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The Relationship between Strategic Resources and Profitability of Fintech Firms in Kenya: Case of M-Tiba
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Finance and Strategic managementFintech firms face significant strategic challenges despite the rapid growth. This calls for effective strategic resources which are the basic determinants of profitability of a firm. M-Tiba is facing a significant financial performance affecting its profitability, low and irregular user contribution and donation and economic constraints affecting premium payments. This study sought to explore influence of strategic resources on profitability of fintech firms in Kenya, focusing solely on M-Tiba. The specific objectives were as follows; To ascertain the influence of human resources on profitability of M-Tiba, to assess the influence of physical resources on profitability of M-Tiba, to establish the influence of intellectual resources on profitability of M-Tiba and to evaluate the influence of strategic resources profitability of M-Tiba. The theories to back up the study were resource-based view as the anchor theory, strategic profit model and dynamic capability. This study utilized M-Tiba Post-Covid data from 2021 to 2024. It did employ purposive sampling. This study and adopted a descriptive research design. Secondary data was obtained from annual financial reports using data collection sheets. Data was then edited and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (ANOVA and F-tests), using SPSS software. Diagnostic tests were used during data analysis. This included multicollinearity test using VIF to check correlations between independent variables, and normality tests such as Shapiro – Wilk test to test whether data is normally distributed. Ethical considerations were followed fully. The findings revealed showed a strong and positive relationship between human, physical, and intellectual resources and financial performance. The Human Resource Index rose from 6.5 to 8.3, aligning with NPM and ROA improvements from 11.4% to 16.3% and 8.3% to 12.4%, respectively. Physical resources such as real estate sites, vehicles, and tech devices expanded significantly, correlating with the highest ROA coefficient (0.991), indicating enhanced asset utilization and operational scalability. Intellectual resources, including smart APIs and data analytics tools, showed strong links with profitability, with correlation coefficients of 0.962 for NPM and 0.969 for ROA. A composite strategic resource index also demonstrated a perfect model fit (R² = 1.000), affirming that the combined development of internal resources is a reliable predictor of profitability. The findings validated key theoretical frameworks Resource-Based View, Strategic Profit Model, and Dynamic Capability Theory by illustrating how M-TIBA’s strategic investments in human capital, physical infrastructure, and intellectual property drive financial growth. In conclusion, the study confirmed that a coordinated and deliberate approach to strategic resource development significantly enhances financial performance in health-oriented fintech firms operating in dynamic and resource-constrained environments. This study will offer new insights to specific types of resources and their effect while guiding health fintech especially startups on how to identify and prioritize strategic resources to foster a competitive advantage and improve profitabilityDaystar Universit
Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Acquisition of Earned Secure Attachment to Improve Medication Adherence among Patients with Hypertension in Selected Mission Hospitals in Thika, Kenya
No full textDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Clinical Psychology.Attachment styles govern responses to stressful events and are emotional bonds formed in childhood between infants and caregivers. Some individuals develop secure attachment styles while others develop insecure attachment styles. Diagnosis and management of hypertension is a stressful experience that could trigger attachment behavior. However, research on psychological interventions for medication adherence remains limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in the acquisition of earned secure attachment to enhance medication adherence among patients with hypertension in selected mission hospitals in Thika, Kenya. The study aimed to establish determinants of medication adherence, examine relationship between attachment styles and medication adherence as well as distress tolerance, and evaluate influence of earned secure attachment on medication adherence. The study was grounded on Attachment Theory, DBT Theory, and DBT theory of change. The study had a quasi-experimental design. Calculated sample size of 80 guided selection of male and female participants obtained through random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Relationship Questionnaire, the Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale-8, and the Distress Tolerance Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS v29. Education was a significant demographic predictor of adherence from midline (p =.021). Medication adherence improved significantly due to acquisition of earned secure attachment (ESA) (p =.002). Dismissing attachment style significantly predicted lower distress tolerance (p =.004). DBT was effective in facilitating acquisition of ESA (RD = 47%, NNT = 3) and having ESA predicted 12 times more likelihood for higher adherence (p <.001). Overall, the study demonstrated that DBT can effectively enhance medication adherence by acquisition of earned secure attachment and enhancing distress tolerance among patients with insecure attachment styles. The study concluded that attachment dynamics are important in health behaviors and recommended that attachment-based support may be incorporated in chronic disease care focusing on transition to earned secure attachment. Future research could explore long-term sustainability of ESA, cross-cultural applicability of DBT in medical settings, and integration of clinical psychology interventions within multidisciplinary care models.Daystar Universit
Assessing The Implementation of The Whole-of-Government Approach Strategy Against Banditry in Tiaty East Sub-County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International Security of Daystar UniversityThis study assessed the implementation of the whole-of-government approach as a strategy against banditry in Tiaty East Sub-County. The study objectives were; to explore the evolution and root causes of banditry, to evaluate the whole-of-government approach as a security management strategy in addressing banditry, and to critically examine the challenges to the implementation of the whole-of-government approach in combating banditry in Tiaty East Sub-County, Kenya. The study was anchored on protracted social conflict theory by Edward Azar, supported by policy implementation theory as conceptualized by Randal Ripley’s Hybrid approach. It was underpinned by pragmatism philosophy and adopted a convergent-parallel mixed-methods research combining descriptive and explanatory research designs to offer a holistic evaluation of the implementation of the whole-of-government approach and the challenges to its implementation. Primary qualitative data was collected through key informant interviews (KIIs) with 22 purposively selected stakeholders while primary quantitative data was gathered through a survey using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 119 respondents including local residents, NGAO, local leaders, NGO representatives, security officers, and policy stakeholders at national and county levels. Data from secondary sources was used to provide contextual understanding of the implementation of the whole-of-government approach in the fight against banditry in Tiaty East Sub-County. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed using NVivo software while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics using SPSS version 27. In line with the first objective, the study found the causes of banditry to be low literacy levels, marginalization, politicization of occurrences through misinformation, and proliferation of small arms, while its evolution to be majorly driven by commercialization of banditry and technological advancement that have seen the increased use of mobile phones and motorbikes to coordinate planned attacks and escape from banditry scenes. The study also found that the role of community elders as the central power layers in sanctioning cattle raids is diminishing as new power players driven by self-interests emerge. For objective two, the study found that the whole-of-government approach has been implemented in Tiaty East Sub-County with appreciation of stakeholder complementarity even though stakeholder collaboration beyond government MDAs still remains largely ad hoc. For objective three, the study identified inadequate resources, poor communication mechanisms, governance vacuum in remote areas, poor infrastructure, and trust deficit between locals and security forces as some of the challenges hindering the implementation of the approach. The study recommends the introduction of compulsory boarding schooling for all school going kids in the region as a long-term solution, institutionalization of the coordination through a dedicated policy framework and allocation of adequate resources to support the implementation of planned projects.Daystar Universit
Assessment of Effects of Burnout on The Psychological Wellbeing of Nurses: A Case of MP Shah Hospital Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMASTERS in Clinical PsychologyBurnout among healthcare professionals presents a significant barrier to both psychological well-being and the quality of healthcare delivery. While the phenomenon has been widely studied in public institutions, limited empirical attention has been given to nurses in Kenya’s private hospital settings. This study sought to examine the prevalence and dimensions of burnout namely emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment among nurses at MPshah hospitals in Nairobi County, and to assess its relationship with psychological well-being. Guided by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) framework, cognitive Appraisal Theory, stress and coping theory of Lazarus Folkman, employing a pragmatic, cross-sectional design, the study targeted 350 registered nurses aged between 23 and 60 years. Participants were purposively selected from MP Shah Hospital using stratified random sampling to ensure departmental representation. Data were collected using validated tools, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), alongside a demographic and occupational characteristics questionnaire. Ethical clearance was obtained from DU-ISERC and NACOSTI, and informed consent was secured from all participants. A pretest involving 35 nurses was conducted to refine the tools prior to the main data collection. Descriptive statistics revealed a high prevalence of burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion, with younger and less experienced nurses being disproportionately affected. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation analyses demonstrated statistically significant positive relationships between emotional exhaustion and psychological distress indicators. Furthermore, regression analysis identified emotional exhaustion as a strong predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress among nurses, while also highlighting extended shifts and lack of workplace support as key contributing factors. The study concludes that burnout is prevalent and significantly impairs the mental health of nurses in private healthcare settings. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based institutional reforms and targeted interventions, such as establishing psychosocial support programs, regulating work schedules, and strengthening mental health awareness. The study offers practical recommendations for hospital administrators and policy makers aimed at enhancing nurse well-being and promoting sustainable, high-quality healthcare delivery in Kenya’s evolving private health sector.Daystar Universit
Value Innovation Strategy and Competitive Advantage of NCBA Bank, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic ManagementThe banking sector in particular has witnessed significant disruptions fueled by technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer behaviour. NCBA Bank, despite being among Kenya’s tier-one banks, is grappling with increasing challenges in preserving market share. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of value innovation strategy on the competitive advantage of NCBA Bank. The specific objectives were: to examine the effect of product differentiation on the competitive advantage of NCBA Bank, Kenya, to assess the effect of market redefinition on the competitive advantage of NCBA Bank, Kenya, to investigate the effect of cost effectiveness on the competitive advantage of NCBA Bank, Kenya, and to establish the moderating effect of industry regulations on the relationship between value innovation strategy and the competitive advantage of NCBA Bank, Kenya. This study is anchored on the Blue Ocean Strategy Theory, which is supplemented by Disruptive Innovation Theory, Theory of Competitive Advantage and Institutional Theory. The study adopted a positivist philosophical approach and a cross-sectional- explanatory research design. The target population comprised of all 69 senior managers at NCBA Bank and a census method was employed to select the unit of study. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires administered via google forms, electronically. A pretest was done on 7 respondents from KCB. Data was entered into SPSS version 29.0, and was analysed both descriptively, and inferentially. Descriptive results revealed high agreement on NCBA’s innovation practices: product differentiation. Inferential analysis demonstrated that product differentiation significantly predicted competitive advantage (R²=.533, p<.05), as did market redefinition (R²=.672, p<.05) and cost effectiveness (R²=.689, p<.05). However, industry regulations did not significantly moderate the relationship between value innovation and competitive advantage (β=.104, p=.077), despite independently explaining variance (R²=.137, p=.004). The findings align with pivotal insights in strategic management, confirming that innovation, efficiency, and market agility are critical levers for competitiveness in the banking sector. They further reinforce Kenya Vision 2030 and Africa Vision 2050 objectives on inclusive financial access, innovation, and sustainable economic growth, while supporting SDGs such as Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), Goal 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and Goal 10 (reduced inequalities). The study concludes that NCBA’s internal strategies remain the strongest drivers of competitiveness, with regulatory frameworks exerting influence but not overriding innovation.Daystar Universit
Artificial Intelligence Tools Adoption and Operational Efficiency In 5-Star Hotels in Westlands Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMaster of Business Administration in Strategic ManagementArtificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming hotel operations in Kenya, particularly in inventory management, demand forecasting, and personalized guest services. Despite its potential, widespread adoption faces challenges including infrastructure limitations, workforce adaptability, cultural perceptions, and financial constraints. The purpose of the study was therefore to investigate the effect of AI adoption on operational efficiency in 5-star hotels within Westlands Constituency, Nairobi County Kenya. The specific objectives were to; examine the effect of AI-driven process automation on operational efficiency in 5-star hotels in Westlands Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya, assess how AI-enabled decision support systems adoption affect operational efficiency in 5-star hotels in Westlands Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya, evaluate the effect of AI-based customer interaction technologies on operational efficiency in 5-star hotels in Westlands Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined how automation effect operational efficiency; how decision support systems enhance service quality, speed, and accuracy; and how customer interaction tools affect guest satisfaction and service standards. This study was guided by 4 theories namely, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, Service Automation and Customer Experience Theory and Contingency Theory. A census approach was employed, targeting 96 participants comprising hotel managers and departmental heads from eight 5-star hotels. The study relied purely on primary data which was collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews, with pre-testing conducted to ensure instrument validity. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression analysis) were used to analyze the data. Results were presented using tables to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI adoption in Kenya’s hospitality sector. The findings revealed that AI-driven process automation explained 41.4% of the variation in operational efficiency in hotels (R² = 0.414). The results indicated that the model was significant in explaining the relationship between AI-driven process automation and operational efficiency (p = 0.000). Additionally, the regression analysis showed that AI-driven process automation had a significant positive effect on operational efficiency (β = 0.412, p-value = 0.000). For AI-enabled decision support systems, the adoption explained 47.3% of the variation in operational efficiency (R² = 0.473), with a statistically significant relationship (p-value = 0.000). Regression results showed that AI-enabled decision support systems positively impacted operational efficiency (β = 0.342, p = 0.000). Thematic analysis revealed that AI adoption in hotels has enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs through process automation, predictive maintenance, and decision-support systems. However, while AI-based customer interaction technologies showed a positive relationship with customer satisfaction and service quality improvement (β = 0.112), this effect was statistically insignificant (p = 0.160; t = 1.419 < 1.96). This indicates that although AI has potential to improve guest experience, its influence on customer satisfaction and service quality is not yet significant, suggesting that other factors may have a stronger impact in shaping guest perceptions and service outcomes in hotels. challenges like high costs, staff resistance, and employee technological capabilities were identified as possible challenges to AI Adoption.Daystar Universit
The Influence of Corporate Communication on Organizational Culture: The Case of Kenya Railways Corporation
No full textMaster of Arts in CommunicationThis study investigated the influence of corporate communication on organizational culture within Kenya Railways Corporation. While extensive research underscores the importance of communication in shaping values, employee engagement, and strategic alignment, a significant gap remains in understanding this relationship in the context of Kenyan State-Owned Enterprises. Specifically, the study sought: To assess the influence of corporate communication strategies used at Kenya Railways in fostering employee engagement, to evaluate how the use of corporate communication channels at Kenya Railways promotes shared organizational core values, and to ascertain the role of corporate communication practices in aligning employee behaviors with Kenya Railways' strategic goals. Through a descriptive research design, the study examined how internal communication strategies, channels, and practices impact shared values, leadership effectiveness, and corporate identity. Grounded in Schein’s model of organizational culture and the corporate communication framework by Cornelissen, the research bridged theoretical and contextual gaps using a sample of Kenya Railways staff. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires, with preliminary testing undertaken at the Kenya Pipeline Corporation to enhance reliability. The findings revealed that corporate communication significantly contributes to employee engagement by ensuring effective information flow, motivating employees and promoting a positive organizational culture. Communication channels were found to play a key role in reinforcing organizational values, enhancing employees’ understanding of the mission and vision and cultivating shared culture. Moreover, communication practices were shown to align employee behaviors with strategic objectives by clarifying goals, shaping accountability and guiding consistent conduct across departments. However, the results also indicated areas for improvement, particularly in strengthening two-way feedback, enhancing leadership consistency and promoting inclusivity in communication. These findings provide actionable insights for optimizing communication to foster a cohesive and aligned organizational culture in the public sector.Daystar Universit
Instructional Leadership and Learning Outcomes: A Correlation Analysis
No full textMaster of Education in Leadership and Policy StudiesThis study investigated the relationship between instructional leadership practices and student learning outcomes in Kenyan secondary schools. It was motivated by persistent concerns about students’ academic achievement and the quest to identify school-level factors, particularly leadership, that significantly contribute to improved performance. Drawing on Hallinger and Murphy’s instructional leadership framework, the study examined the correlation between five dimensions of instructional leadership vision and goal setting, curriculum and instruction management, teacher support and professional development, monitoring and evaluation, and resource provision and support and student outcomes measured through engagement, retention, examination performance, and preparation for post-secondary education. A quantitative correlational research design was employed, targeting principals and teachers in public secondary schools in Nairobi County. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and complemented with secondary data on school performance. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), applying descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression to test relationships between instructional leadership practices and learning outcomes. Ethical approval was obtained from Daystar University Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI). The findings revealed that all five dimensions of instructional leadership were positively and significantly correlated with student learning outcomes, with monitoring and evaluation (r = .711, p < .001), teacher support and professional development (r = .694, p < .001), and resource provision (r = .707, p < .001) showing the strongest associations. Regression analysis indicated that curriculum and instruction management (β = .981, p = .009) and resource provision and support (β = .752, p = .010) were the most significant predictors of student achievement, while vision and goal setting showed a negative but significant relationship (β = –.639, p = .050). Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of inclusive vision-setting, collaborative school culture, and distributed leadership but also pointed to persistent challenges such as resource constraints, workload pressures, and uneven teacher mentoring. The study concludes that effective instructional leadership remains central to improving academic outcomes, with curriculum oversight, teacher capacity building, and strategic resource provision emerging as the most decisive factors. It recommends that school leaders prioritize curriculum management, strengthen teacher development programs, institutionalize monitoring and feedback mechanisms, and mobilize resources to support teaching and learning. At the policy level, targeted leadership training and capacity-building programs should be expanded to enhance principals’ instructional leadership competencies. Collectively, these measures can foster a supportive learning environment that enhances equity, engagement, and sustained academic performance in Kenyan secondary schools.Daystar Universit
Technical Barriers to Trade and Performance of Exports in The East African Community
No full textMASTER OF SCIENCE in EconomicsDespite notable progress in regional economic integration, the EAC still faces fragmented technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures that hinder intra regional trade. This study investigates the effect of technical barriers to trade (TBTs) on the export performance of EAC member states from 2002 to 2022, focusing on agriculture and manufacturing, both central to the region’s growth. Using a quantitative panel with annual bilateral trade data for six EAC countries, the analysis applies a gravity model estimated with fixed effects estimator. Unlike prior studies on developed economies or global flows, this research provides the first EAC specific evidence on how TBTs influence export performance across these sectors, offering policymakers context specific insights for harmonization and SME support. Results show heterogeneous, sector specific effects. For overall exports, a 1 percent increase in authorization requirements is associated with a 0.18 percent increase in export value, and a 1 percent increase in labelling requirements with a 0.34 percent increase; by contrast, a 1 percent increase in conformity assessment and certification procedures is associated with a 0.26 percent decrease. In manufacturing, a 1 percent rise in labelling corresponds to a 0.39 percent increase in exports and a 1 percent rise in product registration to a 0.19 percent increase, while a 1 percent increase in conformity assessment is associated with a 0.31 percent reduction. In agriculture, a 1 percent increase in import authorization or licensing is associated with a 1.95 percent increase in export value, and a 1 percent increase in labelling with a 0.37 percent increase, though some product registration shows negative associations (about a 0.33 percent decrease). Policy recommendations include harmonising conformity assessment, pursuing mutual recognition, strengthening quality infrastructure, streamlining risk based procedures, building SME capacity, and creating a consolidated online portal.Daystar Universit
Exploring The Use of Participatory Communication in Enhancing Agropastoralism in Jaldesa Location, Marsabit County.
No full textPHD ThesisThis study explored the effectiveness of participatory communication (PC) and its role in enhancing agropastoralism, particularly focusing on the Borana community in Jaldesa Location, Marsabit County. Agropastoralism is practiced in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) of Kenya as a means to cushion the communities from hunger due to persistent droughts. Jaldesa is one such area and it experiences a Semi-Arid climate which makes it arable and therefore suitable for agriculture. The area has great potential to produce food and curb increasing incidences of hunger whilst uplifting the farmers’ livelihoods. However, lack of participatory communication in development infinitives hinders the potential of community to be self reliant through agropastoral practices. This study explored the utilisation of participatory communication in agropastoralism and its influence in decision making, and sustainability of agropastoral practices. It also explored the awareness, knowledge and experiences of the community regarding participatory communication in promoting agropastoralism. Furthermore, the study identified specific areas that participatory communication was employed, to promote agropastoralism practices and finally the this study aimed to assess the perception of the community towards participatory communication. This study was underpinned by Participatory Communication and Community Participation theories. These theories emphasise involvement of community members in every phase of development discussion; from problem identification to implementation to foster ownership and sustainability. This study utilised the exploratory research design to collect data and thematic analysis process to analyse the data; purposive and convenience sampling techniques were utilised to gather data from focus group discussions and key informants. From the findings it was evident that PC was superficially utilised and misapplied in the community, it often functioned as a one-way communication rather than interactive and collective decision making process. Additionally, this study found that the community had no influence on the final project decisions and actualisation. Moreover, this study identified various barriers to effective participatory communication, which included operational, structural and cultural barriers that often undermined community contributions. This study concluded that there is semblance of participatory communication; merely calling for a meeting of community members to discuss a preconceived project or train them does not qualify as participatory communication. It is therefore imperative that development practitioners genuinely involve agropastoral farmers in development agendas, allowing them to take lead.Daystar Universit