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Single Parenting, Child Development and Socio-Economic Status of Youth Entrepreneurs in Southlands Estate, Nairobi City County
No full textThe socio-economic status (SES) of a youth entrepreneur is most commonly determined by combining parents educational level, occupational status, and income level. The Kenyan Government recognizes that access to entrepreneurial skills development among the youths is key to the growth and development of any enterprise. The possible reasons for youth unemployment are mostly centered on lack of enough available jobs, inadequate work experience and lack of startup capital. The study sought to establish relationship between single parenting and socio-economic status of youth entrepreneurs in Southlands Estate Nairobi County, determine the mediating effect of child development on the relationship between single parenting and socio-economic status of youth entrepreneurs and to establish the joint effect of single parenting, child development on socio-economic status of youth entrepreneurs in Southlands Estate Nairobi County. The study was anchored on two theories, the Social learning theory and Resource based view theory. Target Population was 250 shop owners within southlands estate in Nairobi City County. The findings it was noted that there is a clear gap between children brought up by single parenting and the ones brought up by a dual parent mode of parenting. In this regard, the youth entrepreneurs from single parent find it difficult to set up income generating activities due to challenges in raising required start-up capital for business and lack of proper level of education exposure. It was recommended that, the parents and especially singe parents, should ensure they give full support to motivate their children to venture into Entrepreneurship and the government should consider introducing programs in the school curriculum that support entrepreneurship as an alternative source to employment.
Key words: Socio-economic status, Small Medium Enterprises, International Labour Organisation, Kenya Institute of Managemen
Influence of Separation of Powers on Performance of Governance in County Governments in Kenya
No full textThis study sort to find out, the influence of separation of powers on performance of governance in County governments in Kenya. Purposive sampling probability and simple random sampling techniques were utilized in drawing a representative sample from a population of 47 counties in Kenya. Structured questionnaires were used in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data. Simple regression model was used to analyze the data with hypothesis testing being applied as the basis to reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis at 0.05 with the aid of statistical results package for social science (SPSS) as a tool. The findings revealed that commitment on separation of powers significantly influence the performance of governance in county governments in Kenya. Specifically, through separation of powers, the county government has the autonomy and independence to focus on revenue generation and develop important sectors at the county level; It is through the separation of powers that power is applied to the objectives to which it was invented. It is therefore important that citizen participation in issues of governance is encouraged and facilitated. The reason for this is that citizen participation will increase their receptiveness to policies formulated to address their needs since they were at the center in the development phase of these policies.
Keywords: Separation of powers, performance, County governments, Devolution & Keny
The Impact of External Debt Servicing on Capital Formation and Gross Domestic Product in Kenya
No full textThis study examined the effect of foreign debt service on GDP in Kenya through savings and capital formation transmission channel. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the effect of external debt servicing on capital formation in Kenya, and establish the effect of external debt servicing on economic growth in Kenya. Longitudinal research design was adopted where time series data on external debt, capital formation was analyzed. Time series properties of the data was checked in terms of stationary tests, and the standard diagnostic tests of regression such normality, autocorrelation, multicollinearity and specification. Regression of capital formation on lagged debt service was carried out which indicated negative relationship between the two variables. Regression of gross domestic product on labour and predicted capital was done, the results obtained was that, debt service affect gross domestic product negatively through its effect on capital formation. It was recommended among others that policies of the government should therefore be guided towards reducing debt stock. It is important for policy makers to be cautious on implementation of projects that raise public debt and there should be controlled measures on debt management profiles especially in government expenditure by evaluating funded projects to gauge the utilization of funds. Also, reducing the rate of borrowing by sourcing alternative means of financing projects was recommended.
Keywords: External Debt Servicing, Capital Formation, Gross Domestic Produc
Relationship between Managerial Competence and Growth of Top 100 Enterprises in Kenya
No full textThe growth trends of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) raised many questions that why and how these SMEs were able to transform themselves into big business giants. The objective of the study was to investigate on the Relationship between Managerial Competence and Growth of Top 100 Enterprises in Kenya. In this study, descriptive approach was achieved by describing the data and characteristics about the population of phenomenon being studied. In the study, the target population, comprised of the Top 100 KPMG feted enterprises in Kenya in the year 2010 - 2015. This will yield 287 mid-sized companies. The sample size was 164 top managers in the Top 100 mid-sized companies. The study used the stratified random sampling technique as it ensured that all listed companies were represented according to the various sectors. The target population will be stratified into the 2 strata (service sector SMEs and non-service sector SMEs). Further, random sampling was used to select 164 top managers in the Top 100 mid-sized companies. Random sampling ensured that the study eliminated bias in its choice of respondents. The study used primary data collected through questionnaire. To enhance the response rate, the study put into consideration the research ethical issues. After data collection, the filled-in and returned questionnaires were edited for completeness, coded and entries made into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). A multivariate regression was also used to test the combined effect of all independent variables. The findings were presented in forms of tables and charts. The study found out that managerial competence had a positive and significant effect on growth. Therefore the study concluded that managerial competence leads to completeness of tasks. Therefore, the study recommends for top 100 enterprises to consider managerial competence since they are very crucial in the growth of the enterprises.
Keywords: Managerial competence, SMEs, Keny
International Marketing Strategy, Information Communication Technology and Performance of Tour Firms in Kenya
No full textThe objective of the study was to establish the influence of information communication technology (ICT) on the relationship between international marketing strategy and performance of tour firms in Kenya. Information communication technology was computed as a composite of social media use, use of websites and automation of internal business processes. The moderating effect of information communication technology on the relationship between international marketing strategy and firm performance, established that information communication technology and international marketing strategy accounted for 49.4% variation on firm performance. Moderation is established if the effect of interaction on performance of tour firms in Kenya is significant. The interaction of information communication technology with international marketing strategy showed that the firm performance did not improve significantly. The R2 increase of 0.1% indicated that interaction term did not have significant influence. However the overall model was statistically significant. The study has made contribution to theory, policy and practice. It also stated recommendations and has additionally made suggestions for future research. The key informants of the study comprised senior management such as CEO/MD, Marketing Manager, Business/ Operations Manager. Others were IT, Director Client Relations.
Keywords: International Marketing Strategy, Information Communication Technology, Firm Performance & Keny
Challenges of Alcoholism in the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru: A Pastoral Response
No full textAlcohol has increasingly become a main and important drink for victory parties, weddings, birthdays, ordinations, graduation parties and home coming events. The users cite its use for celebrating the gift of life, success and of one another. The study examined and investigate the causes and the consequences of alcoholism in Nakuru. The study presented recommendations to alcoholism in the light of the teachings of the Church; this will follow biblical and Tradition. The approach to tackle alcoholism in Small Christian Communities of Nakuru will be in the context of a pastoral response. The study followed a pastoral circle method which has four moments namely insertion, social analysis, theological reflection and pastoral planning or action. For insertion, the researcher reflected on his experience to enrich the study. The study employed the social analysis through which the root causes of the social problem of alcoholism was discussed. The aim in this step was to go back to the root causes of the problem. Through applying theological reflection, we intended to judge the challenge of alcoholism and its impact on the people of Nakuru this will be in the light of the teachings of the Church using scripture and the tradition. Finally, the study presents the action plan; which helped in recommending practical solutions for moral action. This lecture benefits; pastoral agents in order to help members of any Small Christian Community on the chronic phenomenon of alcoholism in Nakuru.
Keywords: Alcoholism, Catholic Church and Nakuru Dioceses
Authenticity: Issues with Peter’s Behavior in Antioch and Paul’s Admonitions
No full textAuthenticity is a term that seems new in the leadership phenomena, but its existence is not new since it can be traced back to the Greeks’ time. Authenticity as a concept can be traced back to the ancient Greeks where it is apprehended in their ageless caution to “be true to oneself” (Michie & Gooty, 2005). According to George, Sims, McLean and Mayer (2007), the construct of authenticity is not a new thing, there has been a resurging determination in what establishes authentic leadership within the applied and academic management literature. This author together with many other authors on the subject suggest that there is much more to authenticity than only being true to oneself. This paper seeks to bring out issues of Peter’s authenticity and Paul’s rebuke to bring a fellow leader back to track.
Keywords: Authenticity, Peter’s Behavior & Paul’s Admonition
Technology Innovation as a Strategic Management Practice and Determinant of Performance of Tea Industry in Mount Kenya Region
No full textIn Kenya, Tea industry has not been competitive. As a result, the earnings have not been commensurate with tea production efforts that have often attracted the wrath of farmers to the extent of tea picking boycotts, uprooting of tea bushes, destruction of factory property and even threatening the lives of tea industry managers. This phenomenon is attributed partly to the fact that the small-scale producers market their tea in bulk; semi-processed products and therefore fails to attract premium prices for their produce. As result, strategic interventions are required for the tea industry to remain competitive. The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of technology innovation as a strategic management practice and determinant of performance of tea industry in Mount Kenya region. Technology Acceptance model and Industrial Market Theory guided the study. Mixed methods research design was used. The target population was 117 management team comprised of five regional management team ; regional accountant, operations manager, production manager, auditor, and 112 top management in 16 factories who include, 16 manager 16 production managers 32 accountants 32 training managers and 16 field coordinators sixteen factories that lie in Mount Kenya region. Stratified, simple random sampling was used to select 92 respondents out of 112 based on Krecjie and Morgan Table. Purposive sampling was used to select five regional managers. Data was collected using questionnaires. Reliability was examined using pilot study and internal consistency test. Regression analysis indicated that value addition strategy have a strong positive relationship with financial performance of the tea industry In Mount Kenya region. Regression results also established that technological innovation and strategy implementation have a strong positive relationship with financial performance of the tea industry in Mount Kenya region. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that strategic management practices influence performance of tea industry in Mt Kenya region in Kenya positively. The adoption of strategic management practices has a high potential of improving tea industry performance and thus better prices to the farmers. The study concluded that tea factories should provide incentives for research and development on adoption of newest Technology in the market to support cost reduction and improve quality. Professionals in the tea industry should spend more time, effort and resources towards innovations
Keywords: Strategic Management, Technology Innovation, Performance & Mt. Kenya Region
Relationship between Risk Management Practices and the Performance of Islamic Financial Institutions. A Case Study of the First Community Bank
No full textThe main objective of this study was to establish the relationship between risk management practices and the performance of the first community bank in Kenya. The target population for this study comprised of 18 branches of the first community bank in Kenya. The unit of analysis was the senior managers, middle level managers, supervisors and staff of the 10 branches first community bank in Kenya. Descriptive research design was adopted and simple random sampling was used to select 322 employees from 10 branches first community bank in Kenya. This study used primary data obtained from semi structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using inferential statistics and presented in a multiple regression model. The regression of coefficients results revealed that risk identification was positively and significantly related to performance of FCB (r=0.115, p=0.000). Risk assessment was positively and significantly related to performance of FCB(r=0.130, p=0.000). Similarly, monitoring and evaluation was positively and significantly related to performance of FCB(r=0.161, p=0.000). Finally, risk mitigation was positively and significantly related to performance of FCB(r=0.128, p=0.000). From the findings the study concluded that on risk identification, risk assessment, monitoring and evaluation and risk mitigation strategy positively and significantly affect the performance of FCB. The study recommended that banks should recognize potential source of risks, probability of hazards factors occurrences, attention to risk potentials, embrace programs on risk identification and evaluate risk components on their operations. Banks should carry out risk based auditing, fraud risk assessment, and considers risk frequency on new ventures and ultimate consequences. Management should use monitoring tools in their operation, their program officers trained and skillful on monitoring and evaluation. Banks should collaborate with other financial players to avert risks, continuously improve its risk management strategies, set standards as part of their objectives and operate based on policies and procedures.
Key words: Risk identification, risk assessment, risk monitoring & evaluation, risk mitigation strategy, performance, First Community Bank, Kenya
The Relationship between Audit Committee Effectiveness and Financial Management in Government Ministries in Kenya
No full textLike any other organization, audit committee is a vital mechanism the government needs to use to monitor management's behavior in the sector in order to enhance a proactive oversight of financial compliance, reporting and disclosure process. The audit committee plays an oversight responsibility and assists a board to monitor responsibilities of an organization or institution hence their effectiveness is crucial in proper financial management. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between audit committee effectiveness and financial management in government ministries in Kenya. Specific objectives of the study were to establish the effect of audit committee membership composition on financial management in government ministries in Kenya, to find out the relationship between audit committee independence and financial management in government ministries in Kenya, to determine how audit committee charter affects financial management in government ministries in Kenya, and to establish the relationship between audit committee members technical skills and financial management in government ministries in Kenya. The study utilized a descriptive research design whereby descriptive survey designs were used. The target population of the study consisted of the members of the audit committee who made a target population of 60 respondents. The sample size of 30 respondents was generated by sampling 50% of the respondents in each committee. Primary data was used in this study by use of questionnaires. Data was organized mainly by use of frequencies, descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistical techniques included correlation and regression analysis which was used to draw a causal relationship between the independent variables and financial management. The study found that audit committees with more than 3 members have been found to be more effective on ministerial financial management compared to those with fewer members. The study also established that competency determines the efficiency of the auditor in setting a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes in your ministry. The study finally established that audit committee membership composition contribute most to the financial management followed by audit committee independence. At 5% level of significance and 95% level of confidence, audit committee membership composition, audit committee independence, audit committee charter, and audit committee members' technical skills are significant in financial management. The study concluded that audit committee meetings are held at least 4 times in a year in specified intervals increasing financial performance of the various ministries. The study recommended that government ministries to adopt proper audit charter by having independent directors on the board, an independent board chair, an effective audit committee both external and internal audit mechanisms so as to independently carry audit mandate in the department.
Keywords: Audit committee independence, audit committee charter, audit committee membership composition, audit committee members technical skills, financial management, government ministries, Kenya