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An assessment of factors affecting strategy implementation in devolved government units in Kenya: Case of Nairobi City County
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of Master in Business Administration, Kenya Methodist UniversityDevolution in Kenya was introduced with the promulgation of the constitution of Kenya 2010 with the main aim of enhancing service delivery to citizens, foster growth and development to all areas of the country and involves stakeholders in key government decisions affecting them and their areas; indeed, bring services and governance closer to the citizens. However, there has been instances of unsatisfactory service delivery and implementation of various programmes at the devolved government units which can be linked to strategy implementation problems. This study determined factors affecting strategy implementation in devolved government units in Kenya using a case of Nairobi City County in Nairobi. It was guided by four objectives: determining the effect of human resource on strategy implementation in devolved government units in Kenya; determining the effect of financing on strategy implementation in devolved government units in Kenya; determining the effect of Socio-cultural factors on strategy implementation in devolved government units in Kenya; and assessing the effect of stakeholders’ support on strategy implementation in devolved government units in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design on a sample of 162 respondents spread across all key functions in the County. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics where mean, standard deviation, frequency distribution and percentages represented the descriptive results while regression coefficients comprise the inferential statistics. The analyzed data was presented in tables and figures. From the results, human resources (p=0.029<0.05) significantly predicted strategy implementation in devolved governments in Kenya. Based on correlation results, financing (p=0.000<0.05) had significant influence on strategy implementation. Social-cultural (p=0.002<0.05) had significant influence on strategy implementation. Stakeholder support (p=0.000<0.05) had significant influence on strategy implementation. The study concludes that human resources have significant effect on strategy implementation in devolved governments in Kenya. Human resource greatly influences the strategy implementation. Finance influenced strategic plan implementation in devolved government by a great extent. Social-cultural factors had significant influence on strategy implementation. Social-cultural factors greatly influenced strategy implementation. Stakeholder support had significant influence on strategy implementation. Stakeholder support influenced strategy implementation to a very great extent. The study recommends that the top management of all counties in Kenya should ensure they put in place adequate measures and policies that improve human resources for better implementation of strategies. All counties in Kenya should improve on systems of local revenue collection so as to cushion a short fall in government disbursement. The executive leadership of all county governments in Kenya should factor social-cultural aspects in decisions relating to strategies their implementation. All counties should improve on relationship with key stakeholders (national government, donors, suppliers and clients) for effective implementation of strategies
Factors contributing to cyber security framework in Kenya: a case study of Kenyan telecommunications companies.
No full textA Research Thesis submitted to School of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management Information Systems of Kenya Methodist UniversityModern days have seen an uncontrolled increase in cybercrime, targeting both developing and developed countries and more so the telecommunications sectors. Unfortunately, Cybersecurity frameworks, used by organizations to counter cybercrime, have failed in one way or another to ensure responsive and substantive security in developing countries. There is, therefore, a need for cost-effective and responsive cybercrime framework in the telecommunication sector in developing country. It based on this premise that the present study was carried out. This research sough to assess a cybercrime framework applicable to Kenyan telecommunications sector. The objectives of the research was to examine the cybercrime in telecommunications industry in Kenya; to establish the cybercrime frameworks currently used by telecommunications companies in Kenya and to propose a cybercrime framework applicable to Kenyan situation. The study used descriptive research design in soliciting information in the research of to assess the factors contributing to Cybersecurity Framework in Kenya. The target population was the 121 Information Technology experts in the telecommunications industry in Kenya. The study obtained a sample size of 92 respondents using the Slovin‟s formula The study adopted proportionate stratified random sampling to select the respondents form each company. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered using the drop and pick method. The research tool (questionnaire) was first tested for reliability and validity before administration. The study analyzed the data using descriptive analysis to produce descriptive statistics. Thereafter inferential analysis was carried out to establish a study model. The study concludes that personal data protection demands very highly contributes to development of the Cybersecurity framework in Kenyan telecommunications companies; computer use control highly influences the development and adoption of Cybersecurity framework in Kenyan telecommunications companies; content exposure control highly contributes to Cybersecurity framework development in Kenyan telecommunications companies; and data copyright structures highly influences the Cybersecurity framework in Kenyan telecommunications companies. The study reveals that at 0.05 (5%) level of significance, personal data protection demands, computer use control, content exposure control, and data copyright structures are predictors of the Cybersecurity framework in Kenyan telecommunications companies. Each of computer use control and content exposure control has a significant positive relationship with Cybersecurity framework in Kenyan telecommunications companies while personal data protection demands has a moderate significant relationship and data copyright structures has negative insignificant relationship. It was established that 60.000% of change in Cybersecurity framework in Kenyan telecommunications companies is explained by personal data protection demands, computer use control, content exposure control, and data copyright structures. The study recommends that the Kenyan telecommunications companies should; enhance their personal data protection structures to fully protect their clients‟ data; unilaterally review the computer use controls for the adoption of Cybersecurity framework; come together to creation and development of content exposure control based Cybersecurity framework and advocate for strict law as on copyright related offences
Effect of working capital management practices on financial performance of supermarkets in Nairobi, Kenya
Get PDFA thesis submitted in partial requirement for the award of a Master of Science in Finance and Investment degree of Kenya Methodist UniversityWorking capital management is not only improving financial performance in today’s cash-strapped and uncertain economy, but it is the question of meeting retail stores day to day operation. Recently, Kenya has had cases of some of the Supermarkets collapsing and some experiencing empty shelves. Large number of supermarkets failures in the past in Kenya like the case of Uchumi supermarket has been blamed on the inability of the financial manager to plan and control the working capital of their respective Supermarkets. The purpose of this study therefore was to evaluate the effects of working capital management practices on financial performance of the supermarkets in Nairobi County, Kenya. Specifically, the study focused on cash flow management practices, inventory management practices, account receivable management practices and account payable management practices. The study was guided by Agency theory, Liquidity preference theory, credit risk management theory, and Economic order model. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. The target population of the study was the Supermarket in Nairobi. Operations managers, finance managers and procurement officers were the respondents in the study. Census approach was used to include all 26 supermarket in the study. The study used a sample of 72 respondents comprising operations managers, finance managers and procurement officers of the participating supermarkets. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data was obtained from financial reports of the supermarkets. A response rate of 92% was achieved in the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations was used to organize findings. Regression analysis was conducted to analyze the data and test for relationships. The study found that cash flow management practices (p=0.000), account receivables management practices (p=0.025) and account payables management practices (p=0.004) were significant. There was strong positive correlation (r=0.805) between working capital management practices and financial performance of supermarkets whereby64.9%of the financial performance of the supermarkets could be attributed to working capital management practices. The findings also showed that working capital management practices were significant (F=29.110 (4,67), P=0.00) to financial performance of the supermarkets. The study concluded that working capital management practices are very important in enhancing financial performance of supermarkets. Of the four practices under investigation in the study, cash flow management practices, account receivables and account payables practices emerged as the most important in predicting financial performance of supermarkets. Cash flow management practices was the most affecting. The study recommended that supermarkets should seek to invest the cash above the optimal levels to enhance their financial performance. The study also recommended that supermarkets invest in ICT technologies for reducing lead time to enhance inventory management
Influence of management practices in the training of quality graduates in the university in Kenya
No full textUniversities play a critical role in contributing to the economic development of any nation. They develop manpower which is a significant driver of economic growth. In view of this, effective management of universities is a concern of all the stakeholders. Management, practices are linked to the success of universities in nurturing holistic graduates who have the necessary knowledge, skills, competencies and values that are required in a globally competitive society. However, universities in Africa and in Kenya in particular have continued to be ranked lowly in terms of the quality of graduates. The lagging behind is attributed to inadequate acquisition of critical skills and application of knowledge. This is further attributed to inadequate adoption of management practices that support training of quality graduates by the universities. In this regard, the study set out; to determine the extent to which management practices in curriculum leadership are applied in universities in training of quality graduates, to determine the extent to which management practices in teaching and learning are applied in universities in training of quality graduates, to determine the extent to which management practices in faculty management are applied in universities in training of quality graduates, and to determine the extent to which management practices in management support are applied in universities in training of quality graduates. The study was founded on system theory. However, CIPP model was used to show interrelationship between management practices and training of quality graduates. The study used descriptive survey research design. The target population was 66 universities. A sample of 7 universities was selected based on Webometric ranking of 2014. 3750 students and 1800 faculty staff were targeted. 375 students and 180 faculty were included in the study. Three instruments including questionnaires, interview guide and document analysis guide were used to collect data. Validity of the instruments was ensured through undertaking pilot study to appraise dependability of the questionnaires and interview items. Reliability of instruments was measured by use of Cronbach's coefficient alpha. The alpha for independent variable was 0.963 and 0.944 for dependent variable. Data analysis involved used of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 20. The major findings of the study indicated curriculum leadership, teaching and learning and management support had significant influence on training of quality graduates. There was a discrepancy in acquisition of knowledge and its application among graduates from different universities. Based on the findings it was concluded that management practices have a significant influence on training of quality graduates. The study recommends the need for universities to enhance management practices identified in this study
The role of head teachers in improving academic performance in secondary schools in Baringo North sub county, Baringo county, Kenya.
No full textSince the introduction of Free Primary Education in 2003, academic performances in secondary schools in Kenya have seriously been compromised owing to the mass transition of learners from primary schools. Several factors are noted to contribute to such poor results, including resource allocation and school management practices. This study examined the contribution of head teachers in improving academic performance in secondary schools in Baringo North sub-county. The objectives of the study were: to determine the strategies put in place by head teachers towards student academic achievement, to determine the head teachers' preparedness in improving academic performance and to examine the challenges faced by head teachers. The study was guided by Lezotte's effective schools model in exploring key phenomena. Due to the nature of this study, descriptive survey research design was utilized. Units of analysis were all public secondary schools in Baringo North sub-county. The respondents included; District Quality Assurance Officer, head teachers, teachers of the particular schools, PT A members. The sample was identified through census on public secondary schools in Baringo North sub-county while purposive sampling technique was used on individual teachers and in getting District Quality Assurance Officer. The study used questionnaires to collect data which were administered to 150 respondents in 30 schools within the area. In addition, interviews were conducted on representatives of parents' association. The overall response rate was 67 percent. Content and face validity were ensured while reliability of research instruments was determined using Crochbach alpha. Quantitative data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 to while thematic analysis was used on qualitative data. The results were then presented using frequency tables, charts and narratives accompanied by appropriate interpretations. The study found that majority of head teachers had attained the minimum professional requirements but did not have additional courses to enhance their service delivery as figurehead. In most public secondary schools in Baringo North sub-county, besides normal routine, fewer strategies had been put in place to ensure improved academic performance. It emerged that principals were faced with various challenges including financial constraints . and interferences from the community. The study concluded that the head teachers played a significant role in improving academic performance. It recommended that head teachers should commit themselves to formulating and implementing deliberate strategies geared towards improving academic performance. Measures should be put in place to ensure that they are skillfully prepared to undertake administrative tasks before appointment to the position. Policy review is needed to accord head teachers the autonomy and the support for effective performance of their duty as academic leaders in their schools. However, measures such as auditing should be strengthened to ensure accountability. The findings of this study have enormous implications on administrative practices and policies that are geared towards improving academic performance in public secondary schools in Kenya
Assessment of the role of the church in re-integration of Ex-prisoners to the community: A case of protestant churches in Nakuru town.
No full textThe church is ordained by God to preach .the Good news to the needy and to heal the broken hearted and proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners .. The church is called of God to provide hope to those who are hopeless and to transform the lives of those who are crooked to come to the light of Jesus Christ. Therefore it goes without saying that the church has a great stake in the rehabilitation of prisoners and in the reintegration of the same back to the community. Kenya prisons have engaged fully in rehabilitation of prisoners by providing them with skills that would help them when they get out of prisons to earn a living. Howe er this has not helped the prisoners who are exiting out of prisons to reintegrate successfully with the community which in one way or the other they offended. There are a lot of incidences reported where ex-prisoners are lynched by the public upon stepping out of prisons and others are brought back to the prisons either because of committing crime or on mere suspicion from the fact that they just came from prison. The study assessed the role of the church in reintegration of prisoners back to the community. The study was guided by three objectives; church programs that are geared towards reintegration of prisoners, the socio-economic activities that the
hurch has towards a prisoner and the perception of the church towards a prisoner.
The used theories; theory of behavior change, desistance theory and social control theory to gain insights and more understanding of the research. The study adopted descriptive study method. The researcher undertook research among the 50 pastors, 150 deacons from 50 protestant churches in Nakuru town and 40 ex-prisoners. Deacons were subjected to random sampling whereby a sample of 60 was obtained. Therefore, 150 respondents were engaged in the study. Data was collected by use of a questionnaire containing closed ended questions. It was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques through aid of statistical packages for social science (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive findings showed that Churches perception, programs and social economic activities contributes to reintegration of ex-prisoners. Results further indicated correlation coefficient of (R=0.827) meaning that the independent variables were strong and suitable predictors of the dependent variable. Regression analysis findings indicated that all independent variables taken together (t=3.611; p<0.01) had strong and significant relationship with Reintegration of ex-prisoners. It was recommended that Churches should consider putting reintegration programs into the list of their important operations and expand involvement into social economic activities for the prisoners
Factors that influence academic performance of visually impaired learners in an inclusive setting in public primary schools in Katulani sub county, Kitui county, Kenya.
No full textInclusive education denotes an educational. system in which a pupil with a disability unconditionally belonging to and having full membership of a regular classroom in a regular school and its community. The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors that influence the academic performance of visually impaired learners in Katulani Sub-county, Kitui County. The study was guided by a correlational research design since the intention was to examine the degree of relationship between fours elected independent variables and academic performance of learners who were visually impaired. The target population was 1,695 composed of 1,345 pupils, 300 teachers and 50 parents .A sample of 170 was proportionately and randomly selected• from the target population. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the learners and teachers, while an interview schedule was used to solicit data from the parents. The researcher carried out a pilot study on the two instruments using subjects from four primary schools in Katulani Sub-County. The purpose of the pilot study was to ensure that the instruments were valid and reliable for data collection. neither the schools nor the subjects drawn from those respective schools were used in the main study. Collected data was then sorted out for completeness, coded and then fed into a computer for statistical analysis, using IBM SPSS version 23software. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, such as correlation coefficient and multiple regression were used in the analysis. After interpretation of the data, it was concluded that:-Thl approaches used by teachers in teaching VI learners influence these learners academic performance to a great extent. This approach includes group discussion, tutorial/remedial teaching and modification the curriculum. Most of the teachers do not use three-dimensional objects in their teaching because of lack of enough time attributed to lack of enough teachers. There are inadequate materials to make the realia, which affects the teachers' attitude towards their use since it required them to take a lot of time to prepare these resources. This had an effect on the academic performance. The major social-cultural factors which influence VI learners academic performance includes, lack of positive attitudes towards VI learners in an inclusive setting by parents or teachers and the fact that VI learners are not given favourable learning environment by their parents. The major curriculum gap towards learning of VI learners in an inclusive setting is that there is lack of clear policy guidelines and legal status on Special Needs Education provisions and the rigid assessment procedures based on mean score competition, which does not consider VI learners. Consequently, it was recommended that the teachers should improve on their teaching approaches to accommodate the learners with visual impairment. Schools should be encouraged to provide enough teaching resources to take care of the VI learners. The government should design a special curriculum to favour VI learners as there is a curriculum gap as revealed by this study
Factors affecting uptake of agency banking services among customers in rural Kenya: A case of Narok County
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Science degree in Finance and Investments of Kenya Methodist UniversityThe purpose of this study was to analyze factors affecting uptake of agency banking services among customers in rural Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to examine the effect of fraud on uptake of agency banking services among customers in Kenya; To determine the extent to which skills of agents affect uptake of agency banking services among customers in Kenya; To establish the effect of location on uptake of agency banking services among customers in Kenya and to find out how confidentiality affect agency banking services uptake among rural customers in Kenya. The study was informed by agency theory, delegated monitoring theory, transaction cost theory, financial intermediation theory and property right theory. The targeted population comprised of approximately 14 bank branch managers, 81 bank agents and 12,000 customers from four Cooperative Bank of Kenya, Kenya commercial Bank, Post bank and Equity Bank in Narok County, Kenya. The study sample size therefore comprised of 371 customers from the rural community, 81 bank agents and 14 branch managers in Narok County. Questionnaires were used in this study since they gather data over a large and diverse sample. A multivariate regression model was applied to determine the relative importance of each of the four variables. The research indicated that bank agent skills, location and confidentiality were found to be statistically significant in explaining uptake of agency banking services. It was recommends that agents should to always inform the bank in case there is a robbery. Banks should create awareness to the public that the bank agent‘s premises adheres to standard security measures and should also hire security services from security firms to transport cash to and from the agents where necessary. Banks should also train the agency banking agents on how to detect fake money and fraud. The study revealed that agents‘ skills affected uptake of agency banking services by rural community in Narok County. The study recommends banks to offer training to agents before they start providing specific services on behalf of the banks to improve their customer handling skills and increase the uptake of the agency banking services
The effect of operational risk management on financial performance of commercial banks: A case of tier two and three commercial banks in Kenya.
No full textA research thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the award of Master of Science in Finance and Investments, Kenya Methodist University.Kenyan banking sector is exposed to risks that initiate from external and internal environments. Operational risk threatens the viability and long-term sustainability of banks. Despite growth in the Kenyan banking sector, operational risk possesses a major challenge therefore, this study examined the impact of operational risk on the financial health of tier two and three commercial banks in Kenya. The inquiry adopted a quantitative research concept with a target population of 36 commercial banks licensed by CBK by December 2017. The banks were grouped under tier two and tier-three categories. Time Series Cross-Sectional unbalanced secondary panel data was analyzed. The panel Data was unbalanced as some of the data was unavailable over the years due to banks that had collapsed merged or bought out. The data was derived from published financial statements of accounts of the 36 commercial banks in Kenya, the CBK annual reports and the Banking survey publications for nine years from 2008 to 2016. Fixed effect dummy variable Regression analysis was applied to establish the effect of Operational risk management on the financial health of tier-two and tier-three commercial banks in Kenya. The dependent variable of the study was the financial performance of tier two and three commercial banks in Kenya and this was measured using the return on equity and return on assets as a percentage. The other variables included the bank size which was measured by a natural logarithm of total assets and operational risk was measured by the cost to income ratio as a percentage. The qualitative variables operational risk management practices, board and senior management oversight were difficult to measure and they were in cooperated in the dummy variable measure categorized under Tier two and Tier three. Under the dummy variable each bank was assigned a value of one if it fell under tier two categories and zero if it falls under tier three. Financial ratio analysis was used in the study together with panel data techniques of fixed effects and panels least squares. Hausmann test was carried out to test whether fixed effect is superior to random effects. Diagnostic tests were carried out to detect any econometric problems the regression models might possess. The study findings indicated that operational risk has a significant negative effect on the financial performance of tier two and three banks. Bank size has a significant positive effect on the financial performance of tier two and three banks. The conclusion of the study was that financial performance of tier two and three banks has an inverse relationship with operational risk which was measured by cost to income ratio. The study also concluded that tier three banks are not able to mitigate operational risks as well as tier two banks through the dummy variable measure. Banks are therefore encouraged to develop effective risk management and measurements techniques to avoid huge operational losses that negatively affect the financial health of the institutions
Relationship between strategic planning practices and the performance of devolved healthcare among selected public hospitals in Meru County
No full textRA 971.N44 2018The study investigated the relationship between strategic planning and performance of devolved healthcare, through a survey of public hospitals in Meru County.Strategic planning refers to the process of envisioning the future of the organization and breaking it down into executable strategies, goals, tactics and timelines. Organizational performance on the other hand refers to the outputs/results realized by an organization in line with their goals and objectives. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the relationship between the individual components of strategic planning (mission and vision statements, business environmental analysis, strategic formulation, strategic implementation and strategic monitoring and evaluation) with the performance of public hospitals in Meru County. Despite the evident challenges in devolved healthcare in form of frequent industrial strikes, lack of medical equipment and essential institutional structures among others, no studies had investigated these problems from a strategic planning standpoint, justifying the study. Performance of devolved healthcare was considered in light of the WHO framework for measuring the performance of health systems, which focuses on health improvement, health responsiveness and financial fairness. The study covered six Level 4 hospitals in Meru County (Nyambene, Kanyakine, Muthara, Timau, Mikinduri, Miathene) and one level 5 facility (Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital). It took the design of a descriptive survey with a semi-structured questionnaire used in data collection. Analysis of collected data was done using SPSS version.21 with descriptive statistics such as means and percentages generated. Elsewhere, linear regression model was used in inferential analysis that establishes the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The results were consequently presented using charts and tables. It was established that four out of the five strategic planning components included in the study were significantly associated with performance of Meru County public hospitals. Specifically, the study determined that mission and vision statement, business environmental analysis methods, strategy implementation process, and strategic evaluation and monitoring practices were significantly associated with performance of Meru County public hospitals. The study concluded that effective communication of mission and vision statement would inspire the employees and all the hospital stakeholders towards achieving a common goal, an effective environmental analysis would give a healthcare institution an edge in the industry, a strategic plan however well drafted, if not implemented, would be a waste of a hospital's resources and that the continuous comparison between the actual performance versus the set targets and addressing the variances therein would positively impact the hospital's performance. The study recommended that: i) deliberate steps should be taken by the hospital management boards in communicating the mission and vision statement in an effective way to inspire the stakeholders towards the desired envisioned future, ii) the hospital management board should perform effective business environmental analysis aimed at formulating strategies that would give the hospital a competitive edge in selected areas of operation, iii) the hospital management board should avail adequate resources and motivate the employees to pursue strategic objectives and effectively implement the strategy formulated, and iv) the County government and the hospital management board should design clearly spelt out targets against which performance can be compared and corrective measures taken to address the variances. Since the study focused on public hospitals in Meru County, it is suggested that the study be extended to other Counties to assess whether different findings may be reached regarding the relationship between strategic planning elements. and performance of hospitals