation. Relying on information of the financial audited reports of these institutions, the data was retrieve spanning over the period 2012/2013 to 2019/2020. Laying the theoretical foundation for the study was the theoretical postulations of the CAMEL model and the Liquidity Preference Theory. The outcomes of the investigations were reached owing to the credit accorded to the descriptive and regression techniques with the outcomes presented in tables. The outcome uncovered that asset quality is a significant and negative driver of Development Finance Institutions’ financial performance; management efficiency was unfolded as a positively and significant driver of Kenyan Development Finance Institutions financial performance; while liquidity management was reported to be a significantly positive driver of Development Finance Institutions financial performance in Kenya. Relating to the outcomes, the investigation recommended that the management of Development Financial Institutions should strengthen the means through which non-performing loans could reduce to boost the financial performance of the institutions. This can be done through critical assessment of customers’ credit worthiness to reduce the amount of loans that are non-performing in Kenya
The Effect of corporate restructuring on employee performance: a case of the NCBA merger
Get PDFFull - text thesisCompanies are implementing restructuring strategies to enhance their competitive position and boost shareholders' wealth in response to heightened competition and evolving operational conditions. Research has demonstrated that corporate restructuring not only improves financial performance but also enhances employee performance in terms of productivity, efficiency, effectiveness, and the creation of a positive customer experience. Corporate restructuring significantly improves performance, particularly in highly competitive areas, by increasing employee productivity and their contribution to corporate success. This could elucidate the reason behind NCBA's investment in employee learning hours experiencing a significant surge of 300% by 2022, subsequent to the initiation of its restructuring process. Hence, this study has a strong focus on examining the impact of corporate restructuring on employee performance, specifically in the context of the merger between NIC and CBA Banks. The study's specific objectives centred on examining the impact of cost restructuring, governance reformation, and downsizing on the employee performance of NCBA Bank. NCBA bank has a total of 42 branches in Nairobi. The focus of the analysis was on the employees, specifically the departmental managers. Given that each branch consists of six (6) departments, a total of six (9) departmental managers were examined in the firm. Therefore, the study's target population consisted of a total of 252 respondents. A total of 190 respondents were selected at random to compose the sample design for the study. Data collection from the appropriate respondents at the bank was conducted using structured questionnaires that contained closed-ended questions. The analysis involved the utilization of multiple linear regression in the SPSS software. The researcher ensured the participants' privacy and confidentiality, as well as the secure sharing of any sensitive data. The regression analysis revealed that implementing cost restructuring has a positive impact on employee performance in the merger between NIC and CBA banks. As a result of cost restructuring, which included reducing indirect costs, bringing in-house activities instead of outsourcing, and cutting operational costs after the merger, employees became highly productive, creative, efficient, quick learners, and self-driven. The findings also indicated that implementing governance reforms enhances employee performance in the merger between NIC and CBA banks. Consequently, the reformation of governance, which involved altering the top management, restructuring the management hierarchy, and modifying the remuneration system for top executives, resulted in employees displaying high levels of productivity, creativity, efficiency, adaptability, and self-motivation. The research discovered that downsizing enhances employee performance in the merger between NIC and CBA banks. As a result of downsizing during the merger, which involved reducing bank departments and the number of supervisors per managerial unit, employees became highly productive, creative, efficient and self-driven
Impact of board diversity on Environmental, Social and Governance disclosure in listed companies in Kenya
Get PDFFull - text thesisThe study undertaken focused on companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, to determine the impact of board diversity on ESG disclosure between the years 2018- 2022. In the 21st century, there has been a notable surge in sustainability concerns among governments, multinational corporations, public and private companies, as well as their stakeholders. Board plays a pivotal role in facilitating efficient disclosures as they embody firm’s values and connect with stakeholders. Using the Code of Corporate Governance, 2015 as a guide for board diversity variables, those that were assessed are; board age diversity, board gender diversity, board independence and board capabilities & skills, and the controlled variables; firm size, firm age and firm leverage. The empirical literature on board diversity and ESG disclosures has explored board diversity variables like independence, age, gender, and skills, but few studies have specifically identified the most crucial among these variables and this study aimed to fill this gap. Objectives included assessing the impact of board diversity practices on ESG disclosures, compliance levels with policies and regulations, and stakeholder perceptions. The study was pegged on the agency and resource dependency theories. The study adopted the positivist philosophy. The population comprised 60 NSE-listed companies, a descriptive research design was employed, where quantitative data collected through content analysis and the use of a questionnaire. Secondary data underwent panel regression analysis, while primary data was subjected to descriptive analysis. The findings of the study were that board gender diversity and board independence had a significant negative relationship with ESG whereas board capabilities and skills had a significant positive relationship. The following industries had a positive and significant relationship with ESG: banking industry, commercial industry and the construction industry and finally the years 2021 and 2022 had a positive significant relationship with ESG. Study findings will assist in developing more efficient policies to promote the disclosure of ESG activities of firms listed on the NSE and the encouragement of creation of awareness on ESG matters to stakeholders. By adding to existing literature on board diversity and ESG disclosure, the study will contribute to advancing discussions around ways in which the board attributes can be managed for efficient and effective disclosure
Financial literacy and personal financial management among athletes in Kenya: moderating effect of digital literacy
Get PDFFull - text thesisProfessional athletes have the opportunity to amass significant money at a relatively young age. From the standpoint of personal finance, athletes may find it difficult to manage such a large sum of money. The brief and unpredictable nature of an athlete's active career makes money management crucial. The study's objective was to determine the impact of financial literacy on Kenyan athletes' individual financial management. It also examined how financial literacy and individual financial management among Kenyan athletes were related to digital literacy. The study evaluated the influence of financial behavior, attitude, and knowledge on Kenyan athletes' individual financial management. It also sought to ascertain the impact of digital literacy on the relationship between financial literacy and personal financial management of Kenyan athletes. The study is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Learning Theory. In this investigation, the pragmatic philosophy was applied. The study employed a cross-sectional research design since data collection was done once. The population under study comprised all professional athletes in Kenya. Professional athletes formed the target audience at Iten Camps. There were 1,500 professional athletes in the Iten region. Using the Yamane formula, the sample size for this study consisted of 316 athletes. Standardized questionnaires were given to respondents to collect primary data for this research. The researcher used a translator to assist in gathering data from individuals who might not be able to communicate in English or Kiswahili. Quantitative approaches were applied to the processing of the data obtained from Likert-style questions. Data analysis showed that financial literacy significant influenced personal financial management of athletes in Kenya. Moreover, financial knowledge and financial control had positive and statistically significant effect on personal financial management of athletes in Kenya. In contrast, financial behavior had a negative and statistically significant effect on personal financial management in Kenya. Further, digital literacy did not moderate the relationship between financial literacy and personal financial management by athletes. The study recommends to Athletics Kenya to conduct financial training to athletes as part of training over and above the prime aim of training camps. This would improve their financial literacy that ultimately leads to better personal financial management
Factors influencing access to technology education programs for the visually impaired in higher learning institutions: a case of University of Nairobi
Get PDFFull - text thesisIn Kenya, inclusive education takes into consideration people with physical disabilities but remains inaccessible to the visually impaired. In addition, while Technology Education Programs (TEP) have been improved to include people with physical disabilities, they have not taken into consideration the visually impaired. Institutions of higher learning in Kenya are behind in efforts to improve access to TEP among visually impaired individuals. Therefore, this study sought to examine factors influencing the accessibility of technology education programs among visually impaired individuals in institutions of higher learning in Kenya. The study sought to determine how the availability of trained staff, physical infrastructure, availability of teaching and learning materials and availability of assistive technology influence the accessibility of TEP among the visually impaired in institutions of higher learning in Kenya. This study was anchored on the social justice theory, the theory of social constructivism and the technology acceptance model. The study adopted a pragmatism research approach. In addition, the study used both an explanatory research design and mixed methods research design. Specifically, the study made use of concurrent triangulation design. The target population was 410 visually impaired individuals who are undertaking different courses in the University of Nairobi, 2,786 visually impaired individuals who have completed different courses in the University of Nairobi in the last 5 years, 12 staff in the School of Computing and Informatics, 5 staff working in the Disability Resource Centre at the University of Nairobi as well as heads of the 5 PVI associations in Kenya. Since the population of staff in the School of Computing and Informatics, staff working in the Disability Resource Centre and heads of PVIs was small and census approach was used. Slovin's Formula was used in the determination of the sample size for the current visually impaired. The study used systematic random sampling in the selection of the study’s sample size of 388 from the visually impaired. The research employed primary data collection methods, utilizing semi-structured questionnaires and a key informant interview guide. These instruments were designed to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data obtained from open-ended questions and key informant interviews underwent thematic analysis for a comprehensive understanding. On the other hand, quantitative data from the questionnaires was subjected to editing, coding, and entry into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22), a statistical software tool. Inferential statistics included Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis. The study found that availability of trained staff had a positive and significant effect on the access to technology education programs among the visually impaired. In addition, physical infrastructure had a positive and significant effect on the accessibility of technology education programs among the visually impaired. Further, the availability of teaching and learning materials has a positive and significant effect on the accessibility of technology education programs among the visually impaired. Also, the study found that availability of assistive technology has a positive and significant effect on the accessibility of technology education programs among the visually impaired. The study recommends that staff members should receive training in disability awareness, specialized teaching methods, and the use of assistive technologies. The university should prioritize the installation of tactile surfaces and signage throughout the campus, including in classrooms, laboratories, restrooms, and common areas.
Keywords: Assistive technology, Institutions of higher learning, physical infrastructure, Technology Education Programs, Trained staff, visually impaire
The Relationship between digital financial strategies and financial performance of microfinance banks in Kenya
Get PDFFull - text thesisMicrofinance banks (MFBs) in Kenya play a significant intermediary role and financial inclusion of the unbanked. Despite substantial investments in technological tools and the integration of digital channels, MFBs in Kenya have experienced mixed financial performance over the last five years. This study addresses this discrepancy by investigating the relationship of digital financial strategies and financial performance. The specific objectives were to determine the effects of bank characteristics and use of digital financial strategies, to assess the perceptions of MFBs on the role of digital financial strategies on financial performance and to establish the association of digital financial strategies and financial performance of microfinance banks. Drawing upon Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Financial Intermediation Theory, and Financial Innovation Theory, this research employs a positivist philosophical approach and a mixed research design. The target population encompasses all 14 operational microfinance banks as of December 31, 2022. Both primary and secondary data were gathered, with secondary data sourced from Annual Bank Supervision Reports and audited financial statements from 2018 to 2022. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires distributed to employees in the Finance and ICT departments of the 14 targeted microfinance banks. Data analysis involved both descriptive analysis and inferential statistics, including OLS regression analysis to generate research findings. The study results indicate that both mobile and internet banking significantly enhances the financial performance of MFBs. However, respondents identify regulatory and supervisory challenges, legacy infrastructure constraints, budgetary limitations, and difficulties in meeting rapidly evolving consumer demands as significant obstacles to the effective implementation of digital financial strategies. In conclusion, this study establishes that total assets, earnings, and credit risk of a bank exert a positive and significant influence on the adoption of digital financial strategies in MFBs in Kenya. Additionally, mobile banking, in terms of transaction value, exhibits a positive relationship with the financial performance of MFBs. The study recommends increased regulatory support from the Central Bank of Kenya and emphasizes the need for MFBs' top management to allocate more resources towards strategies that enhance the adoption and use of digital financial services. The findings of this study hold relevance for MFBs' management, policymakers, regulators, bank customers, as well as researchers and academicians alike
The Effect of servicescape on customer satisfaction: a study of tier one banks in Nairobi County
Get PDFFull - text thesisCustomer satisfaction is a key driver of success for service-based businesses like banks. While product and service quality are well-known factors influencing satisfaction, the physical environment or "servicescape" in which the service is delivered can also significantly impact customers’ perceptions and experiences. This study focused on Tier One banks in Nairobi County, pivotal due to their substantial market share and compliance with regulatory standards, and explored how improvements in both physical and virtual servicescapes can enhance customer satisfaction. Previously, these banks faced the challenge of integrating digital innovations with traditional banking environments to satisfy a dynamically changing customer base. This study addressed these challenges by examining the effects of three key dimensions of servicescape: self-servicescape, interpersonal servicescape, and remote servicescape. The research was guided by Bitner’s Servicescape Model and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory. It identified significant gaps, such as the lack of integration between physical and digital servicescapes. Adopting a positivist philosophy, the study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research design. Data was collected from customers of Tier One banks in Kenya. The analysis revealed that these servicescape dimensions profoundly influence customer perceptions and satisfaction levels. Findings from the research study indicated that the effective management of both physical and digital environments in banks substantially influences customer satisfaction. The conclusion drawn underscored that banks displaying a well-integrated servicescape saw greater customer loyalty and satisfaction. This research offers actionable insights for enhancing strategic service management and customer satisfaction within these institutions. This study recommends prioritizing the continuous development of digital platforms that complement the servicescape of physical environments, fostering a seamless customer experience
Effects of strategic capabilities on sustainable performance in commercial domestic airlines in Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisIn an industry characterized by intense competition, volatile market conditions, evolving customer preferences, effective deployment of strategic capabilities has emerged as a critical determinant of a domestic commercial airline’s performance. Strategic capabilities encompass having tangible and intangible resources, threshold, and core competencies that enable organizations to align resources with their long-term objectives. Airlines that leverage strategic capabilities bolster their competitive positioning and financial stability. Compared to the rest of the globe, Africa’s airline industry performance is below average in market share and profitability. The competitive threats from multinational players globally have made African airlines aware of their precarious situation. That has incentivized the airlines to proactively engage in strategic capabilities to enhance their performance. In Kenya, several challenges face the commercial domestic airlines, including high fuel prices, cost control, fleet replacement, high taxes, and an unconducive business environment. To effectively compete in the global market, competitive strategies have gained traction as a way of enhancing performance, gaining market share, enhancing profitability, and brand loyalty. However, extant literature linking strategic capabilities adopted and influence on social, economic, and environmental performance of domestic commercial airlines is thin. This area has received little attention in academic inquiry. Therefore, the study closed the gap by investigating the effect of strategic capabilities, namely tangible and intangible resources, threshold, and core competencies, on domestic commercial airlines' economic, social and environmental performance in Kenya. This study used a quantitative descriptive research design to estimate the variables. The strategic balancing theory informed the study’s review and utilized positivist research philosophy. Purposive sampling was utilized to select 103 respondents. A questionnaire was utilized to collect primary data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis with SPSS. Ordinal regression was employed to determine the magnitude and nature of the relation between the variables. The result of the study demonstrated that tangible resources, threshold, and core competencies had a positive impact on economic performance of the airlines, while intangible resources had an adverse effect. Intangible resources, threshold, and core competencies positively impacted the airlines' social and environmental performance, while tangible resources were found to have an adverse effect. The study recommends that investment deepening by the national government to create a conducive environment and lower the cost of doing business and airlines to enhance the passenger experience and brand loyalty. Airlines are also encouraged to adopt measures to minimize their carbon footprint by investing in alternative fuels, efficient fleets, and green technologies, and support community initiatives to enhance their reputation and drive sustainable business. The main limitation of the study was that it was a cross-sectional study, hence it is difficult to establish trends or variable patterns over time
An Assessment of the factors influencing the implementation of revenue automation process of Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFFull - text thesisSince the inception of the devolved system of governance, county governments have been grappling with revenue mobilization challenges. These challenges in collecting adequate revenue have resulted in increased shortcomings in meeting development and recurrent expenditure. This has necessitated the county governments to churn out traditional methods of revenue collection and management for a more robust automated system. However, to date despite the County Government of Nairobi, having three different leaders, the implementation of an automated revenue systems has been an elusive undertaking plagued by inconsistencies in implementation, continuous wrangles and lack of user acceptance. As such it’s imperative to have a deeper understanding of what leads to this persistent failure in the revenue automation process. Hence, this study sought to conduct an assessment of the factors influencing the implementation of revenue automation process of Nairobi County, Kenya. By doing so, this research was able to recommend possible measures and strategies that can equip the county governments in pursuing revenue automation process. Specifically, the study examined effect of policy factors, governance factors and human resource factors and how they influence the implementation of revenue automation process of Nairobi County, Kenya. The research applied a descriptive research design that was anchored on a pragmatism philosophy, and guided by the institutional theory and the diffusion of innovations theory. The population for the study was 94 employees within Nairobi County Government Revenue Administration Department. A census sample was obtained for this research. The research instrument was semi-structured in nature with open-ended questions and Likert scale statements. The research tool was pretested among 10% of the sample respondents who were not allowed to participate in the final data collection. The collected study data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative approaches with findings presented in charts, bar graphs and tables. The research obtained 84% response rate which was considered sufficient for generalization of the results of the study. Regression findings showed that governance, human resource and policy factors lead to positive change in the implementation of revenue automation process in Nairobi County. The study concluded that policy and human resource factors do have a positive and significant effect on the implementation of revenue automation process in Nairobi County while governance factors did not significantly contribute to the automation process. The study recommends that the local governments ensure the develop relevant and up to date policies that can adequately address user’s expectations and their concerns, especially with regards to its impact on the employees’ jobs and ability to execute their duties. The study calls for regular, organizational and individual-specific IT skills competency building, professional development, and training as well as use of up-to-date performance metrics when rewarding and remunerating staff who play essential roles in the implementation of automated systems