Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Capital Adequacy Risk and Firm Market Value: Insights from Commercial Banks Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textThe Global financial crisis of 2008 exposed the danger of capital adequacy risk on the market value of commercial banks. Majority of the banks that lacked adequate capital to withstand the economic shocks eventually collapsed. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of capital adequacy risk on the market value of commercial banks in Kenya. The market value of commercial banks has been dwindling over time hence a sign of unstable performance. This study adopted a positivistic research philosophy where the research was detached from the study to ensure objectivity. Secondary data was obtained from the published financial reports of commercial and Nairobi Securities Exchange database. The study utilized a causal predictive model under partial least squares approach. Both the measurement and structural models were assessed for the validity of variables and testing of the hypothesis. Path analysis results revealed that capital adequacy risk has a significant negative relationship with the market value of commercial banks. This implies that with elevated levels of capital adequacy risk, commercial banks are exposed to economic shocks, regulatory compliance costs and insufficient capital to meet their operational performance and hence a declining market value. These results are consistent with new capital requirements under Basel III and in Kenya where banks are required to comply with the increased capital requirements. The mediating influence of profitability on the relationship between capital adequacy, risk and market value was also significant. The study recommends that the regulator should be cautious while implementing the new capital requirements to avoid cash trap and a reduction of credit supply.
Keywords: Interest rate risk, market value, financial performance, commercial bank
Customer Value Proposition Innovation Strategy and Performance of Manufacturing Firms Listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya
Full text linkDespite manufacturing firms being vital to national economic infrastructure through employment and revenue generation, most manufacturing firms in Kenya have recently experienced declining performance marked by low profit margins and stagnating market share due to increased competition from imports. Thus, this study investigated the effect of customer value proposition innovation strategy on performance of manufacturing firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya. The study was anchored on Porter's value chain model. A positivist research paradigm and an explanatory research design were adopted. The target population consisted of 95 functional heads of departments drawn from 19 listed manufacturing firms through a census approach. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. A pilot study was conducted to test the reliability of the research instrument, achieving Cronbach alpha indices of 0.964 for customer value proposition innovation strategy and 0.892 for firm performance, both well above the recommended threshold of 0.7. These reliability coefficients indicated strong internal consistency of the measurement scales, and the instrument was also subjected to face, construct, and content validity testing. The response rate was 88%. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that customer value proposition innovation strategy significantly and positively affected firm performance (β=0.659, t=7.510, p=0.000), explaining 40% of the variance in performance. The study conclude that managers of manufacturing firms should prioritize customer value proposition innovation strategy to improve performance. Manufacturing firms should invest in advanced CRM technologies, establish dedicated account managers for key customers, and implement effective communication channels to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Continuous feedback collection and refinement of value propositions should remain at the forefront of customer-centric strategies to ensure alignment with evolving preferences.
Keywords: Customer value proposition innovation strategy, performance, manufacturing firms, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Keny
Influence of Risk Taking on Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Githurai Market, Kenya
Full text linkThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of risk-taking on performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. The study was guided by specific objectives, with a primary focus on determining how risk-taking behavior affects SME performance. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 429 registered SMEs operating within Githurai Market, Kiambu County. The units of analysis were SME managers and senior managers, who were considered knowledgeable about the operations and strategic decisions of their businesses. A sample size of 128 SMEs was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across different business categories. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS (version 20). Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis were employed to test the relationship between risk-taking and SME performance. The findings revealed that risk-taking had a significant positive influence on key performance indicators, including sales growth, market share, profitability, and customer satisfaction. The study concluded that SMEs in Githurai Market frequently engage in risk-oriented entrepreneurial activities, which substantially contribute to their business success. The study recommends that SME management should prioritize the development and enhancement of structured risk identification mechanisms, as this can strengthen risk management practices and improve overall business performance. Specifically, SMEs should be encouraged to adopt a portfolio approach to risk, where ventures are evaluated and balanced based on their expected return and associated uncertainty. Additionally, capacity-building programs should be implemented to train SME owners and managers on financial risk analysis and decision-making under uncertainty. Policymakers and development agencies should also support SMEs by offering advisory services and incentives that promote strategic risk-taking, ensuring that entrepreneurs are not only bold but also well-informed in their pursuit of growth and competitiveness.
Keywords: Risk Taking, Performance, SMEs, Githurai Market, Keny
Effect of Training and Development on Consumer Choice of AIRBNB in Kwale County, Kenya
Full text linkAirbnb has emerged as a leading provider of short-term rental accommodations through an online marketplace that provides travellers with rooms and homes. Since 2016, Airbnb's sales have tripled, outpacing larger hotel chains' global sales growth of 11%. However, one significant challenge is maintaining consistent service quality standards due to varying levels of host and staff training. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of training and development on consumer choices of Airbnb accommodations in Kwale County, Kenya. Based on quality management theory, the study used a cross-sectional survey design with a sample size of 112 respondents from a target population of 120 Airbnb employees in Kwale County. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data, which was then analysed qualitatively using content analysis and quantitatively using SPSS. The study revealed that training and development were positively correlated with Airbnb accommodation choice in Kwale County (r = 0.745). Regression analysis revealed that training and development practices comprised 55.5% of consumer choice. The study concluded that training and development have a significant impact on consumer choice of Airbnb accommodations in Kwale County and recommended that these factors be prioritized to improve consumer preference.
Keywords: Training, Development, Consumer Choice, AIRBNB, Kwale Count
Evaluating the Effects of Climate-Smart Agricultural Techniques on Food Security in Rwanda, Case of Nyagatare District
Full text linkClimate-smart agriculture (CSA) is widely regarded as an important technique for tackling climate change concerns while maintaining food security. This study assessed the effects of climate-smart agriculture on food security in Nyagatare District, Rwanda, a region vulnerable to climate variability and highly dependent on agriculture. The research focused on household farmers, chosen through stratified random sampling from 160,435 households, with additional interviews conducted with 5 local leaders and 15 agricultural officers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and field observations. A mixed-methods approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data was used to assess the effectiveness of climate-smart agriculture practices on agricultural productivity, food status, relationship between climate-smart agriculture practices and food security. Quantitative data were analyzed with statistical methods such as SPSS software version 30.0 and Microsoft Excel, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The study evaluated the adoption and effectiveness of specific climate-smart agriculture techniques, including crop rotation, agroforestry, organic fertilization, water harvesting, drought-resistant seeds, and conservation tillage. Findings revealed high adoption and positive perception of crop rotation (mean = 4.34), agroforestry (mean = 4.04), and organic fertilizers and composting (mean = 4.58). Conversely, water harvesting (mean = 1.60) and drought-resistant seeds (mean = 1.76) were less adopted. A statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.152, p = 0.002) was found between CSA adoption and food security, indicating that while the impact is modest, climate-smart agriculture practices contribute to improved food outcomes. The study concludes that climate-smart agriculture enhances food security in Nyagatare District.
Keywords: Adaptation, Agro-ecology, Agroforestry, Climate change, Climate-smart agriculture, Drought, Food security, Livelihoods, Rwanda
Role of the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) Program in Promoting Inclusion of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities in Public Procurement
Full text linkPublic procurement is a powerful tool for advancing inclusive economic development, particularly in emerging economies like Kenya where state spending accounts for a significant portion of GDP. To address historical exclusion in access to public tenders, the Government of Kenya launched the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program in 2013. The initiative, grounded in Article 227 of the Constitution and operationalized through the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (2015), reserves 30% of government procurement for enterprises owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This article explores the role of AGPO in enhancing the participation of these special interest groups in public procurement by examining its policy framework, operational mechanisms, and outcomes. Findings indicate that AGPO has led to increased registration of target-group enterprises, improved livelihoods, and notable success stories. However, challenges such as low awareness, limited capacity, delayed payments, corruption, and inadequate access to finance continue to hinder its full realization. The article concludes by offering policy recommendations to strengthen AGPO implementation, including the need for robust monitoring, simplified registration, expanded training, and prompt payment systems. Overall, AGPO remains a vital yet underutilized policy instrument with the potential to significantly transform Kenya’s public procurement landscape into a more inclusive and equitable space.
Keywords: Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) &Public Procuremen
Extrinsic Determinants of Quality of Life in Adolescents Living with Epilepsy and The Implications for Clinical Psychology
Full text linkEpilepsy is a global health care concern affecting an estimated 50-70 million people worldwide and accounting for 0.75% of the global burden of disease. Adolescents living with epilepsy have concerns beyond seizures, which impact their psychological well-being and, by extension, their Quality of Life (QOL). This study explored family factors, educational institutions, peer acceptance and socialization, and stigma as extrinsic determinants of QOL among adolescents living with epilepsy and the implications for clinical psychology. A mixed-methods research approach with an explanatory sequential design was employed. Data were collected from 103 participants aged 13-18 years attending the Kenya Association for the Welfare of People Living with Epilepsy (KAWE) clinics, using the Quality of Life in Epilepsy for Adolescents standardized tool (QOLIE-AD-48). Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions, complementing the quantitative findings by providing context-rich narratives that illuminated how adolescents perceived and navigated their experiences. Social support subscale scored the highest M=72.82, SD=22.68, school behavior M=56.19, SD=22.70, and stigma the lowest M= 43.41, SD=15.06. Social support subscale highlighted the critical role of family and peer support in promoting adolescents’ well-being. Cognitive, social, and emotional challenges in educational institutions were often exacerbated by limited institutional support and persistent absenteeism, while peer acceptance and socialization emerged as a vital yet vulnerable domain, with adolescents frequently reporting social isolation, reduced self-esteem, and stigmatization. Internalized and enacted stigma emerged as a cross-cutting issue affecting identity, mental health, and treatment adherence. Family cohesion, teacher understanding, peer inclusion, and societal attitudes were key themes that influenced daily life and self-perception, highlighting the challenges faced by this population. Clinical psychologists should address these challenges through tailored interventions, school-based support, peer relationship enhancement, stigma reduction, cognitive rehabilitation, and culturally sensitive care to improve the psychological well-being and enhance the QOL of adolescents living with epilepsy.
Key words: Epilepsy, Adolescence, Quality of life, Extrinsic determinants, Keny
Strategic Alignment on Medical Employees’ Performance: Mediating Effect of Innovative Work Behavior. A Reflection from County Referral Hospitals Kenya
No full textThis research aimed at establishing the influence of strategic alignment on medical employees’ performance in county referral hospitals in CEREB, Kenya. Positivism paradigm was the guiding philosophy while convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed in the study. The target population comprised of 1804 medical employees from the 10-referral hospitals in central regional economic bloc, Kenya. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling from the probability sampling approach was used in getting 327 employees. This study used both closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires. Validity and reliability of the research instruments was tested using appropriate methods like piloting and expert knowledge for validity while Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was determined for reliability. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, means and standard deviation. kurtosis, skewness and normality tests were carried out to ensure data was amenable to analysis. Results showed that strategic alignment had significant and positive effect on medical employees’ performance in county referral hospitals. Results also revealed that innovative work behaviour significantly mediated the relationship between strategic alignment and medical employees’ performance in county referral hospitals. This underscores the importance of aligning organizational strategies with employee roles while fostering a culture of innovation to amplify performance outcomes. To capitalize on these insights, hospital management should prioritize initiatives that promote creativity and innovation, such as providing targeted training, establishing reward systems for innovative contributions, and fostering supportive leadership.
Keywords: Innovative Work Behaviour, Strategic Alignment, Medical Employees’ Performance County, Referral Hospitals
Role of Strategic Direction on Service Delivery at Public Health Facilities in Nyeri County
No full textDelivering quality healthcare services at public health facilities is fundamental to achieving universal health coverage. Strategic direction plays a crucial role in guiding healthcare institutions toward effective service delivery by aligning leadership practices with organizational goals. This study examined the influence of strategic direction on service delivery at public health facilities in Nyeri County. The research was guided by the Upper Echelon Theory, Dynamic Capability Theory, and the SERVQUAL model, each providing a framework for understanding how leadership, adaptability, and service quality impact healthcare outcomes. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 107 public health facilities through a census approach. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, and regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between strategic direction and service delivery. Diagnostic tests confirmed model assumptions, with a Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) of 1.135, indicating no multicollinearity, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient of r = 0.344 (p = 0.001), showing a positive and statistically significant relationship between strategic direction and service delivery. Regression analysis revealed that strategic direction explains 11.8% of the variance in service delivery outcomes (R² = 0.118, F = 10.876, p = 0.001), with a standardized beta coefficient of β = 0.344. These results underscore the importance of clearly articulated visions, consistent communication, and alignment of long-term strategic goals with operational objectives. Despite moderate perceptions of strategic clarity (mean scores ranging from 2.76 to 3.12), the findings highlight key areas for improvement in leadership commitment and strategic alignment. Based on these results, the study recommends the integration of strategic planning frameworks into healthcare policy, enhanced leadership training programs focused on strategic thinking and adaptability, and further research across other regions to test the generalizability of these findings.
Key Words: Strategic Direction, Service Delivery and Public Health Facilitie
An Assessment of the Influence of Technology on Faith-Based Development Interventions: A Case of Nairobi City County, Lang’ata Sub-County Kenya
No full textTechnology has become a key global factor in development interventions by various actors, including faith-based organizations, particularly influencing decision-making and operational conditions. This study assessed technology's influence on faith-based development interventions in Kenya, focusing on three objectives: examining technology's influence in planning development interventions, assessing its impact on implementation, and evaluating challenges faced by faith-based organizations in applying technology in Nairobi City County's Lang'ata sub-county between 2021-2023. The study employed a descriptive survey design incorporating structuralist, liberal-pluralism, and hypodermic needle theoretical perspectives. Using purposive sampling, 115 respondents were selected from an estimated population of 1,150 employees in faith-based organizations. Data was collected through qualitative and quantitative methods and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The findings revealed that while technology enhanced planning through improved mapping, data collection, and project assessment, limited training and technical expertise hindered its full utilization. During implementation, technology streamlined communication and monitoring, but inadequate infrastructure and financial resources constrained its impact. Organizations faced challenges including underutilization of technological tools, insufficient funding, and technical difficulties. The study concluded that technology's effectiveness in transforming development interventions depends on overcoming operational and financial constraints. Recommendations include targeted capacity building, increased technology infrastructure investment, and tailored training programs. These findings are relevant for faith-based organizations, policymakers, development practitioners, academics, community leaders, and technology solution providers in the development sector