Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Credit Risk Management and Liquidity of Commercial Banks in Kenya
No full textLiquidity has remained a challenge among commercial banks in Kenya. For instance, the ratio of loans against deposits of the said banks stood at 0.740969, 0.74092, 1, 0.713654 and 0.795822 with an average value being 0.798273 across the period 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. This implies that most of the commercial banks did not have adequate assets as compared to deposits needed to finance customer loan requests which provide evidence of liquidity concerns among commercial banks in Kenya. This study examined the effect of credit information sharing, loan loss provisioning, and lending requirements on the liquidity of commercial banks in Kenya. Guided by relevant financial theories, it adopted a positivist, explanatory approach using both primary and secondary data from 39 banks between 2018 and 2022. The questionnaire was pilot tested before data gathering process among 4 credit managers from commercial banks in Kenya. The reason for pilot testing was to determine reliability of questionnaire while its validity was ensured by supervisor and two experts in the field of finance. Processing of the gathered data was done descriptively and inferentially and presented in tabular and graphical forms. Multicollinearity, normality was conducted as diagnostic tests before regression analysis to test its assumptions. The ethical issues that were considered in this study included appropriate citation and referencing of the information reviewed to avoid plagiarism and voluntary participation by respondents. The findings were that credit information sharing (p<0.05), loan loss provisioning (p<0.05) and lending requirements (p<0.05) had significant effect on liquidity of commercial. The study concluded that credit risk management and liquidity of commercial banks in Kenya are significantly related with each other. It was recommended that Credit Managers working among commercial banks in Kenya should invest in latest technologies for carrying out timely credit information of customers with the licensed Reference Bureaus. The loan officers working with commercial banks in Kenya should diversify into loan portfolio in order to remain stable and have meaningful contribution to the growth of an economy. Managers working with commercial banks in Kenya should effectively invest in lending requirements like land title deeds and logbooks in order to improve on their credit risk management which in turn can allow them achieve optimal and required liquidity levels.
Key words: Credit risk management, liquidity, credit information sharing, lending requirements and loan loss provisionin
Effect of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Practices on Performance of Health Funded Projects in Rwanda: A Case of Malaria Control, Maternal & Child Health Programs of Ministry of Health
No full textThe study assessed the effect of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices on performance of health funded projects in Rwanda: a case of Malaria control, Maternal & Child Health programs in Ministry of Health. It had three specific objectives: to assess the effect of M&E planning on project performance, to examine the influence of M&E data collection and analysis, and to evaluate the impact of M&E reporting and decision making. The hypotheses associated with each of these objectives were supported by the research findings, indicating significant effects in each area. This study used a descriptive survey and correlative research designs, and also the mixed approaches including qualitative and quantitative approaches. The population was 137 people working with Malaria control, Maternal & Child Health programs in Ministry of Health in Rwanda. The study used stratified and universal sampling techniques to select all 137 respondents as sample size. Data-collection instruments were testing questionnaires, interview schedules or guides, rating scales, and survey plans or any other forms which were used to collect information on substantially identical items or more respondents. The observation was done on situation success of health project management and M&E practices. Documentary technique was used by the researcher to obtain secondary information such as reports of Malaria control, Maternal & Child Health programs in Ministry of Health in Rwanda. The models showed a strong positive relationship between M&E planning, data collection and analysis, reporting, and decision making and project performance. This relationship was supported by a high correlation coefficient (R), with approximately 83.2% of the variance in project performance explained by these predictors. However, the presence of potential autocorrelation in the residuals suggests that further investigation is needed to ensure the validity of the model. In conclusion, the study effectively supported all three research hypotheses, confirming the significant impact of M&E planning, data collection and analysis, and reporting and decision making on the performance of Malaria control and Maternal & Child Health programs within the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health should invest in comprehensive M&E planning, setting clear objectives, defining indicators, and establishing a solid framework for improved performance. Timely and informative reporting of M&E results is crucial. The Ministry should prioritize the communication of results to facilitate data-informed decision-making
Factors Affecting Household Food Security in Rural Districts of Rwanda
No full textThe study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting household food security in rural districts of Rwanda. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the current state of household food security, analyze the influence of socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors on it, and evaluate gender-specific aspects of food security. The researchers used secondary data collected by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda in 2021 from 7,513 rural households for their analysis. They employed food security index estimation, logistic regression, and descriptive statistics to analyze the data. Within Rwanda's rural regions, the research discovered that family food security was greatly affected by variables such as the head of the household's age, education, farm size, gender, income, and access to credit, as well as the size of the home and money. Age and household size were negatively correlated with food security, in contrast to education, farm size, gender, income, and credit availability, which were positively correlated. Furthermore, compared to families headed by women, those headed by men were more likely to have food security, according to the research. In the rural areas of Rwanda, 60.83% of the families that were sampled had food security, while 39.13% had food insecurity. Improving food security in rural districts of Rwanda requires policies that target the unique difficulties experienced by individual families, as well as an emphasis on education and self-sufficiency, according to the study's results
Strategies to Improve Students’ Performance of Level three Culinary Arts at ERM-HOPE TVET Center Kabuga in Mathematics, Kicukiro District
No full textThe study examined the effectiveness of various strategies for improving the mathematical performance of Level Three Culinary Arts students at ERM-HOPE TVET Center KABUGA. The research involved collecting data from 37 students in both morning and afternoon sessions, as well as from two mathematics teachers. Methods included interviews, classroom observations, and analyzing assessments. Results showed a modest improvement in students' mathematics performance following the implementation of strategies like integrating technology, increasing homework, and conducting assessments. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, posed significant challenges, affecting collaborative learning and emphasizing the need for a conducive learning environment. The study highlighted strategies such as fostering curiosity, providing real-world problems, and effective classroom management. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of school motivation in addressing students' psychological challenges during the pandemic. In conclusion, the study found that a combination of increased exercises, homework, motivational initiatives, and classroom management positively impacted students' mathematical skills, pointing to the need for multifaceted educational approaches in challenging circumstances. The study recommends mathematics teachers to consider students cultural and learning backgrounds in choosing instructional strategies. It is suggested that they 50 align teaching methods with the assessed learning needs and capabilities of students. Teachers may attempt to find a balance of teaching strategies rather than teaching student hence few understand the subject and at last many fail the subject. They may be able to realize the importance of recognizing learning styles, identify students’ differences, and adjust the teaching methods accordingly. It is recommended that for students to learn effectively, they need to be flexible by using strategies outside their preferences to meet the demands of the challenging environment. Students must be ready to be guided in mathematics using learner centered methods, which is the very effective way of teaching. Student must not be lazy by not doing self-practice daily. They are also encouraged to actively participate in classroom activities in order to have an enjoyable and satisfying learning outcome. For school administrators, it is recommended to ensure availability of the instructional materials and facilities for the execution of different teaching methods that are aligned with the teaching methods and students’ learning in classrooms. Effective teaching and learning cannot be achieved in the absence of those instructional materials.
Keywords: Students’ Performance, Level Three Culinary Arts, Erm-Hope Tvet Center Kabuga in Mathematics, Kicukiro District, Rwand
Ethical Leadership and Its Implication on Decision-Making in Organizations: A Literature Review
No full textLeadership is fundamentally about influence, and the conduct of leaders has significant impacts on organizations and society. Ethical leadership involves leading through ethical values, decision-making, and relationships. This literature review examines the current context and understanding of ethical leadership. The purpose is to provide an overview of ethical leadership theories and components, discuss ethical leadership’s role in influencing organizational decision-making, and highlight distinguishing characteristics of ethical leaders. Despite increased attention, ethical crises persist across sectors, pointing to a need for greater comprehension of dynamics shaping leader behavior. Lack of shared ethical leadership definitions also contributes to inconsistencies. This review helps consolidate insights from existing scholarship to advance conceptual clarity. Key frameworks like virtue ethics and social learning theory are reviewed. Ethical leadership is defined in terms of being both moral persons and moral managers – personally exhibiting ethical conduct, and promoting ethics in followers. Decision-making represents a vital arena for ethical leaders to shape culture and model principled choices. The review outlines ethical decision-making processes drawing on literature which points to four key phases: recognizing moral issues, making ethical analyses to judge situational morality, forming moral intentions, and ethical action. Traits that set ethical leaders apart encompass integrity, justice, accountability, care for people, and concern for social impacts. But contexts mediate perceptions of ethical leadership. This literature analysis reveals gaps in understanding leaders’ ethical development and competencies that help translate moral awareness into consistent, values-based behavior - especially amid complex, high-stakes decisions. Further research would strengthen scholarship on dynamics that cultivate principled leadership. Therefore, ethical leadership remains critical for organizational trust, sustainability and societal wellbeing.
Keywords: Ethical, Leadership, Decision-Making, Organization
Leadership Styles and Their Influence on Ethical Decision-Making in Organizations: Synthesis of the Literature
No full textLeadership styles significantly influence organizational outcomes, including ethical decision-making. This conceptual study investigates how four major styles – autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, and transformational – influence leaders' moral decisions. Despite growing attention, ethical breaches continue, highlighting gaps in understanding the complex dynamics that influence principled behavior, especially when competing priorities arise. The situational leadership and Vroom-Yetton decision models offer valuable frameworks. The goal is to review literature that contrasts leadership approaches and their relationships with ethical judgments. The issue is that conflicting findings exist regarding whether certain styles promote values-attentive decisions or whether contextual factors exert greater influence. A lack of shared ethical definitions further undermines consistency. Analysis will reveal whether leadership styles influence moral behavior. Key findings show that while all leaders face ethical dilemmas, transformational leadership possesses the greatest potential to foster ethical climates through inspiring vision and purpose, intellectual stimulation, individual consideration, and motivation. However, it appears that character is more crucial than style. Leaders, as moral individuals, place integrity, humility, and service at the heart of their decisions. Moral managers uphold ethical standards and accountability through communication, policies, and consequences. This study fills gaps by consolidating emerging insights into the dynamics linking leadership approaches and ethical decision elements. The findings highlight the importance of ethical consciousness in shaping an overarching vision that permeates culture. While context and style play a role, principled leaders view ethics as a guiding value integrated into choices, not tradeoffs. Further research can help clarify leadership predictors of moral behavior.
Keywords: Leadership Styles, Ethical, Decision-Making, Organization
Internal Factors and Organizational Performance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textThis study examined how internal factors affect the performance of NGOs in Nairobi City County, Kenya, focusing on management support, technological innovation, employee motivation, and resource mobilization. Grounded in Contingency Theory, a descriptive research design was used, targeting 330 humanitarian NGOs. A sample of 285 respondents from various management levels was selected through stratified random sampling, with data collected via questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple linear regression and Pearson correlation, were employed for analysis. The results revealed significant positive relationships between each internal factor and organizational performance, indicating that enhancing management support, technological innovation, employee motivation, and resource mobilization can improve NGO outcomes. These findings suggest that strong leadership, a motivated workforce, innovation, and strategic resource mobilization are key to fulfilling NGO missions effectively and making a meaningful impact. The study recommends that Kenyan NGOs prioritize robust management support through engaged leadership and transparent communication, adopt technological innovations to increase efficiency, foster employee motivation with recognition programs and training, and implement strategic resource mobilization through diversified funding and partnerships. These efforts are essential for NGOs to sustain and expand their positive societal contributions.
Keywords: Management Support, Technological Innovation, Employee Motivation, Resource Mobilization & Operational Performance
Role of Local Stakeholders’ Networks on Sustainable Tourism Development in Selected Group Ranches in Amboseli Ecosystem, Kajiado County, Kenya
No full textSustainable Tourism Development (STD) has emerged due to the exponential growth of tourism, which has significantly impacted natural and socio-cultural resources. The need for sustainability, as highlighted in literature like the Brundtland Report, is critical. This study focused on the role of stakeholders’ networks in promoting sustainable tourism in the Amboseli Ecosystem, Kajiado County. A notable gap exists in information sharing and stakeholder networking, with existing frameworks primarily centered on conservation rather than STD. Stakeholders, including accommodation providers, local destination organizations, local communities, conservation organizations, the government, and travel organizers, play a crucial role in ensuring the longevity of sustainability initiatives. Networking offers solutions to industry challenges by fostering unified decision-making and addressing local resource and expertise deficiencies. The study employed an exploratory research design, targeting 420 participants from different groups in the Amboseli ecosystem, including community members, lodge managers, Kenya Wildlife Service officials, and NGO representatives. Data were collected using questionnaires and structured interviews, analyzed through Pearson and Regression Analysis. Results showed that stakeholder networks significantly and positively influence sustainable tourism development (r=0.246, p=0.000). Recommendations include fostering stakeholder networks, capacity building for leaders, enacting legislation to involve local communities, forming societies for local tourism entrepreneurs to network, and collaborating with local universities and research institutions on sustainable tourism issues.
Keywords: Local Stakeholders, Networks, Sustainable Tourism, Selected Group Ranches, Amboseli Ecosyste
Case Series: Constipation and Fecal Incontinence in Children with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder
No full textThe comorbidity of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is high among attention deficit and hyperactivity disease (ADHD) children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous investigations report fecal incontinence and constipation as the most prevalent GI disorders among ADHD-ASD children, posing clinical questions regarding effective management approaches. This case series investigates the incidences, symptomatology and behavioral disorders reported by children with and without histories of ADHD and ASD to inform evidence-based interventions and policy. Methods. This case series investigated gastrointestinal abnormalities among 12 preschoolers in a psychiatric clinic. The investigation considers a history of children with GI disorders and comorbidity with psychiatric illness. Parents’ and teachers’ accounts of children informed the clinical decisions. The case series reported a higher incidence of constipation and fecal retention among male than female children, 7 and 5, respectively. The international classification confirmed the signs and symptoms reported by constipated children, including high avoidance of school and public restrooms and a preference for home restrooms. Behavioral disorders like hyperfocus, which are a defense mechanism against the sensory-rich school environment, marked the incidence of the disorders. However, clinical interventions like stool softeners, including polyethylene glycol, and other laxatives were administered to stimulate defecation by enhancing bowel motility. The cognitive behavioral therapy was indicated to the children to impart coping skills necessary to handle sensory-rich environments. Preschoolers presented fundamental behavioral disorders and other symptoms, including hyperfocus, fecal incontinence at home and retention at school due to the sensory-rich environments. Medications like laxatives and stool softeners enhance bowel movement, whereas psychotherapy enhances children’s coping skills to prevent the withholding of feces in sensory-rich environments like schools and other public places. These interventions alleviated symptoms and improved the children’s quality of life.
Keywords: Pediatric Constipation, Fecal Incontinence, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Breaking Through the Ice: Methylphenidate’s Role in a Senior’s 20-Year Quest For ADHD Diagnosis
No full textAttention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remain a common neuropsychiatric complication in childhood rather than adulthood. However, recent cases of new diagnoses raise alarm over a potential increase in incidence in adulthood. This case series explores a 79-year-old woman with ADHD to capture insights into clinical practices, including diagnoses and treatments. This is a case report investigating a 79-year-old woman with a 20-year stint of self-medication to manage her ADHD. She presented at the clinic with a history of ADHD, but no symptoms at the time of incidence. Contrary to her knowledge, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition, was used to determine her mental health and indicate a rational medication. The psychiatrists indicated Adderall XR and multivitamins to address her condition. The 79-year-old woman sought a legal prescription as she planned to relocate to France. She was diagnosed with ADHD, which is not a common incidence among adults and put on Adderall XR and multivitamins. Within four weeks, she reported remarkable improvement, including excellent task performance, concentration, and physical abilities. This case presents potential ADHD incidence in adulthood without awareness of symptoms among patients. A follow up confirmed improved task performance, concentration, alleviated hyperactivity, motor functions and attentiveness. These results set the differences in the effectiveness of unconventional and evidence-based interventions for ADHD among adults. It prompts policymakers to consider further investigations to establish a rational, evidence-based diagnosis and treatment. This case report marks the importance of evidence-based and rational drug use and disease management in adults. The old woman reported improved symptoms of ADHD following Adderall XR. Upon follow-up, psychiatrists indicated multivitamins to improve her well-being and improve her attentiveness. This combined therapy improved the woman’s motor functions, cognition concentration and task performance. This case represents common cases of unconventional treatments among patients and makes a clinical statement of adequate patient diagnosis and management of ADHD among adults.
Keywords: Methylphenidate, ADHD Diagnosis in Seniors, Long-term ADHD, Adult ADHD, Stimulant Medicatio