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Strategic Knowledge Management Capabilities and Organizational Performance of Investment Management Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic ManagementInvestment management firms are important players in the economy as they help individuals and organizations to grow their wealth, channeling funds into productive investments and supporting overall economic growth. However, in Kenya, Investment Management firms (IMFs) have continued to perform below the industry average despite the implementation of various policies aimed at enhancing sector effectiveness, largely due to challenges such as weak knowledge management practices, limited innovation, inadequate use of technology, and gaps in strategic decision-making. This study sought to examine the effect of Strategic Knowledge Management Capabilities on the organizational performance of IMFs in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the effect of strategic knowledge acquisition capabilities, strategic knowledge storage capabilities, and strategic knowledge dissemination capabilities on organizational performance; and to assess the moderating effect of organizational culture on the effects of Strategic Knowledge Management Capabilities on organizational performance of Investment Management Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the Resource-Based View. The supporting theories were the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the Organizational Learning Theory, and the Institutional Theory. It adopted a descriptive and explanatory research design. The target population comprised IT managers, human resource managers, and operations managers in the 44 registered IMFs in Nairobi City County. A total of 132 respondents, comprising IT managers, human resource managers, and operations managers, formed the target population, and the study uses a census approach. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. The data were coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v28. Descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data, while inferential statistics, specifically Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis, were used to test the effects of Strategic Knowledge Management Capabilities on organizational performance in Investment Management Firms. The findings showed that knowledge acquisition (β = 0.394, p = 0.001), storage (β = 0.231, p = 0.007), and dissemination (β = 0.268, p = 0.023) had positive and significant effects on performance. Organizational culture also had a significant moderating effect (β = 0.332, p = 0.003), indicating that a supportive culture enhances the impact of strategic knowledge management capabilities. It was concluded that strategic knowledge acquisition capabilities positively influence the performance of investment management firms in Nairobi City County. Regular benchmarking against top-performing firms contributes to sustained growth in market presence. Frequent environmental scanning leads to timely and responsive service, as firms adjust quickly to external developments. It was recommended that these firms should establish dedicated cross-functional knowledge governance committees tasked with periodically evaluating how knowledge is acquired, stored, and disseminated across operational units. These committees should consist of representatives from strategy, operations, compliance, and client services, and be empowered to propose firm-wide improvements. This structure would ensure that knowledge management practices remain aligned with organizational goals and are responsive to emerging performance gaps in areas such as service efficiency and client satisfaction. The Capital Markets Authority should introduce a regulatory requirement for all licensed investment management firms to submit an annual knowledge capability report, detailing strategies used to acquire, retain, and apply knowledge for performance improvement.Daystar Universit
Food Insecurity as a Driver of Conflict in the Karamoja Cluster: A Case of Turkana County in Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityPeace and security are key elements that play a pivotal role in a country's stability and economic development. To attain sustainability in terms of security, concerns of food insecurity must be looked into and addressed. This study explored how food insecurity concerning availability, access, utilisation, and stability drives conflict. Additionally, the study looked at how factors such as poverty, governance, cultural practices, environmental degradation, and unequal distribution of resources impacted food security in the Karamoja cluster. Similarly, the consequences of food insecurity on stability, national cohesion, peace, and security were assessed to provide insights into the possible applicable solutions to the situation. The Karamoja cluster is a cross-border area in the Eastern Africa region that is shared among four countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. Pastoralism is the major economic activity practised in the cluster that is classified as Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL), making it prone to harsh weather and climatic conditions that bring about socio-economic challenges such as migration and food shortages. The nexus between food insecurity and conflict presents a multifaceted dynamic; therefore, secondary sources of data, such as news articles and reports, were used to understand the context. The study employed a mixed-method research design combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between food insecurity and conflict. Primary data were collected through surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to evaluate how food insecurity drove conflict in Turkana County. The findings of the research will be used to influence policies at both national and regional levels, promote behavioural change, and inform adaptation and mitigation mechanisms for the community, as well as provide possible sustainable remedies to the situation. The study revealed that climate change, poverty, and prolonged droughts were the most significant underlying drivers of hunger, compounded by socio-economic inequalities, poor infrastructure, governance failures, and insecurity. It established a strong, positive, and statistically significant link between food insecurity and recurring conflict, where scarcity of food intensified cattle raids, displacement, and violent competition over resources, which in turn worsened food shortages. The research further demonstrated that effective interventions, such as conflict resolution mechanisms, livelihood diversification, water infrastructure, irrigation, dryland farming, market access, and school feeding, could help break the vicious cycle between hunger and violence when implemented in a multi- pronged and community-driven manner. Based on these insights, the study concluded that lasting solutions require integrated approaches that address environmental, economic, and governance-related challenges alongside targeted peacebuilding strategies. It recommended policies that promote climate-resilient agriculture, poverty reduction, inclusive governance, and equitable access to resources, while practically supporting community-based early warning systems, market access, drought-tolerant farming, and alternative livelihoods. It further called for embedding food security goals into conflict prevention frameworks and scaling up grassroots peacebuilding efforts. Finally, the study suggested further research using longitudinal methods with secondary data, expanding geographical scope, incorporating additional independent variables, and exploring the interplay between policy frameworks and community-level interventions to better understand and address the intertwined challenges of food insecurity and conflict.Daystar Universit
Fintech Adoption and Credit Access of Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya.
No full textMaster of Business Administration in FinanceAccess to credit remains a major constraint for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nairobi City County, limiting their ability to grow, innovate, and sustain operations. Although financial technology (FinTech) solutions have emerged to ease credit constraints, their effectiveness in improving credit access among MSMEs remains insufficiently explored in the Kenyan context. This study sought to examine the influence of FinTech adoption on credit access among MSMEs, focusing on the effects of mobile lending, digital banking, and web-based platforms, as well as the moderating role of regulatory frameworks. The study was anchored on the Disruptive Innovation Theory, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which collectively explain how FinTech innovations drive behavioral change and financial inclusion. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing a quantitative approach. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The target population comprised registered MSMEs in Nairobi City County, from which 200 respondents were selected using stratified sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 28. Simple linear regression analysis was used to determine the effects of each FinTech variable on credit access, while hierarchical regression assessed the moderating effect of regulatory frameworks. The findings revealed that mobile lending has a positive and statistically significant effect on credit access, enabling quicker access to short-term credit with minimal collateral requirements. Digital banking also exhibited a positive and significant effect, improving loan processing efficiency, repayment flexibility, and financial record management. Similarly, web-based financial platforms showed a positive and significant effect on credit access by enhancing transparency and accelerating loan approvals. The results further indicated that regulatory frameworks significantly moderate the relationship between FinTech adoption and credit access by boosting confidence and reducing risks associated with digital credit services. The study concludes that FinTech adoption enhances financial inclusion, improves loan accessibility, and supports operational efficiency among MSMEs. It recommends strengthening regulatory oversight, improving cybersecurity, and promoting digital literacy to maximize the benefits of FinTech-driven credit solutions.Daystar Universit
The Impact of Mediation on Dispute Resolution in Select High Schools in Meru County, North Imenti Sub-County, Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityThis study investigates the impact of mediation on dispute resolution in select high schools in Meru County North-Imenti Sub-County, Kenya, where student misconduct, such as arson, strikes, and bullying, has disrupted learning and damaged school infrastructure. Despite existing disciplinary measures like suspensions and expulsions, summoning parents for student disciplinary hearing, soft punishments and court cases in the case of arson conflicts persist, highlighting the need for effective interventions. It is in this context that mediation is introduced to assess its impact in enhancing dispute resolution in high schools, The study gives students an alternative mechanism of resolving disputes that allows expression of interests and concerns as opposed to starting school fires, strikes and school dropout. This will be made possible by the introduction of mediation as a means of conflict intervention in high schools. This research aimed to assess the nature of disputes, evaluate the impact of current dispute resolution procedures, and determine the efficacy of mediation in fostering sustainable conflict resolution. Grounded in the Conflict Resolution Theory (Thomas-Kilmann, 1974) and Transformative Mediation Theory (Bush & Folger, 2002), the study employed a quantitative research design, collecting data through surveys administered to 286 students and key informant interviews with principals, counselors, board members, area chiefs, and the County Education Director in four high schools in North Imenti sub-county. The research also sought to establish the gender of the respondents. 55% (n = 157) of the respondents were male while 45% (n = 129) were female analysis indicated that 36% (n =104) of the respondents were in form 2 while 39% (n = 112) were in form 3 and 24% (n = 70) were in form 4. Also, analysis indicated that 10% aged 15 years (28 students), 33% aged 16 years (95 students), 53% aged 17-18 years (153 students), 3% above 18 years (10 students). On school category, analysis indicated that 29% were from mixed schools (82 students), 43% were from boys’ boarding schools (123 students), and 28% were from girls’ boarding schools (81 students). In addition, analysis indicated that 59% were from Meru County (169 students), with smaller percentages from other counties such as Nairobi (8%), Kiambu (4%), and others. Findings reveal that disputes are driven by peer pressure (55% agreement), repetitive conflicts (58% agreement), and feelings of isolation (51% agreement), with current procedures like suspensions deemed ineffective by 54% of respondents and with students feeling unheard (51% felt misunderstood) Further a notable 57% of respondents view student involvement in decision-making processes positively, with 36% expressing strong agreement Mediation was perceived as effective, with 67% of students agreeing it ensures fair treatment during conflict resolution and 70% preferring private discussions. These results align with prior studies (e.g., Githinji, 2022) and suggest mediation’s potential to empower students and foster constructive dialogue. The findings indicate that a significant portion of respondents, totaling 48%, perceive mediation as a valuable tool in mitigating the adverse effects of disputes. Recommendations include integrating mediation training into teacher education, integration into school curriculum, revising disciplinary policies, and establishing peer mediation programs. The findings contribute to the limited research on educator-led mediation in Kenyan schools and inform policy reforms to enhance school discipline and reduce misconduct. This study advocates for mediation as a sustainable ADR mechanism, with implications for students, educators, parents, and the broader community.Daystar Universit
Innovation Strategies and Financial Performance of Insurance Firms in Kenya: A Case of Sanlam Kenya PLC.
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic Management and FinanceGlobally, insurance companies that embrace innovation strategies, such as AI and digital platforms, experience significant financial gains. However, the Kenyan insurance industry grew more slowly, with insurance penetration at just 2.3% compared to the global average of 7.3%. Sanlam Kenya PLC has experienced an upward financial trend, including a 35% increase in gross written premiums between 2019 and 2023. However, its growth pace remained slow compared to global benchmarks, primarily due to limited adoption of advanced innovations such as automated claims processing. This study explored how innovation strategies affect financial performance at Sanlam Kenya PLC, evaluating the effects of product, process, and market innovations on key financial indicators, including return on investment, return on assets, and revenue growth. It also assesses the moderating role of organizational culture in the relationship between innovation strategies and financial performance. The study was anchored by the resource-based view, open innovation, and dynamic capabilities theories. Additionally, it incorporated institutional theory to examine the moderating role of organizational culture. Pragmatic research philosophy was employed, using quantitative and qualitative data from questionnaires and financial data on ROA and ROI from document analysis. A mixed-methods research design systematically analyzed the characteristics of innovation strategies and their financial effect. The target population comprised employees at Sanlam Kenya PLC in finance, marketing, innovation, and ICT departments. Using the Krejcie and Morgan table, a sample of 242 respondents was selected through stratified sampling followed by purposive sampling. Data collection tools were pre-tested on 24 respondents at Britam for reliability and validity. The study adopted construct validity and internal consistency reliability, using Cronbach's Alpha with a threshold of 0.7. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), version 28, was used for descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, participant anonymity, and data confidentiality, were prioritized throughout the research. Financial performance improved steadily, with ROI rising from 8.2% in 2019 to 12.5% in 2023. Product innovation contributed 13.7% (R² = 0.137) to financial performance, while process innovation accounted for 12.3% (R² = 0.123), enhancing efficiency and cost control. Market innovation had the greatest impact at 36.7% (R² = 0.367), driving customer acquisition and retention. Innovation strategies significantly impact financial performance (R² = 0.745), and the inclusion of organizational culture increases this effect (R² = 0.812). The significant moderating effect of organizational culture (R² = 0.846) confirms that it strengthens the relationship between innovation strategies and financial performance. Overall, innovation strategies collectively explained 91.3% (R² = 0.913) of financial performance variation, highlighting the value of continued investment in AI, automation, digital platforms, and regulatory compliance. The study concludes that Sanlam Kenya PLC should prioritize innovation-driven strategies, particularly in product diversification, digital transformation, and market expansion to strengthen financial sustainability, profitability, and competitiveness. These findings align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive financial access, technological advancement, and institutional resilience in the insurance sector.Daystar Universit
An Assessment of The Effectiveness of IGAD-Led Mediation in The Political Conflict in South Sudan, 2013–2023
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International SecurityThis study evaluated the effectiveness of IGAD-led mediation in resolving the political conflict in South Sudan between 2013 and 2023. It specifically examined the strategies employed, the challenges encountered, and the overall impact of IGAD’s interventions on peace and political stability. Despite sustained regional and international engagement, South Sudan continues to experience recurring cycles of violence and fragile peace agreements since the outbreak of the civil war in 2013. The study was guided by three objectives: to assess the impact of IGAD’s intervention on the peace process and political stability; to analyze the mediation strategies and mechanisms employed during the 2013 crisis; and to evaluate the challenges IGAD faced in facilitating peace. A descriptive mixed-methods research design was adopted, relying primarily on qualitative data supplemented by quantitative findings. Primary data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with key informants and questionnaires administered to stakeholders involved in or affected by the mediation process. Secondary data sources included IGAD reports, academic literature, and relevant policy documents. The study was anchored in Identity-Based Conflict Theory and Transitional Justice Theory, which informed the conceptual framework. The findings revealed that IGAD played a critical convening role in brokering the 2015 and 2018 peace agreements and halting large-scale violence. However, its mediation efforts were undermined by internal divisions among member states, weak enforcement mechanisms, and an elite-driven process that excluded women, youth, and civil society. While IGAD effectively utilized high-level diplomacy and multilateral coordination, these strategies were constrained by limited resources, logistical challenges, and a lack of adequate political will among South Sudanese leaders. The study concludes that IGAD’s mediation achieved significant short-term gains but fell short of fostering sustainable peace and reconciliation. It recommends enhancing inclusivity, operational autonomy, and enforcement capacity, while institutionalizing transitional justice mechanisms. Further research should investigate the long-term effects of elite-driven mediation, regional political dynamics, and comparative analyses with other African-led peace initiatives to identify more effective, locally grounded models for achieving durable peace.Daystar Universit
Role of Parental Involvement in Student Academic Outcomes in Selected Schools in Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesThis study looked at how parental involvement affected the academic achievement of students in a few public secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County's Turbo Sub-County. based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and Epstein's typology of parental engagement. A mixed-methods research methodology was used in the study to offer thorough insights. Using stratified and basic random selection, a sample of 405 respondents was selected from the target group, which included kids, parents, instructors, and school administrators. An 85.7% response rate was obtained from the 347 individuals who returned completed instruments. While qualitative data from key informant interviews with parents, teachers, and administrators were subjected to thematic analysis, quantitative data was gathered using structured questionnaires and analyzed using binary logistic regression, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics. The results showed that parental homework help was statistically insignificant in predicting academic achievements (p =.936) and relatively low (41.8%). Academic-related events had the greatest participation rate (83.5%) in school activities, but performance was not substantially predicted by them either (p =.177). On the other hand, more than 70% of kids reported parental supervision and counseling (p =.008, OR = 1.383), and the availability of learning materials (81.8%) had a substantial impact on student accomplishment (p =.024, OR = 1.331). Qualitative insights revealed socioeconomic hurdles that hampered the capacity to provide digital learning tools and maintained involvement, such as low parental income and education. Students stressed that, even in settings with limited resources, parental guidance and encouragement promoted academic resilience and goal setting. According to the study's findings, parental participation is a complex concept with differing effects depending on the situation. While homework help and ceremonial school attendance were less effective, structural support which includes the supply of resources and psychological engagement, which includes advice and counseling were found to be the most significant drivers of student success. It is crucial to promote equitable, culturally sensitive, and comprehensive parental participation within the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework. The report suggests tackling structural socioeconomic hurdles, improving parental skills, and fortifying home-school relationships in order to establish inclusive environments that put families at the forefront of Kenya's educational reform.Daystar Universit
Agile Project Management Methodologies and Performance in Technology Startups in Nairobi City County, Kenya: A Case of Eidu Kenya Limited
No full textMaster of Business Administration in Project ManagementTechnology startups operate in rapidly evolving and highly competitive environments which necessitates adaptive and efficient project management strategies. Agile project management (APM) methodologies have gained prominence in such environments due to their flexibility, iterative development processes, and focus on continuous improvement. This study examined the effect of agile project management (APM) methodologies on the performance of technology startups in Nairobi City County, Kenya, with a specific focus on EIDU Kenya Limited (EIDU). The objectives of the study were to establish the level of adoption of APM methodologies at EIDU, to assess the performance of EIDU as a technology startup and to evaluate the effect of APM methodologies on the performance of EIDU. The study was guided by the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Agile Manifesto theory, and the Resource-Based View theory. The study adopted the descriptive study design. A total of 71 participants were surveyed using the census technique. Data was primarily gathered using a structured questionnaire which was pretested at Incentro Africa, a technology startup located in Nairobi City County. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, generating descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, and frequency distributions, as well as inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation coefficients and simple linear regression models. The study established that EIDU has adopted and implemented APM approaches that include scrum, kanban and extreme programming which have led to an improved performance in product quality, time to market and user satisfaction. Agile project management methodologies were found to have a significant positive effect on the overall performance of EIDU. By focusing on iterative development, continuous feedback, and collaboration, agile practices enabled EIDU to swiftly adapt to evolving requirements, minimize defects, and enhance workflow efficiency. As a result, the startup consistently met product launch deadlines and delivered solutions that aligned more closely with customer expectations, significantly boosting both operational performance and market competitiveness. The findings emphasize that the iterative nature of agile practices, combined with regular customer feedback and team collaboration, fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. These elements are essential for startups like EIDU that operate in highly competitive and unpredictable environments. The research also highlights the importance of leadership support and a strong organizational culture in sustaining agile initiatives. The study also identified challenges associated with the adoption of agile methodologies, such as resistance to change from team members and the need for continuous training. Despite these challenges, agile practices were seen to enhance collaboration, promote transparency in processes, and improve responsiveness to customer needs. Additionally, the study highlighted the role of leadership in facilitating the successful adoption of APM methodologies by fostering a culture of agility. These findings underscore the value of agile methodologies in helping startups navigate uncertainty and scale their operations effectively. The study recommends enhancing continuous testing and optimizing sprint planning to further improve quality and accelerate delivery. Additionally, strengthening user feedback integration and fostering personalized experiences will further enhance user satisfaction. Policymakers should also support agile implementation in startups by promoting agile development and fostering collaborative cultures.Daystar University, School of Business and Economic
High acceptability of newborn screening for sickle cell disease among post-natal mothers in western Kenya
No full textJournal articleBackground Sickle cell disease is a genetically inherited blood disorder that manifests early in life with resultant significant health complications. Globally, nearly three quarters of all affected babies are in sub-Saharan Africa. Early identification of babies with sickle cell disease through newborn screening followed by early linkage to care is recommended. However, the program has not been widely adopted in the sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence on acceptability of newborn screening to scale up newborn screening program is scarce. This study assessed factors associated with acceptability of newborn screening among mothers of newborns delivered at Homa Bay county teaching and referral hospital, western Kenya. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional design among postnatal mothers at Homa Bay county teaching and referral hospital with 399 postnatal mothers enrolled into the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and perception were assessed. Babies were also screened for sickle cell disease using Sickle SCAN point-of-care test. The acceptability was calculated as percentage of mothers accepting to have their babies screened. Data were analyzed using logistic regression to explore factors associated with acceptability of newborn screening for sickle cell disease. Results Ninety-four percent of mothers accepted newborn screening for sickle cell disease. Mother’s age and occupation were significantly associated with acceptability of newborn screening for sickle cell disease. Younger mothers (OR=3.01;95%CI=1.16-7.83; p =0.024) and being a student (OR= 6.18; 95%CI= 1.18-32.22; p =0.031) were significant at bivariate regression analysis. Only being a student (aOR= 25.02; 95% CI=1.29-484.51 ; p = 0.033) was significant at multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion The acceptability of newborn screening for sickle cell disease is high in the county. The Homabay county and the Kenyan ministry of health should implement routine newborn screening for sickle cell disease in all level 2-6 hospitals