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The role of agency banking to the performance of commercial banks: A survey of commercial banks in Meru Municipality
No full textHG 3267.M8 2013About eighty percent of Kenyans have no access to banking services in Kenya. The main challenge facing the Kenyan banks has been reaching the rural population. Most of the people living in rural areas in Kenya have no regular source of income because of their high dependence on agriculture as a means of earning their living. Most of the mainstream banks are localized in urban areas. Travelling to towns for most people in rural areas is costly and time consuming. The Kenya commercial banks have come up with the agency banking model in attempt to reach the unbanked rural population. The rationale in agency banking has been to enable the ready access at the place of the clients, reducing transaction cost to make the services affordable, reduction in delays and improving the quality of services available.
Agency banking is facing a myriad of challenges; key among them is their profitability as most of them serve clients who have limited savings. The agent banks must be able to pay the agency banking managers/retailers, and also earn profit for the banks. The agent banks also have limited operations and this has led the Kenyan commercial banks to question their profitability. It is in this regard that the research sought to find out the contributions of agency banking in the performance of Kenyan commercial banks. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population included: banking agent supervisors and the agent banking managers who total to 210 where a sample of 63 was drawn using stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool and it was administered using the drop and pick method. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and correlation analysis done to establish correlation between the new model of agency banking .and performance of banks. The data was presented inform of tables, graphs, pie-charts and finally qualitative analysis was done. To increase reliability and validity of the instrument a pilot study was conducted on 5% of the sample before the instrument was fmally administered to the respondents. The response rate was 82.3% agents and 100% for agency banking managers. The data established that majority of the agents are female business ladies; improved profit margins and safeguarding interest of banks has influenced people to embrace agency banking. It also established that agency banking has improved the customer base of banks. Factors such as location, cost, efficiency and services provided by agency banking has increased customers. Finally agency banking has attracted customers through application of the marketing mix elements. It was recommended that banks should develop education programs targeting the rura
Analysis of the effect of capital structure on financial performance. A survey of all firms listed at the Nairobi securities exchange
No full textHG 5993.K56 2013Every company requires funds to meet its financial obligations. In Kenya, the most common sources of funds that are available to companies are shareholders' equity and debt. An optimal combination of debt and equity increases a company's earnings consequently leading to better performance. Shareholders invest in shares with the hope of receiving income in form of dividends, capital gains or bonus issues while lenders expect their money to be repaid in time and conveniently. Many companies listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) however, often face the challenge of reaching the optimal capital structure. The objective of the research was to find out the role of capital structure on the performance of all listed companies, whether high level of debt or equity in the capital structure contributes to positive or negative performance. This thesis also contain data analysis, presentation and interpretation summary of findings, conclusions and recommendations The findings from the study can help interested investors and owners in predicting the likely implications of capital structure decisions on companies in regard to performance. The study can also close the gap in the existing body of knowledge since not much has been done in this area. The study covered companies listed at the exchange. The results also reflect the current position. Secondary and primary data from 57 companies have been used. Financial statements for a period of 3 years 2009-2012 have been used for analysis of secondary data. Narrative interpretation and description have been used to present both qualitative and qualitative results
Predicting corporate Financial distress in Kenya. A survey of the non-financial institutions listed in Nairobi security exchange
No full textHG 4156.M9 2013The Altman Z-score is a linear combination of accounting ratios, weighted by coefficients, used to predict corporate financial distress. The economic consequence of corporate failure is enormous especially for the stakeholders of public-held companies. Prior to a corporate failure, a firm's financial status is frequently in distress. Consequently, a method of determining corporate financial distress is clearly a matter of considerable interest to investors, creditors, employees and other stakeholders. This study assessed whether Edward Altman's revised financial distress prediction model of 1993 can be useful in predicting business failure in Kenya. The population of this study was composed of non-financial institutions listed in the Nairobi Securities exchange 2006 to 2011. Eight firms were selected for the study: four firms that continue to be listed and four firms that were delisted in Nairobi securities exchange .The source of Secondary data was obtained from financial reports of those listed and delisted companies at the Nairobi Securities Exchange and the Capital Markets Authority. It adopted a descriptive research design with financial data being gathered from the financial statements of non¬financial firms listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Data was analyzed using multiple linear regression method. This is a statistical technique for estimating the relationships among variables. More specifically, regression analysis helps one understand how the typical value of the dependent variable changes when any one of the independent variables is varied, while the other independent variables are held. Multiple linear regression was used for forecasting and prediction arid also in determining which among the independent variables are related to the dependent variable and to explore the forms of these relationships. Liquidity and leverage were found to have no significant influence in determining corporate financial distress. Growth and profitability, on the other hand, had a significant influence. The Altman Z score model (2. rmiltivana;e approach) was found to be a significant distress prediction model.This study evaluated the applicability of the Altman's revised model of 1993 in the prediction of the financial distress in Kenya, more specifically in non-financial institutions. This study will particularly be important for the emerging market investors
An investigation into factors influencing the growth of micro finance institutions in Kenya. A survey of Meru County
No full textHG 178.33.G55 2013Microfinance institutions (MFis) play a vital role in the economic development of many developing countries. They have a variety of products including micro loans, savings and other deposit products, remittances and transfers, payment services, insurance, and any other financial product or service that a commercial bank does not offer to low-income earning clients in the banking system. Notably, increased attention has been paid in recent years to what microfinance entails, its objectives, its successes and limitations and its linkage to poverty alleviation. This study sought to investigate the factors influencing the growth of MFis in Kenya with reference to Meru County. Descriptive research design was adopted because the study was seeking to describe one variable (growth of MFis in Kenya) in a population (MFis employees at their branches). The study found that effective management information system, liability management, customer base and interest rate affect the growth of MFis in Meru County. The study concludes that MFis are not only relying on grants and concessional funding but they have also started using commercial sources of finance including deposits, loans and bond issuance. The study further concludes that MFis management information system enables staff members handle large customer transactions. In addition, if MFis charged rates are too high, it hinders their ability to help the poor, which may result in a rise in defaulter rates, and possibly results to an increase in losses. This study recommends that MFis to place much greater emphasis on liability management. In particular, MFis should have their objectives to guide them and act as their performance benchmarks which would be evaluated at the end of a specified duration. They have to come up with sophisticated information systems which will help in information sharing and giving the best data base for all the customers and also should offer competitive interest rates
Factors affecting management of local authority transfer fund programs in Kenya
No full textThis research Thesis focused on the factors affecting the management of LATF programs in local authorities.The objectives of the study ware to identify and document how management style, government policies, capacity of implementation and monitoring and evolution affect effective management This research Thesis focused on the factors affecting the management of LATF programs in Local Authorities of LATF programs in local Authorities in the greater Meru region. The Author used descriptive research design and the target population of interest in this study was employees from 8 local authorities in the greater Meru region who are directly involved in the management of LATF programs. There was a population of 63 officers who were involved in LATF programs from the selected local authorities. The targeted population of the respondents is therefore 63 officers and this study used census in data collection. Primary data was gathered using a structured questionnaire and the completed instruments were assembled and the information analyzed. Qualitative data presented through thematic analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software and Ms Excel and presented using descriptive distribution tables, to help in describing and explaining the study results. Leadership Styles have no significant influence on the effectiveness of LATF management programs. The co-efficient critical value of Government Policies have a significant influence on the effectiveness of LATF management programs, Capacity of Implementation has no significant influence on the effectiveness of LATF management programs and the Monitoring and Evaluation has a significant influence on the effectiveness of LATF management programs. On leadership and management the employees should he presented with opportunities to develop innovative methods besides the policies to innovate the management of LATF. Secondly it would be more helpful if the policies were county specific to facilitate a higher level of effectiveness on the management of the LATF funding. There is also need to sponsor the staff for higher studies as majority are diploma holders which is low considering that the requirements even for elective office has been raised to graduate status. Further study is recommended on the recruitment policies of LATF management Employees and why specifically majority have Diploma level as their highest education while the opportunities and Government policies are for graduate managers
An investigation of christian religious education curriculum implementation methods: case study of three primary schools in Kangeta Division
No full textABSTRACT
TITLE: AN INVESTIGATION OF CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION METHODS: A CASE STUDY OF THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KANGETA DIVISION.
AUTHOR: KIRIMI JONATHAN MWENDA
Christian Religious Education remains one of the most single subjects that deal directly with the teaching of spirituality, values, attitudes, beliefs and human behavior with the Bible as the key resource. Teaching of CRE in Kenya has undergone tremendous changes over the years. Defective curriculum can lead to defective teaching, which eventually affect the pupils as well as the country. There is problem when it comes to the implementation of CRE curriculum in primary schools. According to reliable information from the District Education Office, there has been no documented study done in Kangeta Division investigating CRE curriculum implementation methods. The main objective of the study was therefore an investigation of CRE curriculum implementation methods: A case study of three selected primary schools in Kangeta Division. The three schools that were included in the study were: Njia primary school, Kani-Karui primary school and Kangeta primary school. The research sought to answer four main questions: What are the methods used in primary schools during CRE curriculum implementation? What is the level of training of CRE curriculum implementers in the relevant subject in primary schools? What is the quality of CRE teaching and learning instructional materials being used in primary schools? What are the sources of CRE instructional materials in primary schools? The research design used was a case study where both quantitative and qualitative descriptive study was adopted. The researcher used questionnaires, face-to-face interviews and observation methods. The study was carried out in Kangeta division, Igembe south district which is about 54 kilometers North of Meru Town. Pupils and teachers of CRE of the three selected primary schools in Kangeta Division served as the population in the study. The raw data obtained was put into tables using calculators, computers, and then presented in form of percentages, pie charts and graphs. The study finding revealed that schools had adequate instructional and learning materials for CRE instructional materials. From the study it was established that the CRE teachers involved the learners when teaching in reading the Bible, asking and answering questions and role playing some of the bible characters. Even though the three schools indicated that they had adequate instructional materials for teaching CRE, the schools management and community leaders should work closely to strengthen their relations which will make the provision of basic teaching facilities and resources possible. This in turn makes it possible for the schools to attain better performance
Effects of talents management on organizational performance. A survey of telecommunication companies in Kenya
No full textHF 5549.5.S6 2013Talent management practice within an organization is a strategy that seeks to identify, develop, deploy and retain talented and high potential employee. In today's global economy, companies must continually invest in human Capital. Yet the skills shortage presents both social-economic and cultural challenges as talent crosses borders. Thus, in view of workforce trends such as shifting demographics, global supply chains, the ageing workforce and increasing global mobility, forward looking organizations must rethink their approach to talent management to best harness talent. Although Talent management practices are applied by . companies in Kenya, they can only contribute optimally to business performance if both top management and employees are aligned on its objectives and implementation in the organization. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study examined the extent of the alignment of talent management to the organizations business strategy and the influence this had on organizational performance. The study was carried out among telecommunication companies in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Stratified random sampling was used to select the population from which a sample of 60 respondents was drawn. Data was collected mainly by use of questionnaires that was coded to enable the responses to be grouped into various categories. The researcher then used descriptive statistics to analyze data. These include percentages, mean and standard deviation. SPSS and Microsoft excel software was used to generate the statistical outputs. The Pearson's correlation of significance was used to test the hypothesis. The researcher found that workforce planning; talent acquisition, talent development, performance management and succession planning have a positive effect on organization performance and that organizations that have employed best talent management practices performed better than those that did not. The study concludes based on the research finding, that Talent Management is a very key function in every organization. The study recommends that since workforce planning, talent acquisition, talent development, performance management and succession planning have a positive effect on organization performance, mechanisms should be put in place to align the talent management practices with the strategic goals of the organization to proper the organization to greater performance
Diagnostic Accuracy of Malaria Microscopy in the Highlands of Central Kenya: Implications for Proper Treatment
No full textp. 148 - 158Over-diagnosis of malaria is a problem in many African countries and appears to be occur¬ring in the highlands of central Kenya. Blood-smear microscopy, the standard technique for malaria diagnosis in this area, relies heavily on technician skill. Hence, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are increasingly considered the gold standard for diagnosis, but are often not available in resource-constrained settings. We compared the results of microscopy and RDTs performed on finger-prick blood samples from 250 patients referred to laboratory malaria testing at one private and two government health facilities in/near Meru, Kenya. Across the three sites, 97 .1%-100% of microscopy-diagnosed Plasmodium-positive samples were found negative by RDT. Of the three study sites, the government district hospital had the highest microscopy-based positive rate (27.3% as compared to 5.9% and 9.3% in the other two set¬tings). These results indicate alarming levels of inaccurate malaria diagnosis in the Meru re¬gion. Many factors may play a role in this phenomenon, and it is likely that a "systems level" approach is necessary to remedy this problem
Educators' role in implementing Kenyan sign language in primary schools for the deaf in Migori and Homabay counties. Kenya.
No full textGood academic performance does not just happen, it is as a result of good teaching and overall effective leadership. Head teachers in academicaly improved schools involve themselves in improving instruction and training and are responsible for day to day assignment of duties and supervision of teachers. This study assessed the educators' role in the implementation of Kenyan Sign Language in primary schools for the deaf in Migori and Homabay Counties, Kenya. The study assessed the Educators' role in the institution of sound classroom management; management of teaching and learning resources; staff development and the head teacher's role in influencing teacher motivation with respect to the implementation of Kenyan Sign Language. Descriptive survey research design was adopted, census sampling was used to come up with the target population, the entire target population of 65 educators in all the five schools for the deaf in the two counties were sampled and included in the study. Data collection instruments included mainly the questionnaires with both structured and unstructured items for teachers and the interview schedule for the head teachers. The data collected was processed, organized and analyzed with the aid of the computer program, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the results presented in frequency distribution tables, percentages and pie charts. The study established that Kenyan Sign Language was adequately used in maintenance of classroom discipline through effective communication to learners and counseling, and management of learners' behaviour. Procurement of the learning/teaching materials largely depended on the availability of funds and most of the institutions did not have learning resource centres. The findings from this study may enable the policy implementers in special needs education to address the issue of Kenyan Sign Language from a more informed position
Challenges facing the effective implementation of inclusive education; a case of public primary schools in Nyamira district, Nyamira county Kenya.
No full textABSTRACT
inclusive education allows all learners to be admitted in regular schools regardless of their disabilities and individual differences. The Kenyan government follows a policy on inclusive education and integration. Nyamira District has 23 special units and 2 special schools which cater for mentally challenged learners only. This leaves out other children different special needs in education in the regular mainstream. The purpose of this - was to find out the challenges facing the effective implementation of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nyamira District. The study objectives were to determine the attitude of teachers towards learners with special needs; find out if teachers are professionally trained to handle learners with special needs; find out the adequacy of resources and school support and services available for learners with special needs. The findings of the study would help mitigate the problem of access and equity in the provision education and training for learners with special needs. The study assumed that the respondents would be honest.. It focused on head teachers and teachers in public primary schools in Nyamira District. It's focus did not allow the results. to be generalized as applicable in other Districts in Kenya. The researcher had sufficient time. The study used operant conditioning theory by B.F Skinner. The independent variables were; attitude of teachers, professional training, resources and school support and services. It adopted a descriptive survey design. It was carried out in Nyamira District Nyamira County –Kenya.it targeted all the 98 head teachers and 1010 teachers in public primary schools in Nyamira district. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 29 head teachers and 303 teachers. • Data was collected using questionnaires for head teachers and. teachers and observation schedule which were piloted. Content and face validity were used for validity e split-half method and Spearman Brown Prophecy were used for reliability. The instruments were administered and collected by the researcher. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS} ion 17.0 was used to analyze the data. Data collected was presented in frequency tables, graphs and• charts. The results of the findings were that: teachers have negative attitudes towards learners with special needs; teachers are not professionally trained to handle learners with special needs; there are inadequate resources; and there are equate school support and services for learners with special needs. Major recommendation included: awareness creation on disability, training more teachers in • al needs education, and allocating more funds for special needs education to buy resources. It was recommended that• further research be carried out to investigate how for special needs education are utilized in public primary schools