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Influence of Innovation Leakages on Performance of Nairobi Water & Sewerage Company in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe NCWSC was highly committed to ensuring effective water management. The company had achieved 80% of its strategic plan. However, it faced significant challenges between the years 2014/15 and 2018/19. In 2014/15, NCWSC produced 201.8 million cubic meters of water, while the amount sold was 124.7 million cubic meters. By 2018/19, both production and sales had declined to 180.1 million cubic meters and 114.5 million cubic meters, respectively. Additionally, Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses due to physical leaks or inefficiencies stood at 36.4% in 2018/19, exceeding the sector's recommended maximum of 25%. Thus, the study examined the influence of innovation leakages on performance of Nairobi Water & Sewerage Company in Nairobi County Kenya. An extensive theoretical framework was developed to provide a solid theoretical foundation for the study, based on resource-based view theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design, focusing on 94 participants within NCWSC's Nairobi operations. Data was collected using questionnaires. The variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regressions. The results were presented in tabular format. The response rate was 93.6%, with 88 out of 94 questionnaires completed. The study found that innovation in water leak detection significantly influences Nairobi Water & Sewerage Company's performance, with regression analysis revealing a strong positive correlation between leak detection technologies and organizational performance, demonstrating that advanced technological interventions in leak management substantially contribute to operational effectiveness. The study concludes that innovation in water leak detection is a strategic imperative that transforms water management by enabling rapid leak identification, reducing water losses, and improving resource allocation. The study recommends that NWSC should invest in cutting-edge smart water technologies like advanced sensors, AI-driven monitoring, and Internet of Things-based leak detection systems. The organization should prioritize strategic infrastructure upgrades and regular maintenance plans to optimize water distribution and reduce non-revenue water losses. By embracing these technological innovations, NWSC can transform its operational model and become a forward-thinking, customer-centric utility service provider.
Keywords: Innovation Leakages, Performance, Nairobi Water & Sewerage Company, Nairobi County Keny
Assessing the Impact of Financial Inclusion on Financial Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Baringo County, Kenya
No full textFinancial sectors that effectively mobilize savings and allocate resources play a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion, which in turn enhances resource allocation and risk management, ultimately influencing financial performance. However, financial institutions in Baringo County, Kenya, are currently underperforming, which hinders micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from benefiting from financial inclusion. This study explores the impact of financial access, usage, and awareness on the performance of MSMEs, guided by theories of financial inclusion and credit access. Data were collected from 111 MSMEs across six sub-counties using a simple random sampling method and analysed through both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal that increased access to lending institutions and higher levels of entrepreneurial literacy improved the performance of MSMEs by 0.46% and 0.95%, respectively. Conversely, higher interest rates hurt performance, reducing it by 0.33%. While an increase in savings balances and the frequency of daily bank transactions enhanced performance by 0.98% and 1.08% respectively. Equally, financial awareness especially through credit access guidance and risk management training increased the performance of MSMEs by 0.25% and 0.14%, respectively. To bolster the performance of MSMEs, policymakers should focus on improving access to financial institutions and enhancing entrepreneurial literacy, while also regulating interest rates to promote sustainable growth and development. Promoting savings and increasing financial awareness will further support the sustainable growth of these enterprises.
Keywords: Financial Access, Financial Awareness, Financial Usage, Performanc
Corporate Governance Practices and Performance of Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textSavings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) in Kenya has not been able to realize their full potential in terms of performance over the past several years. Both the capital adequacy of the company, which fell from 74.60% in 2021 to 72.26% in 2022, and the quality of assets, which declined from 109.48% in 2020 to 74.07% in 2022, indicated this sub-optimal performance. Savings and credit cooperative societies in Kenya have recently adopted corporate governance principles to address performance challenges. This study examined the impact of governance practices on SACCOs in Nairobi County, focusing on the relationship between governance and performance to improve efficiency and profitability. The research analyzed SACCO performance through board diversity, independence, meetings, and transparency. It incorporated theoretical frameworks, including the balanced scorecard, resource dependency, stakeholder, and agency theories, ensuring a comprehensive analysis. Using a descriptive research design, questionnaires collected primary data from 525 SACCO members. A sample size of 228, determined via Yamane Taro’s 1967 formula, included directors, financial managers, and HR managers. Pilot tests assessed validity and reliability, using Cronbach’s Alpha for reliability and concept, face, and content validity. Quantitative analysis applied descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation and regression models, with findings presented via SPSS version 28, tables, graphs, and distribution plots. The study confirmed that board diversity, independence, meeting frequency, and transparency significantly enhance SACCO performance. Strong governance frameworks drive better financial outcomes, emphasizing that board autonomy in decision-making is key to organizational effectiveness. The study concluded that regular meetings facilitate effective communication and coordination between management and the board, enabling timely decision-making and fostering a collaborative environment. The study also concluded that regular updates on financial performance and accessible financial statements enhance stakeholder trust and engagement. The study recommends regular assessments of board composition in order to identify areas for improvement and to foster a more collaborative environment. SACCOs should also implement regular independent audits and ensure that the findings are transparently communicated to all stakeholders, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and improvement.
Keywords: Corporate Governance, Performance, SACCOs, Nairobi City County, Keny
Strategy Implementation Practices and Service Delivery in National Council of Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in addressing various social, economic, and environmental issues in Nairobi City County, Kenya. However, their efforts are often hindered by a range of challenges that impede their effectiveness and sustainability. Thus, this research examined how strategy implementation practices affect service delivery within the National Council for NGOs in Nairobi City County, focusing on the roles of staffing levels, financial resources, organizational structure, and cultural practices in shaping strategic execution. The study applied resource-based view, institutional, contingency, and cultural dimensions theories as theoretical anchors. Using a descriptive research design, data was collected from all 90 council employees comprising 25 senior managers and 65 middle-level managers through a full census approach. Instrument validity was confirmed through content validation checks, and reliability was established through Cronbach's Alpha testing. Research findings were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in tables and figures. The study's findings provide valuable insights to various stakeholders including NGO management and leadership, government officials, policy makers, employees, donors, community members, and researchers. Findings indicated that service delivery at the National Council for NGOs in Nairobi was positively influenced by staffing levels, financial resources, organizational structure, and cultural practices. The study confirmed that adequate staffing directly supports prompt and effective service provision, while sufficient financial resources enable the Council to expand operational capacity, reach more beneficiaries, and provide comprehensive services. Clear organizational structure delineates roles and responsibilities, ensuring members understand their specific duties, while cultural practices facilitate partnerships with local leaders and community groups, enhancing collaboration and resource sharing. The research recommends that NGOs should assess whether current staffing levels meet service delivery requirements and conduct continuous capacity-building exercises for staff and stakeholders in financial management, budgeting, and reporting. NGOs should clarify roles and responsibilities within organizational structures to ensure effective management and decision-making while developing comprehensive policies regulating organizational operations, including conflict resolution, transparency, and ethical standards. Additionally, NGOs should implement cultural awareness programs to enhance staff understanding of cultural diversity, enabling more effective engagement with diverse communities and improved service delivery outcomes.
Keywords: Strategy Implementation Practices, Service Delivery, Non-Governmental Organizations, Nairobi City County, Keny
The Importance of Coordination in Humanitarian Action
No full textEffective humanitarian coordination is crucial in responding to crises, ensuring that aid is delivered efficiently and sustainably to those in need. This article discusses the importance of coordination among humanitarian actors, including host authorities, intergovernmental agencies, governmental agencies, NGOs, and local populations. It highlights the benefits of coordination, such as improved efficiency, reduced duplication and gaps, enhanced accountability and transparency, and strengthened community engagement. The article also explores the challenges to coordination, including institutional and management obstacles, credibility and reputation concerns, and the need for inclusive and collaborative approaches. The role of emerging technologies in enhancing coordination is also examined. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the need for a systematic and inclusive approach to coordination, recognizing the different strengths and capacities of humanitarian actors
Exploring the Engagement–Achievement Nexus: Behavioral and Emotional Pathways in Secondary Education in Wakiso District, Uganda
No full textThis study investigates the extent to which academic engagement operationalized through students’ sense of belonging and participation predicts academic achievement among secondary school learners in Wakiso District, Uganda. Anchored in multidimensional engagement theory (Fredricks et al., 2004) and Finn’s (1993) participation–identification model, the research focused on how affective and behavioral engagement influence performance in arts and science subjects. A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational survey design was employed with 297 students randomly selected from four high-performing secondary schools using proportionate stratified sampling. Data were collected via a validated self-report questionnaire (CVI = .926), complemented by official school grades. Reliability testing indicated acceptable internal consistency (α = .73 for sense of belonging; α = .70 for participation). Pearson’s correlations revealed that behavioral engagement (participation) significantly predicted achievement across the arts, sciences, and overall performance, whereas emotional engagement (belonging) showed weak, non-significant associations. The findings underscore the stronger predictive role of behavioral engagement, particularly in arts-related disciplines where interactive participation was more influential. Implications point to the adoption of participatory, student-centered pedagogies such as project-based learning, collaborative tasks, and digital interactivity while simultaneously fostering inclusive climates that nurture belonging and long-term persistence. This study contributes context-specific evidence from a resource-limited African educational setting, offering both theoretical and practical insights. It also recommends future longitudinal and mixed-methods studies to explore the mediating role of emotional engagement in academic success.
Keywords: Academic Engagement, sense of belonging, participation, academic succes
Routine Health Information Systems Performance in Management of Diabetes and Hypertension in Selected Health Centers in Nairobi, Kenya
No full textGlobally, there has been a strong emphasis on enhancing decision-making through the improvement of routine health information systems (RHIS). Numerous studies have explored methods to enhance the quality of RHIS data to achieve this goal. Similarly, at the regional level, several countries have prioritized enhancing their RHIS performance. However, the Ministry of Health's 2019 policy brief has identified challenges related to health organizations' capacity to effectively analyze and utilize DHIS2 information. In light of these challenges, this study sought to investigate the factors influencing RHIS performance in managing diabetes and hypertension within selected health centers in Nairobi. The study's objectives were to examine the impact of technical determinants, organizational determinants, and behavioral determinants on RHIS performance. To guide the study, Delone and McLean's information system success framework will be employed as a theoretical framework. A cross-sectional research design was utilized, and data was collected from a randomly selected sample of 123 healthcare professionals across seven health centers in Nairobi. Data was gathered through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires using the drop-and-pick method. Collected data was scrutinized using SPSS, employing descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, Chi-Square tests, and logistic regression to understand the nature and significance of the effects of technical, organizational, and behavioral determinants on RHIS performance. The findings revealed that technical determinants, such as user-friendliness and the availability of adequate reporting tools, significantly influenced RHIS performance (p=0.020, OR=0.316). Behavioral determinants, including staff confidence and data quality assurance skills, had a strong and significant positive relationship with RHIS performance (p=0.050, OR=0.377). However, organizational determinants, such as funding and staffing, showed no significant relationship with RHIS performance (p=0.526). Thus, the study recommends prioritizing the acquisition of user-friendly RHIS systems and ensuring the availability of adequate reporting tools to improve technical aspects. Additionally, targeted training programs should be implemented to enhance staff confidence, proficiency, and data quality assurance skills. Finally, strengthening the implementation of national policies, such as the Kenya National e-Health Policy and the Kenya Health Information System Policy, will ensure alignment with RHIS goals and improve performance across health centers.
Keywords: Routine, Health Information Systems, Performance, Management of Diabetes, and Hypertension in Selected Health Centers in Nairobi, Keny
Assessing the Impact of Urbanization on Community Perceptions of Climate Risks: A Case Study of Nyarugenge District
No full textThis study investigates the impact of urbanization on community perceptions of climate-related risks in Nyarugenge District, Kigali, Rwanda. Urban expansion often exacerbates vulnerabilities to hazards such as flooding and heat stress, particularly in informal settlements. The problem arises from a lack of empirical research on how urbanization influences local perceptions and responses, leading to ineffective adaptation strategies. The primary objectives include assessing the extent and patterns of urbanization, analysing community perceptions of climate risks, and exploring their relationship. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 388 respondents. Key findings indicate that individuals in flood-prone areas perceive risks as more imminent, with a mean score of 4.60 (SD = 0.596). Education and awareness campaigns are crucial for shaping perceptions, receiving a mean score of 4.53 (SD = 0.720). Low-income households often reside in high-risk areas due to affordability constraints, with a mean score of 4.79 (SD = 0.652). Conversely, higher-income individuals are more likely to invest in adaptive measures, reflecting socio-economic disparities. Recommendations include enhancing infrastructure in informal settlements, promoting education initiatives, strengthening economic support mechanisms, and improving access to early warning systems. These strategies aim to foster resilience and ensure that adaptation efforts are inclusive and effective for all community members.
Keywords: Urbanization, climate risks, community perceptions, Nyarugenge District, resilience, socio-economic disparities, adaptation strategies
Sustainability Criteria for Economic, Social and Environmental Adopted in Kenya’s Procurement Legislation
No full textThis paper assessed the extent to which sustainability criteria—economic, social, and environmental—are integrated and adopted within Kenya’s public procurement legislation. Guided by the Public Value Theory, the research evaluated how the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (PPADA) 2015 and the Sustainable Procurement Guidelines (2018) translate into practical implementation among procuring entities. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted targeting procurement managers and supply chain officers from 52 state corporations, with data collected through structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that economic sustainability provisions, such as SME participation and local content promotion, are the most clearly articulated and widely implemented. Social sustainability is partially achieved through programs like AGPO but suffers from limited long-term monitoring of beneficiary outcomes. Environmental sustainability remains the least operationalized dimension due to weak technical capacity, lack of standardized performance metrics, and minimal enforcement. The study concludes that while Kenya’s legislative framework provides a strong foundation for sustainable procurement, significant gaps remain in translating policy intent into balanced practice across all dimensions. It recommends strengthening implementation guidelines, enhancing technical training, and establishing robust compliance mechanisms to ensure public procurement fully supports Kenya’s sustainable development goals.
Keywords: Public Procurement, Sustainable Procurement, PPADA 2015, Economic Sustainability, Social Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, AGPO, Kenya, Supply Chain, Procurement Legislation
Determinants of Employee Productivity in PEHA International School, Kigali, Rwanda
No full textEnhancing employee productivity is vital for sustaining business operations and fostering organizational growth. At PEHA International School in Kigali, Rwanda, employee productivity is recognized as a cornerstone of institutional performance, making it a strategic priority. This study investigates key determinants of employee productivity, focusing on how motivation, leadership style, organizational culture, and employee development influence productivity at the school. Guided by Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, Goal Setting Theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and the Competing Values Framework, alongside relevant empirical literature, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach to gather comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data. Using a descriptive survey design, a stratified random sample of 64 respondents from a total of 76 employees was selected, applying Israel’s (2022) sample size formula. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews with purposively selected administrators. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 26, complemented by thematic analysis of qualitative data. Instrument reliability was ensured through test-retest procedures and Cronbach’s alpha, while validity was confirmed through expert reviews. Findings revealed that motivation, communication, organizational culture, and employee development significantly influence productivity. Recommendations include enhancing merit-based promotions, improving internal communication through digital platforms, streamlining internal processes, and increasing awareness of training opportunities to strengthen productivity and institutional success.
Keywords: Employee Development, Employee Motivation, Employee Productivity, Employee Satisfaction, Organizational Culture, Organizational Productivity