Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Impacts of Service Strategy on Competitive Advantage of Private Secondary Schools in Kasarani Constituency, Nairobi County
No full textA strategy is a critical component of any successful business plan. A company can use an effective strategy to find its industry niche and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Kenya's education sector has recently expanded. Therefore, the objective of this study was to look into the impact of service strategy on the competitive advantage of private secondary schools in Kasarani Constituency, Nairobi City County. The study was also founded on theories of resource-based, knowledge-based, and dynamic capabilities. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used, with both qualitative and quantitative methods. The population consisted of 51 private secondary school directors, and census sampling was used to select all as a sample, yielding a response of 43 (84.31%) after data cleaning. The primary data were collected through questionnaires, and the analyses were carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found a moderate positive correlation between Service Differentiation Strategy and Competitive Advantage (r=0.859, p=0.004 < 0.05). According to the findings of this study, service differentiation strategy accounted for 67% of competitiveness in the study area's private secondary schools. The study concluded that the service differentiation strategy's impact on the competitive advantage of private secondary schools was significant. The study recommended that private secondary schools in the Kasarani Constituency of Nairobi City County embrace and invest in service differentiation, particularly ensuring that employees understand their customers' specific needs. This will give them a competitive advantage over other private secondary schools in Nairobi City County that have not invested in any strategy. Further research in the study suggests that a similar study be conducted to investigate the effectiveness of marketing strategies on student enrollment in international private primary schools. Further, more research was recommended to establish other impacts of competitive advantages (33%), which were not captured in this study.
Keywords: Service Strategy, Competitive Advantage, Private Secondary Schools, Kasarani Constituency, Nairobi Count
Entrepreneurial Innovativeness and Financial Performance of Small-Scale Pig Farmers in Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textPig production enterprises are among the fastest-growing livestock sectors globally, with significant growth in developing countries. There has been a notable shift from ruminant to mono-gastric livestock production due to the shorter time required to reach market maturity. Despite the presence of an established pig industry, the expanding value chain faces various challenges and remains underexploited, leading to low performance. Superior performance in such a dynamic environment is crucial for the survival of pig farms. However, the lack of well-defined strategies to drive improvement has contributed to the sector's suboptimal performance. This study is an extract of a bigger study that examined how strategic management practices affect the financial performance of pig farmers. The specific focus is influence of entrepreneurial innovativeness on the financial performance of small-scale pig farmers in Kiambu County. Specifically, it aimed to assess the effects of new markets, new products, new sources of raw materials, and new processes on financial performance. The research was anchored on the Profit and Value Maximization theory and Schumpeter’s theory of innovation. A survey research design was adopted, collecting field data from six sub-counties in Kiambu County. From a target population of 750 pig farmers, a sample of 87 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling. Data was gathered using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, achieving a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the coefficient of determination was 0.7160, indicating that 71.60% of the variation in financial performance can be attributed to entrepreneurial innovativeness. These findings were further supported by a positive relationship between entrepreneurial innovativeness and the financial performance of small-scale pig farmers, with p-values being positive and significant at 0.029, where β = 0.278 and p < 0.05. The beta coefficient for the relationship between the two variables was both positive and significant, implying that the null hypothesis was rejected. Hence, entrepreneurial innovativeness significantly affects the financial performance of pig farms in Kiambu County. Based on these findings, the study recommends that pig farmers adopt strategic entrepreneurial innovative practices to enhance financial performance. Additionally, policymakers should create incentive-driven policies to promote innovation in farming, recognizing agriculture’s critical contribution to Kenya’s GDP. Moreover, future research should focus on developing accessible models for registering and tracking innovations to protect the intellectual property of farmers, enabling them to share strategic insights without compromising their competitive advantage.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Innovativeness, Financial Performance, Pig Farmers, Kiambu County, Keny
Applicability of Blockchain Technology in Cryptocurrency and Return on Investment for Online Companies Operating in Kenya
No full textKenya is a global leader in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption, with many businesses implementing blockchain solutions. However, the relationship between blockchain technology in cryptocurrencies and return on investment (ROI) is unclear in the literature. This study looked at the impact of blockchain technology on cryptocurrencies and ROI for Kenyan internet businesses. The independent variables were blockchain digital ledgers, blockchain smart contracts, and permissioned blockchains, with ROI as the dependent variable. The study was founded on the resource-based view theory, disruptive innovation theory, and diffusion of innovation theory. A correlational research design was used to target 1,664 online companies in Kenya. A sample of 178 firms was selected from a group of 322 companies that had used blockchain for at least three years. Top managers were selected as respondents using stratified sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect data, which was then analyzed with SPSS version 21 for inferential and descriptive statistics. Regression and correlation analyses revealed that implementing blockchain technology had a positive and significant impact on ROI. Among the independent variables, blockchain digital ledger had the highest impact (0.065 units), while permissioned blockchains had the least (0.056 units). All findings were significant at p < 0.05. The study emphasized the importance of online companies prioritizing blockchain adoption in order to maximize ROI. It concluded that blockchain digital ledgers, smart contracts, and permissioned blockchains had a significant impact on ROI. Future research should investigate the indirect mediating effects of blockchain project goals and company characteristics. The study recommended that Kenyan online business leaders accelerate blockchain integration, particularly the use of blockchain digital ledgers, to improve transparency, security, and fraud prevention. In addition, permissioned blockchains should be implemented to strengthen data integrity and mitigate risks.
Keywords: Applicability, Blockchain Technology, Cryptocurrency, Return on Investment, Online Companie
Influence of Green Finance Governance Practices on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThis study examined the influence of green finance governance practices on the financial performance of commercial banks in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research was motivated by growing evidence that governance structures which integrate environmental, social, and sustainability considerations play a critical role in strengthening institutional resilience and driving long-term financial outcomes. Guided by Institutional Theory, the study focused on board oversight, ESG reporting, accountability mechanisms, and the integration of environmental risk into decision-making. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 156 managerial staff from 39 commercial banks, with a sample of 112 respondents selected using Yamane’s formula. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression models. The results showed that green finance governance practices are moderately to highly adopted across banks, with an overall mean of 3.70, reflecting strong board commitment to sustainability oversight, regular ESG disclosures, and emerging accountability systems. Inferential analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between governance practices and bank performance, with a correlation coefficient of 0.768 and an R Square of 0.590, indicating that fifty nine percent of the variance in performance is explained by green governance practices. Regression findings further confirmed that a one-unit increase in green governance leads to a significant improvement in financial performance (β = 0.704, p < 0.05). The study concludes that green finance governance is a strategic driver of profitability, liquidity strength, and institutional competitiveness. It recommends strengthening board-level ESG oversight, enhancing sustainability reporting, expanding accountability systems, and adopting clear regulatory standards to deepen governance integration and improve financial outcomes within Kenya’s banking sector.
Keywords: green finance governance, ESG oversight, commercial bank performance, sustainability reporting, Kenya banking secto
Financial Forecasting and Profitability of the Top 100 SMEs in Kenya
No full textSmall and Medium Enterprises constitute critical economic drivers in developing economies, yet their profitability remains volatile despite contributing approximately 24% to Kenya's GDP and employing over 93% of the active labor force. This study examined the effect of financial forecasting on the profitability of the Top 100 SMEs in Kenya. An explanatory research design under positivist philosophy was adopted, employing a census approach that selected 40 consistently listed firms from the Top 100 SMEs ranking. Data were collected through questionnaires for primary information and audited financial statements for secondary data, then analyzed using SPSS with linear regression analysis. The results showed that financial forecasting had a statistically significant positive effect on profitability (β = 2.10, p = 0.027), meaning a one-unit improvement in forecasting increased profitability by 2.10 units. With R = 0.36 and R² = 0.13, the model indicated a moderate relationship where forecasting explained 13% of profitability variation, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis at the 0.05 level. The study concludes that financial forecasting serves as a statistically significant determinant of profitability among Kenya's Top 100 SMEs, with effective forecasting enabling enterprises to predict cash flow fluctuations, manage liquidity prudently, and identify profit-enhancing opportunities. The study recommends that the Kenya MSME Authority should develop standardized financial forecasting training programs targeting SME managers to enhance predictive accuracy and implementation, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers should establish forecasting benchmarking frameworks enabling SMEs to compare practices against industry standards, financial institutions should integrate forecasting capability assessments into credit evaluation processes while providing technical support to borrowers and policymakers should mandate periodic forecast reviews and documentation for SMEs seeking government support programs to institutionalize strategic financial planning practices that demonstrably improve profitability outcomes.
Keywords: Financial Forecasting, Profitability, Top 100 SMEs, Keny
Effects of Community Based Tourism on Development of Rural Hospitality Entrepreneurs in Musanze District, Rwanda
No full textRural community retention challenges continue to intensify, emphasizing the need to attract and empower rural populations to foster hospitality entrepreneurship. This study aimed to assess the effects of community-based tourism (CBT) on the development of rural hospitality entrepreneurs in Musanze District, Rwanda. Specifically, it sought to evaluate the relationship between community-based tourism and hospitality entrepreneurship in job creation, assess the link between training and hospitality entrepreneurship and examine the relationship between leadership development planning and hospitality entrepreneurship within Rwanda’s hotel industry. A descriptive research design integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted. Data were collected through questionnaires and interview guides from a sample of 244 respondents, drawn from a target population of 980 using Yamane’s (1967) formula and a combination of simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were employed, while inferential analysis utilized multiple linear regression. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, and results were presented using tables, figures, and narratives. Findings from regression analysis revealed that training emerged as the sole significant predictor of hospitality entrepreneurship development, with a positive beta coefficient of 0.698 (t=3.507, p=0.002), confirming its critical influence on rural enterprise growth and sustainability. However, employment creation showed a non-significant negative relationship (β=-0.135, p=0.362), while leadership development planning demonstrated minimal impact (β=-0.027, p=0.910), suggesting these strategies require fundamental reassessment and redesign. The study concludes that community-based tourism initiatives promote rural entrepreneurship primarily through training and skills enhancement rather than through employment quantity or current leadership development approaches. The study recommends that stakeholders should prioritize investment in comprehensive training programs as the primary intervention, critically reassess employment creation strategies to emphasize quality over quantity, and fundamentally redesign leadership development frameworks to ensure they deliver measurable impacts on venture performance and sustainability in Rwanda's rural hospitality sector.
Keywords: Community- Based Tourism, Rural Hospitality, Entrepreneurs, Musanze District, Rwand
Effect of Savings Generated After Repayment of Women Enterprise Fund Loan On Profitability of the Women-Owned Enterprises in Kajiado County, Kenya
No full textWomen-owned enterprises in Kajiado County demonstrate lower profitability compared to neighboring counties despite comparable growth rates in enterprise numbers. This study investigated the effect of savings generated after repayment of Women Enterprise Fund loans on the profitability of women-owned enterprises in Kajiado County, Kenya. Anchored on the Free Cash Flow Theory, the study employed a positivism philosophy and explanatory research design, targeting 8,100 women entrepreneurs who accessed the Women Enterprise Fund between 2018 and 2022. Using Yamane's formula, a sample of 381 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling across five sub-counties, achieving a 72.4% response rate. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Stata version 17, employing descriptive statistics. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between savings and profitability (r = 0.930, p = 0.000). Regression analysis demonstrated that savings significantly and positively affect profitability (β = 2.255, p = 0.000). The study concludes that savings constitute a critical determinant of enterprise profitability, providing financial resilience and reinvestment capacity. It recommends strengthening savings incentive programs, linking savings behavior to loan eligibility, implementing financial literacy training emphasizing savings management, and establishing accessible savings infrastructure. Further research should explore sector-specific effects and additional profitability determinants in other counties.
Keywords: Women Enterprise Fund, Savings Mobilization, Enterprise Profitabilit
Continuous Learning and the Implementation of Change Management in Pharmaceutical Firms in Kenya
No full textIn Kenya, the pharmaceutical sector is vital to economic growth and healthcare delivery, making a substantial contribution to GDP and employment. However, it is also a fast-evolving sector that constantly faces challenges related to changes in health policies both within and outside Kenya. Yet, not studies have explored the interplay of continuous learning and change management in this particular sector. Therefore, this study examined how ongoing learning affects the application of change management in Kenyan pharmaceutical companies. Anchored on Lewin's Change Theory, the study employed a descriptive survey design, targeting 1,746 managers drawn from 586 registered pharmaceutical companies. A stratified random sample of 325 managers was surveyed using structured questionnaires, with data analyzed through descriptive statistics and regression to test variable relationships. The findings showed that the successful application of change management was significantly and favourably impacted by continuous learning (R2 =.111, β =.165, p <.01). In particular, continuous learning improved task performance, encouraged skill development, and raised employee satisfaction, all of which are essential for effective change management in organizations. Therefore, to improve organizational resilience and change readiness, pharmaceutical companies should integrate structured learning programmes, support knowledge-sharing platforms, and match leadership practices with continuous learning initiatives.
Keywords: Continuous learning, change management, pharmaceutical firm
Effect of Crisis Communication Management on Organizational Performance: A Case Study of Kenya Pipeline Company
No full textThis study investigated the effect of crisis communication management on organizational performance at Kenya Pipeline Company, a state-owned enterprise central to Kenya’s energy security. Anchored on the Situational Crisis Communication Theory, the research examined how initial response time, recovery time, and update frequency influence key performance indicators such as revenue growth, profitability, and operational efficiency. A descriptive research design with a quantitative orientation was adopted, using stratified random sampling to collect data from 280 respondents directly involved in crisis management and communication. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive results indicated that respondents agreed effective communication practices particularly timely responses (M = 3.37), frequent updates (M = 3.36), and clear messaging (M = 3.43) enhance coordination, reduce confusion, and strengthen stakeholder trust. Inferential analysis showed that crisis communication management strongly predicts organizational performance, with regression results indicating R = .991, R² = .982, F(1,63) = 3535.741, and a standardized coefficient β = .991 (p < .001). These findings confirm that 98.2% of the variation in performance outcomes is explained by communication practices, underscoring the centrality of structured communication frameworks in driving resilience and efficiency. The study concludes that crisis communication management is a strategic determinant of organizational performance. It recommends that Kenya Pipeline Company institutionalize structured communication protocols, integrate them with business continuity systems, invest in staff training, and adopt digital platforms for real-time updates. Such measures will enhance recovery timelines, protect reputation, and secure stakeholder confidence during crises.
Keywords: Crisis Communication Management, Organizational Performance, Kenya Pipeline Company, Situational Crisis Communication Theory, State-Owned Enterprise
The Jurisprudence of Global Supply Networks: Legal Theory, Risk Distribution, And Contractual Sovereignty in Modern Commerce
No full textThis review examines The Jurisprudence of Global Supply Networks: Legal Theory, Risk Distribution, and Contractual Sovereignty in Modern Commerce, which provides a comprehensive analysis of how legal frameworks are evolving to address the complexities of modern global supply chains. The review explores the book's examination of risk distribution mechanisms in interconnected supply networks, where traditional contractual approaches are being challenged by new business models and technological advancements. The review highlights the book's discussion of contractual sovereignty in cross-border commerce, examining how multinational corporations operate across multiple jurisdictions and the resulting challenges to traditional concepts of national sovereignty. It covers the book's integration of modern legal theories, including critical legal studies and global justice frameworks, to understand inequities in global supply chain governance. Key areas addressed in the review include the role of international institutions in shaping legal norms, the growing importance of corporate social responsibility and ESG standards, and the challenges of enforcing legal standards across diverse regulatory environments. The review also discusses the book's analysis of technological advancements' impact on legal frameworks, power dynamics within supply networks, and the integration of human rights law into corporate governance. The review concludes that the book serves as an essential resource for understanding how legal structures must adapt to govern modern commerce more ethically and equitably, bridging legal theory with practical insights for creating more just and sustainable global supply networks.
Key Words: Legal theory, risk distribution, contractual sovereignty, regulatory compliance, corporate accountabilit