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Relationship Between Leverage and Financial Performance of Agricultural Firms Listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textThe study assessed the relationship between leverage and financial performance of agricultural firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study applied correlational research design which was used to describe the various components of the study as well as the quantitative research design with the aim of identifying the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. This is so because quantitative secondary data was collected from the NSE annual reports where the means, standard deviations, variances, correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed. The target population of the study consisted of all the seven firms listed at NSE, Kenya under agricultural sector. The analysis of the relationship between leverage and financial performance, measured by return on equity (ROE), revealed an inverse relationship with a coefficient of -1.939. This negative coefficient indicated that as leverage increased, financial performance tended to decrease, albeit insignificantly. The p-value for leverage was 0.824, which was well above the standard significance thresholds (p < 0.05 or p < 0.1). This lack of statistical significance implied that leverage did not have a meaningful impact on the financial performance of the agricultural firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The study recommended that Firms should focus on maintaining an optimal debt-to-equity ratio that balances growth with financial stability. Financial managers should assess the potential risks and returns associated with debt and explore alternative financing options, such as equity financing, to support sustainable growth.
Keywords: Leverage, financial performance, agricultural firms, Nairobi Securities Exchange
Effect Of Value Added Tax On The Financial Performance Of Telecommunication Firms In Kenya
No full textThe telecommunications industries have gain a huge interest of the scholars in the recent past partly to the high growth rate in the industry as well as the contribution of the industry to the development of economies of various countries because of the huge turnover characterized by the industry. In Kenya, the telecommunication market is continuously and rapidly undergoing considerable changes in the advent of increasing competition, fast developments in the mobile market as well as improved international connectivity. With the favourable revenue margins characterized by telecommunication companies, the telecommunication firms are viewed as lucrative tax space in Kenya. The telecommunication industry like other industries is subject to the fiscal policies of the country and hence are subjected to general tax payments including income taxes whereas the ICT services that the consumers purchase are subjected to VAT. The tax is paid by the consumer in the form of excise taxes, sales taxes, VAT taxes, income taxes or tariffs. The coming into effect of the Finance act 2021 further increased internet and telephone service excise taxes to 20% from 15% implying that in addition to paying the 16% VAT, the consumers are subjected to the 20% excise tax. This means that, for every amount the consumers spent on airtime, 36% is tax that goes to the government. The proposed study seeks to determine the effect of Value Added Tax on the performance financially of Kenyan telecommunication entities. The study was guided by the benefits theory and the ability to pay theory. The study adopted a causal research design in answering its research questions. The population of the study entails 26 telecommunication entities whose data is collected between the periods January 2017 to December 2022 making 156 observations. When data collection is complete, the data was cleaned and organized in an excel sheet to simplify the process of data arrangement and analysis. The data was set to panel data and analyzed using STATA version 13. The analysis of the data entailed the inferential as well descriptive statistics. The descriptive statistics involved the mean, maximum, the minimum values as well as the standard deviation. Inferential statistics involved the multivariate panel regression model. The study concluded VAT had a positive and significant effect on the performance financially. The study recommended that KRA ought to regulate the taxes imposed on the telecommunication entities in Kenya.
Key words: Value Added Tax Financial Performanc
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Oral Hygiene among Adult Patients Attending Dental Service in Muhima District Hospital, Rwanda
No full textThe oral diseases affect nearly 3.9 billion people globally. Despite the efforts of government of Rwanda to achieve the 3rd sustainable development goal, in 2019, ‘tooth and gum disease’ ranked as the most commonly recorded complaint at district hospitals in Rwanda. This study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards oral hygiene among adult patients in Muhima District Hospital. The study on oral health knowledge, attitude and self-care practice were help the public health administrators and policy makers in specification of oral health policies to develop behavioral modifications strategies relevant to this area. The findings of this study were generating evidence that were form a basis to rely on by future researchers. This study was an academic merit to the researcher. A total of 322 adult patients who attended Muhima District Hospital during the study period were employed using a total sampling technique. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered into SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to identify an association between the independent and dependent factors. Multivariate analysis was conducted to see the adjusted associations. Among adult patients with 35 years old and above who were attending Dental service Muhima District Hospital, the total score for oral hygiene knowledge was 61.5%, attitudes toward oral hygiene were 62.4%, and good oral hygiene practices were 77%.The odds of good oral hygiene practice were 2.20 times (AOR; 2.25: 95% C.I.; 0.76-2.46) more among urban place of residence compared to those from rural areas. Patients who knew a twice-daily tooth brushing were 2.25 times (AOR; 2.25: 95% C.I. 1.25-4.05) more likely to have good oral hygiene practices than those who did not. The odds of good oral hygiene practices were 1.85 times (AOR; 1.85: 95% C.I. 1.04-3.28) and 2.08 times (AOR; 1.85: 95% C.I. 1.09-3.99) more among those who believe that brushing teeth once per day is not enough and among individuals who had good knowledge on oral hygiene compared to their counterparts respectively and the association was found significant. In this study, no association was identified between positive attitude towards oral hygiene and good oral hygiene practices with a P-value =0.112. The study identified a significant knowledge gap in oral hygiene among adult patients at Muhima District Hospital. Factors like residence and knowledge of recommended daily tooth brushing were linked to oral hygiene practices. Interventions emphasizing regular brushing, especially in rural areas, and enhancing overall oral health awareness are crucial. The findings underscore a need for improved oral hygiene routines and regular dental check-ups.
Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Oral Hygiene, Adult Patients Attending Dental Service, Muhima District Hospital, Rwand
Contribution of Tourism to Cultural Heritage Resilience: An Analysis of Old Towns of Kenya’s Coast
No full textThe preservation of cultural heritage in developing countries faces significant challenges, including economic pressures and climatic changes. Despite the cultural and economic importance of heritage, traditional conservation and preservation efforts often struggle against competing industrial development, as seen in places like Lamu. This study examined the role of tourism in enhancing cultural heritage resilience by focusing on issues such as preservation, the interplay between tourism and communities, and the impact on tangible and intangible heritage. Conducted in the culturally rich old towns of Mombasa and Lamu, the research was guided by ecological resilience theory and utilized exploratory and descriptive research approaches to analyze the relationship between tourism, culture, and heritage resilience. The study targeted a population of 470 individuals, including elders, household leaders, and heritage managers, and selected a sample size of 110 participants through multistage cluster sampling. Using purposive and snowball techniques, 15 heritage managers, 40 community household leaders, and 55 elders were chosen. Data collection involved interviews with site managers and household leaders, supported by observation schedules and photography to document cultural heritage. The findings revealed that cultural heritage undergoes various changes due to human interaction and environmental factors. Intangible heritage experienced more frequent shocks (89.9%) compared to built heritage (10.1%). A notable 38.9% of respondents disagreed that tourism significantly contributed to heritage resilience, suggesting that locals do not primarily preserve cultural heritage for tourism purposes. The study concluded that while tourism contributes to the resilience of tangible heritage, local values such as religious practices play a more significant role in sustaining cultural heritage in the old towns. The study recommends involving local leaders in Mombasa and Lamu Old Towns in conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of both tangible and intangible heritage. It further suggests incorporating Swahili culture into the school curriculum, similar to Maasai and Samburu cultures, to preserve intangible heritage and foster cultural appreciation, with Swahili language learning emphasized for communication and cultural maintenance. A rational resilience framework should be adopted, tailored to address socio-cultural and environmental heritage resilience, balancing ecological and cultural aspects while considering social justice and community perspectives. Lastly, the study highlights the need for specific cultural indicators and monitoring methods to ensure cultural authenticity, as well as policies that integrate sustainable tourism, land use, and infrastructural development to protect cultural heritage systems amidst economic and demographic pressures.
Keywords: Tourism, Cultural Heritage Resilience, Old Towns, Coast, Keny
Is Islam Still a Threat to the West? The 21st Century Perspective
No full textThe threat being posed by Islam to the West remains a disturbing aspect in the 21st century. Islamic ideology and militant groups continue to perpetrate terrorist activities that threaten the economic, social, political, and military foundations of the West. This study was based on an analytical review of Islam as a threat to the West. Literature reviewed included reports, peer-reviewed journals, books, and websites that provide details of the interaction between Islam and the West. The findings revealed that although Islam-related terrorist groups have been weakened over time, they remain volatile to the West because Muslims worldwide in the mosques, Islamic schools and public schools’ curriculums that teach fighting the West. It was recommended that the West’s governments should increase vigilance to the Islam-related terrorism groups. Additionally, it is recommended that Islam as a religion should introspect itself to identify the elements of religious foundations related to terrorism and address them if they must stop being a threat to the West.
Keywords: Islam, threat, militant groups, terrorism, West
Relationship between PTSD and Socio-Demographic Characteristics among the Survivors of the Sinai Fire Disaster in Mukuru-Sinai Informal Settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThis study investigated the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and socio-demographic characteristics among survivors of the Sinai Fire disaster in Mukuru-Sinai informal settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya. Despite the prevalence of fire disasters in informal settlements, there is limited research on their psychological impact, particularly in this context. The study was guided by the Shattered Assumptions Theory, which posits that traumatic events can disrupt individuals' core beliefs about the world's benevolence, meaningfulness, and their self-worth. A descriptive correlational design was employed, with a sample of 378 survivors selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach, including a questionnaire with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and key informant interviews. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine associations between PTSD and socio-demographic factors. The findings revealed significant relationships between PTSD symptoms and gender (p=0.012), age (p=0.014), and employment status (p=0.008), but no significant association with education level (p=0.343). Women, older individuals, and those experiencing employment instability were found to be more vulnerable to developing PTSD. The study concluded that socio-demographic characteristics play a crucial role in the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among disaster survivors, highlighting the complex interplay between individual characteristics and trauma response. Recommendations include designing targeted interventions for high-risk groups, integrating mental health support with employment assistance programs, developing age-appropriate PTSD interventions, and conducting regular assessments of socio-demographic risk factors to inform resource allocation and intervention planning. These findings underscore the importance of considering diverse socio-demographic factors in assessing PTSD risk and designing interventions for disaster-affected populations in informal settlements.
Keywords: Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Disaster, Mukuru-Sinai Informal Settlemen
Demand Factors and The Employment of Persons with Disability in 3-5 Star Hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textThe study sought to explore the demand factors influencing the employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in 3-5-star hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya, amid the observed lower employment rates of PWDs compared to able-bodied individuals. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study gathered both qualitative and quantitative data from 32 organizations, including 31 hotels and the National Council for Persons with Disability, using a census sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires for HR personnel and an interview schedule for the manager of the National Council for Persons with Disability. a relatively minor role, accounting for 8.8% of the employment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nairobi's 3-5-star hotel sector. Despite existing legislation setting a 5% employment quota for PWDs, none of the hotels in the study met this requirement, indicating a significant gap in the demand for PWD employment within this industry. The study recommends that the Kenyan government review and ensure the effective implementation of policies and legislation related to the employment quotas for PWDs. This includes providing better support and information to employers on making accommodations for PWDs and the advantages of utilizing financial incentives. These measures aim to encourage and increase the employment of PWDs in the hotel sector.
Key words: Demand Factors, Employment, Disability, 3-5 star hotel
Family Business and Its Problems; A Failure of Entrepreneurial Succession in Nigeria
No full textFamily-owned business and its succession is a huge problem in Nigeria and needs to be looked into due to the fact that over the years a series of well-known family-owned businesses have collapsed and gone extinct immediately after the death/demise of its founder. The aim of this paper is to ascertain the causes and lack of entrepreneurial transferability in Nigeria. The theoretical framework is hinged on the institutional theory as well as the innovative theory. The methodology will rely heavily on secondary data. The problem of succession and its causes as well as the sources of these problems is the focal point of this paper. This paper conclusively pin pointed that both internal and external sources as well as the multi-ethnic identity of Nigeria generates a whole lot of transferability problems for family-owned businesses in the land (Nigeria). It is recommended that for a family-owned business in Nigeria to be run and operated from generation to generation, the teaching, guiding, orientation and imparting of an extensive, organized and planned mentoring of the family business, starts early, as well as the Government enacting favorable laws that enhance and promote family-owned business in Nigeria.
Keywords: Culture, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Succession Family-Owned Business, Nigerian Government, Succession
Leadership Capability and the Competitive Advantage of Deposit-Taking Savings and Credit Co-Operative Societies in Kenya
No full textThe study aimed to determine the impact of leadership capability on the competitive advantage of deposit-taking savings and credit co-operative societies (DT-SACCOs) in Kenya, employing a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The research targeted 3856 senior management staff from 176 DT-SACCOs, including top, middle, and low-level management. A scientifically guided sample of 900 respondents was selected using the Yamane formula, and data were collected via structured questionnaires. Analyzing the data with SPSS v25.0, the study found that leadership capability positively and significantly influences the competitive advantage of DT-SACCOs, highlighting the crucial role of effective leadership in driving strategic decision-making, fostering employee engagement, promoting innovation, and enhancing organizational competitiveness. The findings suggest that DT-SACCOs should invest in leadership development programs, implement robust succession planning, and conduct regular leadership assessments to ensure continuous leadership excellence and alignment with organizational goals, ultimately contributing to improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency in the market.
Keywords: Leadership Capability, Competitive Advantage, Return on Investment (ROI), Economic Value Added (EVA), Customer Satisfaction, Market Share, Brand Differentiation, Strategic Vision and Planning, Team cohesion / collaboration, Mentoring and coaching, Communication, Agility  
Influence of Employee Motivation on Projects Performance in Rwanda: The Case of NGOs Project-Kigali Rwanda
No full textIn this competitive field, establishments focus on developing their workforce and improving their operational efficiency. Some of the tools available to managers to motivate and influence their employees to perform well include Training, working environment, reward management, and leadership. The aim of the study is to examine the influence of employee motivation on NGOs projects performance in Rwanda. The target population was 150 employees from 3 NGOs projects in Kigali. The study used 60 respondents from AEE project, 50 respondents Compassion International project and 40 respondents from SOS Kigali project. The total respondents were 150 respondents. The whole population was used as the sample size because the number of employees in these three NGO projects is not big in size. The researcher used questionnaire for data collection and this questionnaire was distributed to the respondents from 3 NGOs projects. The obtained quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (Version, 23). To analyze data on profile of respondents, frequencies and percentages were used. The study used correlation research design to determine relationship between employee motivation and NGOs projects performance in Rwanda. The model of analysis was multiple linear regressions, where: Project performance was in function of training, working environment, reward management and leadership. Multiple linear regression model was used to examine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The data were presented in the form of tables. Quantitative data was presented in the form of frequency distribution tables. to the results, the relationship between training, working environment, reward management and leadership was 0.512,0.398, 0.491 and 0.404 respectively, and the results presented were statistically significant with p value=0.000b, it concluded that there was a significant relationship between employee motivation and NGOs projects performance on African Evangelistic Enterprise, Compassion International and SOS projects performance in Kigali Rwanda. The study recommends the managers to improve these factors such as training facilities, physical and emotional environment, improve the way salary and wages are distributed among employees, and how managers care their employees