Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Influence of Entrepreneurial Capital on Growth of Women-Owned Micro and Small Enterprises in Central Kenya Counties
No full textEntrepreneurial intangible resources such as entrepreneurial capital are important in driving growth of women-owned enterprises. Women-owned enterprises in Kenya are less likely to grow, are smaller, and are twice as likely to be operating from home compared to male-owned ones. They also lack the necessary entrepreneurial intangible resources critical for success. Due to these challenges, the Government of Kenya established the Uwezo Fund in 2014, for youth women empowerment in entrepreneurship. Women-owned micro and small enterprises supported by Uwezo fund have shown phenomenon growth in Central Kenya counties. However, the casualty level is still high like in rest of the country. Counties like Kiambaa, Tetu and Gatundu North have been performing dismally with some of the least growth in women enterprises. Despite the increasingly importance of entrepreneurial intangible resources in the recent times in determining enterprise success, few studies have given a considerable attention to this area. The specific objective was to assess the influence of entrepreneurial capital on growth of women-owned MSEs in Central Kenya counties. The target population was 1228 women entrepreneurs registered and recipients of Uwezo Fund. Sample size was 399 respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. Findings showed that entrepreneurial capital had a positive and significant relationship with growth of women-owned enterprises. Based on the findings, the study concluded that since women entrepreneurs endevour desired growth, there is need to invest in market-oriented skills, enhancement of the knowledge of the entrepreneur and employees and inculcate self-motivation. Women entrepreneurs should invest in upgrading self and employees abilities through education and training. Recommendations were that women enterprises should enhance their market-oriented skills, entrepreneur self-knowledge and individual motivation to realize growth of their enterprises.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Capital, Growth of Women-Owned Micro and Small Enterprises
Strategic Management Practices and Sustainability of SMEs Agribusiness in Kenya: A Survey of Githunguri Sub County
No full textThe main objective of this study was to establish the effect of strategic management practices in sustainability of Agribusiness by small scale farmers in Githunguri Sub - County. Agriculture is a pillar and the economy's backbone in most of the developing countries like Kenya, it helps to create job opportunities for the citizens and this assists in the growth of rural development. Despite the growing populations in developing countries, the agricultural sector continues to perform poorly and the majority of people engaged in agriculture remain in poverty. To achieve a sustainable agricultural sector, new strategies must be developed to holistically address the challenges preventing growth. The overall objective of this study was to establish the effect of strategic management in sustainability of Agribusiness by small-scale farmers in Kenya with a general focus on Githunguri Sub - County. Specifically, the study examined the effects of strategic human resource in performance of Agribusiness in Githunguri, established the effects of using technology strategies on Agribusiness performance, determined the effects of strategic supply chain management practices on Agribusiness performance and also established the effects of financial management on Agribusiness performance in Githunguri. The study adopted a conceptual framework underpinned by Modern Portfolio Theory, Agency Theory, and Resource- Based Value Theory. The study target population was 12,170 SME farmers in Githunguri Sub- County. Descriptive research design was used to investigate the variables, the study also used stratified random sampling and adopted Fishers scientific formula to determine the sample size of 96 farmers in Githunguri Sub- County. The Pilot study had 84 Questionnaires. Questionnaires used to collect data offered both qualitative and quantitative data which was key for the data analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed by SPSS version 24.0. Thereafter, inferential statistics such as correlation and regression were carried out to determine the existing relationship between the study variables. The correlation analysis helped to determine the magnitude and the nature of the relationship between the variables. The study recommended improvement of Human Resource strategies by building capacity of the farmers, use of technology modern farming methods, improvement of supply chain for maximum value addition and sound financial management planning and controls. Both the National Government and County Government need to legislate and come up with better agribusiness policies so as to ensure agribusiness sustainability.
Key words: Human resource strategies, Technology strategies, Supply chain strategies, financial management strategies, Agribusiness sustainability, Keny
Corruption in Public Procurement in Kenya: Causes, Consequences, Challenges and Cures
No full textPublic procurement plays a pivotal role in the economic development of any country. In Kenya, it is the means through which government spends revenue raised annually, for the implementation of public service delivery. As such, a public procurement system that is economically inefficient invariably undermines the government programs for economic growth. However, the scourge of corruption in public procurement for a long time has bedeviled Kenya. The problem has passed on from one government to the next but no serious effort has been put in place to fighting the vice. This study sought to examine the causes, consequences, challenges and cures of corruption in public procurement in Kenya. Broken Windows Theory of International Corruption and The Ethical Theory guided the study. The study used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes. A critical review of empirical literature was conducted to establish the causes, consequences, challenges and cures of corruption in public procurement in Kenya. The study concluded that a range of economic, political, administrative, social and cultural factors, both domestic and international in nature, characterizes causes of corruption in public procurement. The study recommended on adoption of open contracting principles and data standard, transparency and fairness in access to information on public procurement. The Government should implement stiff penalties for breaches to procurement requirements and capacity strengthening of procurement practitioners on adherence to procurement regulations. There is need for instituting proper records management tools for public procuring entities and more robust mechanisms should be implemented in e-procurement to enhance its functionalities at all the stages of the public procurement cycle. Lastly, government should place more investments in enhancing the capacities of internal audit processes within Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Keywords: Corruption, Public Procurement & Kenya
Financial Performance of the Banking Sector in Kenya: The Role of Internal Audit
No full textThe aim of the study was to investigate the role of internal audit in the performance of the banking sector in Kenya. The target population of the study was 44 licensed commercial banks in Kenya listed in the Central Bank of Kenya website. Descriptive research design was adopted in the study. The study employed both primary and secondary data to achieve its objectives. Questionnaires were employed to collect primary data while secondary data was retrieved from financial reports of the Central Bank of Kenya for five years from 2012-2016. Data analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings showed that there was a positive relationship between internal audit function and financial performance in the commercial banks in Kenya. This implies that an improvement in audit function leads to an improvement in financial performance of the commercial banks in Kenya. The results further showed that non-performing loans and previous year net income moderates the relationship between the internal audit function and financial performance of the commercial banks in Kenya. This implies that non-performing loans and previous year net income has an impact on the relationship between internal audit function and financial performance of the commercial banks in Kenya. Non-performing loans reduced financial performance while last year net income increased the financial performance. The study recommended further research to include internal audit committees and other internal audit staff to get their opinions regarding internal audit function within the commercial banks in Kenya, other financial sectors and also include other measures of financial performance including return on Assets, Net Interest Margin among others. This study is of help to academicians, the management of commercial banks in Kenya, the government, practitioners and the general financial sector for policy formulation in the promotion and development of financial performance of organisations in the country.
Keywords: Internal audit, banking sector, financial performance, chief internal audit executives, non-performing loans, net income
Communication Channels and Tax Compliance in Kenya by Small Taxpayers in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textTaxation has played a crucial role in administering national income and more so in developed countries. Although, both developed and developing countries have intensified measures to enhance tax compliance and minimize reliance on foreign donations and internal and external borrowing, the results of these measures cannot yield the desired results due to high levels of tax avoidance. The main objective of this study was to establish the influence of channels of communication on tax compliance by small taxpayers in Nairobi City County. The specific objectives were to establish the influence of electronic, print media and stakeholders sensitization programme influence on tax compliance by small taxpayers in Nairobi City County. This study employed a descriptive research design. Descriptive research was used to describe the opinions of the respondents regarding the communication channels and tax compliance in Nairobi City County. The study targeted all small taxpayers in the four tax stations/districts in Nairobi, who were approximately 839,560 taxpayers (employees and small-scale traders). The study used probability sampling and stratified random sampling method. Random sampling technique was used later to sample individual taxpayers within the stratum to eliminate research bias. The researcher collected primary data using a semi-structured questionnaire. Secondary data was collected using secondary data collection schedule. Construct validity in primary data and Content validity in secondary data was measured. The generated data from SPSS was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics involved the use of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation to summarize the data. Inferential statistics involved the use of regression and correlation to establish the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The findings indicated that investing in Electronic communication channel is very expensive to implement and sustain but government must make effort since this is one of the factors that increase compliance among small taxpayers in Nairobi County. The study recommended that due to increased tax compliance requirement by government, small taxpayers in Kenya should monitor and respond to printed media communication channel updates to ensure that they acquire and sustain the operations. To improve tax compliance the government should emphasize on stakeholder sensitization programme. The study recommended that current policies be reviewed by assessing their relevance in order to take care of these emerging issues. There is a need for Keya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance tax compliance through the use of electronic, printed and stakeholder communication channels
Keywords: Electronic Communication, Print Media Communication, Stakeholder Sensitization Programme, Tax Compliance, Small Taxpayers and Nairobi City Count
Entrepreneur's Innovativeness on Access to Venture Capital by Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textDespite the effort made by the government of Kenya to support the growth of SME sector by creating enabling environment through appropriate legal and regulatory procedures, and in spite the fact that banks have recently made micro-credit accessible to MSEs, there is no indication that the sector is growing. Empirical evidence shows that most of these enterprises fail due to poor/lack of access to finance. Access to venture capital by the small and medium enterprises could be a plausible alternative but unfortunately research has pointed out that majority of the enterprises do not access venture capital financing, which is considered an important option for small and medium enterprises trying to grow. This study therefore sought to investigate the effect of entrepreneur's innovativeness on access to venture capital by small and medium enterprises in Kenya. The study adopted the explanatory non-experimental research design and positivism philosophy guided the study. Target population of the study was 334 Small and medium size enterprises ranked by KPMG between 2008 and 2017 in their annual survey. Proportionate random sampling technique was used to select the firms. Data was collected by use of questionnaire, using drop and pick method. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Nested multinomial logit model was used. The results reveal that the influence of an entrepreneur's innovativeness on access to venture capital financing is statistically significant. From the findings, it is recommended that SMEs should continue investing in enhancing entrepreneurial innovativeness as it increases the propensity of their enterprises from accessing venture capital financing.
Keywords: Entrepreneurs, Innovativeness, Access, Venture Capital, Financing, SMEs, KPM
Factors Influencing Performance of Internal Auditors in County Governments in Kenya
No full textDespite all county governments having an internal audit unit, a large number of them are still exposed to risks and therefore achievement of their objectives is hampered. This research project aimed to establish the factors which influence the performance of internal audit units in county governments anchored on four specific objectives: To establish the influence of an independent audit committee on internal auditors performance, to investigate the influence of to the auditors competence on performance, to assess the influence of top management support on internal auditors performance, to evaluate the influence of availability of financial resources on performance of internal audit unit. The research was a survey of auditors across the 47 counties in Kenya. Descriptive statistics determined the relationship between the variables and regression analysis established the extent and the significance of the relationship. The study concluded that audit committee independence, affiliation to professional bodies, top management support and availability of resources had a significant effect on performance of internal auditors in County Governments. The study recommends that top management in the County Governments should adopt effective internal audit practices including independence of audit committee, professional competency, and allocation of adequate financial resources to enhance performance of internal auditors in the County Governments.
Keywords: Independent audit committee, competence, top management support, financial resources and performanc
Impact of Belief in Destiny Mythology on Healing Process Among the Christian families of South-West Region of Nigeria
No full textThe study investigated the impact of belief in destiny mythology on healing process among the Christian families of South-West Region of Nigeria. Three local governments were involved, Osogbo, Ife Central and Ede North. The study was guided by the following research question; What is the impact of belief in destiny mythology on healing process among the Christian families of South-West Region, Nigeria? The study was founded on Emile Durkheim theory and the Functionalism. This theory sees religion as a consistent institution of every society and purely natural. The study applied the descriptive survey and phenomenology designs and a mixed method approach, using proportionate stratified, probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The sample size included the 400 Christians and 23 health care-givers, 10 spiritual healers, 8 traditional healers, 1 Doctor, 1 Psychologist, 1 Counsellor and 2 theologians. Mugenda & Mugenda (2003) and Krejcie & Morgan (1970) sample size determination formulas were employed. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interview guide and observation guide as a complementary tool. The triangulation data collections method and the sequential explanatory data analysis method were used respectively. Results showed that, though majority believed that only God changes the destiny of a person, the other different opinion suggests and confirmed one of the beliefs that “those with mystical powers like the Ifa priests, the witches or individuals can be beneficial if courted because they are not regarded as total evil-doers. Pearsons Correlation was used to verify the relationship and the results indicated a statistically significant strong correlation (r = 0.648 with p = 0.000 which is less than 0.05). The study found that there was strong positive correlations coefficient between holistic health and belief in destiny mythology. Therefore, the study recommends that (1) there is a need to censor what social media feeds the people, for instance, movies that propagate excessive visit to the herbalists as the solution to every problem are a negative influence and dangerous. (2) Christians involvement in movie-making is recommended, (3) also, the provision of basic amenities by the government is suggested. (4) Lastly, this study recommends a study guide on traditional healing practices in each denomination beginning from the “Small Christian Communities†in each Parish.
Keywords: Traditional mystical power, holistic health, holistic process, destiny mythology wholeness, Christian families, illness, sickness or disease, and health care-givers
The Role of the Church in Addressing Divorce at the Africa Inland Church, Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe main objective of this study was to establish the effects of divorce and strategies adopted by the church in addressing divorce. The church intervention to salvage the marriages of many families seems not to do much as family systems are vulnerable. There is need to understand the consequences of divorce particularly at household level and in the church. According to O Donovan (2000), causes of increase in rate of divorce are unfaithfulness and infidelity among married couples in the church Kenya is showing increased trend in divorce rate, with two hundred and twelve thousand nine hundred and seventy two having divorced by 2008. In Nairobi, statistics by KNBS indicated twenty one thousand five hundred and seventy three were divorced with Nairobi North having the highest statistic at seven thousand six hundred and one being divorced. Thus, this study sought to establish the effects of divorce and strategies adopted by the church in addressing divorce. The researcher used mixed research design. The study was conducted in Africa Inland church found neighboring the Mukuru slum. Africa Inland Church is in South B Nairobi County in Starehe Sub-County. Majority of people visiting the church come from Mukuru Kayaba slums which have a population of around 500,000 thousand. The researcher used purposive sampling to select a sampling frame consisting of those members who have been divorced between the age of 20 and 50. The research used questionnaires; the unstructured and open ended questions were used as well as structured close ended questions to give respondents complete freedom to express their views. The findings were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed through use of tables and figures and results presented in tables, bar graphs, pie charts. The key finding showed that 57% of the respondents agreed that divorce has extremely affected the activities of the church and the household. About 13% of the sample size indicated the effect of divorce on church activities was to a great extent. 24% of the respondents indicated that the effects are only to a lesser extent. However, 6% believed divorce has no effect at all on the church activities and the household. The results showed that 57% of the respondents said marriage counseling as the best strategies used by the church. Another 19% said that there are no strategies in the church to support divorced people. 17% of the respondents gave their views that the church also uses seminars as a way to talk to both married and divorce people so that to make sure the number of divorce cases do not escalate. However 4% thought that incentives programs and meetings to train married couples are the strategies used respectively to support and assist both married and divorced couples. The study concluded that divorce among members of the church has staggering or extreme consequences on its infrastructural development. Stable families form a great back bone for the churchs infrastructural development unlike divorced ones. The church is committed to reducing divorce cases as exemplified by its various strategies like counseling, seminars, incentives. The development committee needs to invite government intervention in meeting some financial needs for these developments as it works on ways which can reduce the cases of divorce. The government has to be involved, by using surplus funds for the church development initiatives. The church should also consider income generating activities which can be used to supplement some of its developmental projects.
Keywords: Divorce, Africa Inland Church, Nairobi County & Kenya
Comparative Assessment of Cultural differences between Chinese and American Women
No full textThe culture is significant in society and it establishes the social behavior and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities and habits of the individuals in these groups. The culture determines how some groups of people will behave in a particular situation without any form of coercion. The study examined the comparative assessment of cultural differences between Chinese and American Women. The review was literature-based. The findings of the study found that the culture of women in the USA was different from their counterparts in Chinese. The aspects of attitude, career and finances and projection of their problems were distinct from the two groups. The relative absence of attention to the differences of cultural vices among the women infers that what some group of people may support as good and acceptable may be comprehended to be wrong and unacceptable to another group of people in the same society. Therefore, women from America and China have different cultures that guide their daily living.
Keywords: Cultural differences, American Women, Chinese wome