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CEO Demographics, Board Gender Diversity and Financial Statements Fraud among Listed Firms in East Africa Community
No full textThe fraudulent activities have resulted in significant financial losses for the companies, amounting to millions or billions of globally. Furthermore, financial statements fraud significantly undermines the credibility of financial reports and assertions. Fraud in financial statement entails significant manipulation of financial statements with the intention of deceiving users. Despite the contributions of prior studies that sought to determine the CEO demographics and financial statements fraud relationship, the findings are incongruent. Additionally, the study determined whether board gender diversity moderates the relationship between. A sample of 62 listed firms in East Africa partner states. Panel data for the period 2012 -2023 was used. Data was handpicked from financial reports and the study employed the F-score model to measure financial statements fraud. While the hypotheses were tested using probit regression. The findings revealed that CEO age and financial expertise had a negative effect on FSF. While, CEO tenure and gender had a positive effect on FSF age. Finally, the findings revealed that board gender diversity moderated the relationship between CEO age, CEO gender, CEO financial expertise, CEO tenure and FSF. The findings of this study may inform corporate governance setters in developing codes that mitigates the likelihood of firms engaging in fraudulent financial reporting practices. This study was limited to listed firms in EAC, future studies may consider other regions.
Keywords: CEO Demographics, East Africa, Financial Statements Fraud, Board Gender Diversit
Interest Rates Risk and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
No full textFinancial performance is critical for banks because it determines their ability to generate profits, manage risks, and retain the trust and confidence of their customers, shareholders, and regulators. Strong financial performance improves a bank's reputation and increases stakeholder trust and confidence. The financial performance of commercial banks has been volatile over time, as evidenced by return on assets. The study sought to establish the relationship between interest rate risk and the financial performance of Kenyan commercial banks. The study specifically sought to determine the impact of interest rate risk on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study was based on Liquidity Preference Theory. The study followed a descriptive research design. The study's target population was Kenya's 39 commercial banks regulated by the CBK as of December 31, 2022. Prior to data collection, an introduction letter was obtained from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The study used a census sampling technique, which included all of the accessible population from all 39 commercial banks. Data were collected from secondary sources using a secondary data collection sheet. The data was gathered from financial and statistical reports issued by the respective banks, the CBK and KNBS. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistical tools used were minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis. Pearson Correlation Analysis and panel regression analysis were among the inferential statistic tools used. The findings revealed that interest rate risk has a significant effect on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya, with a P-value of 0.000. The study concluded that interest rate risk affects the financial performance of Kenyan commercial banks. The study recommended that Kenyan commercial banks monitor interest rate trends on a continuous basis and adjust their lending and investment strategies to maintain profitability in the face of changing markets.
Keywords: Interest Rates, Risk, Financial Performance, Commercial Banks, Kenya
 
Effect Of Excise Duty 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 consumption tax on the performance financially of Kenyan telecommunication entities. The specific objectives were to find out the effect of excise duty, import duty and VAT on the performance financially of telecommunication companies in Kenya. The study further sought to determine if the firm size moderates the relationships between sin tax and 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 that excise duty and import duty have a positive and significant effects on the performance financially. VAT had a positive and significant effect on the performance financially. Firm size had a moderating effect on the relationship between consumption tax and on the performance financially. The study recommended that KRA ought to regulate the taxes imposed on the telecommunication entities in Kenya.
Key words: Consumption Tax, Excise Duty, Financial Performance, Firm Siz
Moderating Effect of External Environment on the Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Performance of Commercial State Corporations in Kenya
No full textThe objective of the study was to examine the moderating effect of the external environment on the relationship between transformational leadership and the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. The research aimed to address the gap in understanding how external factors influence the effectiveness of leadership styles in public sector organizations operating in dynamic environments. The study was grounded in contingency theory and open systems theory, which provided a framework for understanding the interplay between organizational leadership, environmental factors, and performance outcomes. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 307 senior managers across 33 corporations through stratified random sampling. The study measured transformational leadership, external environmental factors, and organizational performance using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression with interaction terms to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that the external environment significantly moderated the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational performance, with the model explaining 69.3% of the variance in performance. The study concluded that the impact of transformational leadership on performance was contingent upon the specific environmental context, with more stable and supportive environments amplifying its positive effects. Based on these findings, the study recommended that commercial state corporations in Kenya adopt a more context-sensitive approach to leadership and organizational management. This included developing adaptive leadership strategies, enhancing leaders' environmental sensing capabilities, and continuously monitoring external changes to inform decision-making. Additionally, the study suggested that policymakers focus on creating a stable and supportive external environment to enable transformational leadership to flourish, thereby enhancing the overall performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya.
Keywords: Transformational leadership, organizational performance, external environment, leadership theories, strategic managemen
Green Supply Chain Management Strategies and Performance of Sugar Companies in Western Kenya
No full textAlthough the drive to improve overall organizational sustainability has resulted in a focus on pollution prevention and minimization of environmental impacts at all stages of the product lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal, not all companies in Kenya's sugar industry have adopted this approach. Thus, the primary goal of the research was to investigate the impact of green supply chain management strategies on the performance of sugar companies in Western Kenya. The specific research objectives were to assess the impact of green procurement, green manufacturing, eco-design, and green distribution on the performance of sugar companies in western Kenya. The population under study consisted of ten sugar firms and a sample of 272 people drawn from the procurement, production, and operations departments. Data was gathered using closed-ended questionnaires. The study found that green procurement, green manufacturing, eco design, and green distribution had a positive and significant impact on the performance of sugar companies in Western Kenya. The findings emphasize the critical relationship between green supply chain management strategies and performance. The study made specific policy and practice recommendations based on its findings. Managers should adopt green procurement practices by collaborating with suppliers who value environmental sustainability. Managers should also priorities eco-design principles to reduce waste and encourage product recycling. Managers should create a collaborative culture that encourages employee involvement in sustainability initiatives, as this can improve the overall effectiveness of GSCM strategies.
Keywords: Green Supply, Chain Management Strategies, Performance, Sugar Companies, Western Keny
Moderating Effect of Competitive Intensity on the Relationship Between Human Capital and Competitive Advantage of Regional Airlines Operating from Kenya
No full textRegional airlines operating from Kenya face significant challenges in maintaining their competitive advantage due to intense competition from domestic and international carriers, particularly European and Middle Eastern airlines, which dominate the Kenyan airspace. Therefore, the current study examined the moderating effect of competitive intensity on the relationship between human capital and competitive advantage of airlines in Kenya. The study was informed by human capital theory. The study adopted an explanatory research design, targeting 764 employees from 10 IATA-accredited airlines in Kenya, with a sample size of 263 determined using Yamane's formula. The data was analyzed through inferential statistics. The model fitness results showed that the interaction between human capital and competitive intensity significantly explains 64.9% of the variations in competitive advantage, as indicated by the R-square value of 0.649. The regression results indicated that the interaction between human capital and competitive intensity has a positive and significant impact on competitive advantage. The study concludes that competitive intensity significantly moderates the relationship between human capital and competitive advantage of regional airlines operating from Kenya, with the impact of human capital becoming stronger in highly competitive environments. The study recommends that regional airlines operating from Kenya should prioritize human capital development as a key strategic objective, particularly in highly competitive markets. Airlines should focus on enhancing employee capabilities, promoting skill development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, while also considering the level of competitive intensity in their strategic human capital management decisions.
Keywords: Human capital, competitive advantage, regional airlines, Keny
Effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Implementation on Project Performance; A Case of Rusumo Cross Border Market Project
No full textThis research assessed the effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Implementation on Project Performance. A Case of Rusumo Cross Border Market Project" is guided by the following specific objectives: to assess the effect of ICT skills on the performance of Rusumo Cross Border Market project, to determine. The effect of ICT services on the performance of Rusumo Cross Border Market project, to analyze the effect of ICT infrastructure on the performance of Rusumo Cross Border Market project and to find out the effect of ICT management support on the performance of Rusumo Cross Border Market project. The study used descriptive research design and inferential research design. The population of the study comprised of 300 and sample size of the study was 300 employees of Rusumo Cross Border Market project. They study used universal sampling techniques because the sample size equals to the population of the study. Questionnaire and interview were used to collect data and descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as correlation and multiple linear regressions were used as method of data analysis with a help of SPSS. The survey concluded that there was moderate correlation between ICT skills and project performance. Through the use of the ICT infrastructure and being equipped with necessary ICT skills, the RCBMP had improved their revenue collection as well as sourcing of donors. The findings revealed that through adequate security and storage of data as well as efficient sharing of data, ICT services improved performance of RCBMP. The findings revealed that ICT infrastructure greatly affected the performance of the RCBMP by way of improved communications between different RCBMP stakeholders, improved funding. The findings revealed that ICT management support influenced the performance of the RCBMP. In conclusion, ICT implementation such as Management support, ICT skills, ICT services and ICT infrastructure influence the performance of RCBMP. The researcher recommended that Government agencies like RDB, RURA, the Ministry of ICT and other government agencies should create better awareness about the benefits of ICT to encourage a higher rate of adoption. This can be done by having seminars or induction sessions to allow business to evaluate their new inventions.
Keywords: ICT Implementation, Project Performance, Rusumo Cross Border Market Project, Rwanda
Employee Job Promotion Practices and Employee Retention among Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya
No full textEmployee retention is a vital issue for all organizations, as it affects their performance and growth. However, retaining a skilled and talented workforce is not easy, especially in the context of global competition and labour mobility. The study examined the relationship between employee job promotion practices and employee retention in non-governmental organizations in Kenya. An explanatory research design was used in the study. The research was conducted in Nairobi County. The target population was selected from the NGOs registered in Nairobi, which amounts to 1,191 organizations. The study's respondents were the top managers of each of these NGOs. A sample size of 20% was chosen, which equated to 238 individuals out of the total target population of 1,191. The study used simple random sampling technique to select one top manager from each of the 238 sampled NGOs. IBM SPSS version 24 was used to carry out the analysis of data. The correlation results revealed a positive and statistically significant association between employee job promotion practices and employee retention (r=0.567, p=0.000). The regression results revealed that employee job promotion practices is related to employee retention in non-governmental organizations in Kenya (=0.514, p=0.000). The R square was 0.322 (32.2%). This implied that employee job promotion practices could account for 32.2% of the variations in employee retention in Kenyan non-governmental organizations. The study concludes that employee job promotion practices such as vertical, horizontal, and dry promotion are essential for organizational growth and employee satisfaction. The study recommends a consistent approach to job promotions to improve employee retention in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kenya. A balanced mix of vertical, horizontal, and dry promotions, customized to individual and organizational needs, is necessary. Vertical promotions, being the most desired for their career advancement potential, should be supplemented by horizontal promotions that offer valuable cross-functional experience and skill diversification. Dry promotions, while less attractive, can be used wisely to acknowledge potential and responsibilities when budget constraints limit financial rewards.
Keywords: Employee job promotion practices, Employee Retention, Non-Governmental Organization, Keny
Job Evaluation Factors and Employees’ Performance in 4 And 5 Star-Rated Hospitality Facilities in Nakuru County, Kenya
No full textHospitality related jobs are prone to biasness and inequities especially in reward and compensation structures vis-à-vis job grades and responsibilities. One of the major contributory factors of such biasness and inequities is lack of a systematic basis of evaluating jobs. Such biasness and inequities if not checked, may generate dissatisfaction and grievances among employees which may eventually lead to low employee morale and poor performance. The purpose of the research was to ascertain how front-line employees' performance is impacted by job evaluation factors in 4 and 5 star rated lodges, resorts, hotels and camps located in Nakuru County. Specifically, the study tested the influence of interpersonal skills, job responsibility, decision making and job expertise on employee performance. Besides, the moderating role of gender was tested. The study was underpinned by the Equity Theory of Motivation. It utilized both descriptive and co-relational research designs. This study's population consisted of all 4 to 5 star rated hospitality establishments located in Nakuru County. The sample size comprised 403 front-line employees and 8 supervisors. Besides, 8 HRMs were included in the study, therefore, a total of 419 respondents were sampled. Questionnaires were administered to the frontline employees and interviews were conducted with the HRMs and supervisors. The study revealed that interpersonal skills (B=.227, p=.000); job responsibility (B=.234, p=.000); decision making (B= .290, P=.000); and job expertise (B= .238, P=.000) significantly influence the performance of employees. However, employees’ gender (ΔR2= .001, P=.382) does not influence the relationship between job evaluation factors and employee performance. The content analysis results supported these findings. This study concluded that job evaluation factors enhance employee’s performance, gender does not. The study recommends that the HR departments should observe fairness and equity in all HR processes especially recruitment and selection, training, promotion and compensation. All these functions should be driven by skills, job responsibility, and expertise of the employee and not subjective elements such as gender.
Keywords: Job Evaluation, Employee Performance, Hospitality Industry, 4 and 5-Star Hotels, Nakuru County, Keny
Addicted to Pixels: Understanding Screen Addiction and Strategies for Prevention
No full textThe study sought to define screen addiction and identify its different types, along with its global and regional prevalence, specifically in children and adolescents. By exploring the different causes of screen addiction, the study examined its consequences on physical health, mental health, and societal effects within these age groups. The efficacy of various interventions and treatments used to treat screen addiction was also investigated, and areas requiring future research were proposed. A qualitative literature search was conducted to explore different aspects of screen addiction in children and adolescents using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Peer-reviewed, free full articles relevant to the topic from 2014 to 2024 in English were selected. The findings indicated that screen addiction in children and adolescents, characterized by excessive use of digital devices, leads to significant physical, mental, and social outcomes. Prevalence rates varied, with higher rates observed among teenagers compared to younger children. Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and personality traits; social factors including peer influence and family dynamics; and technological factors such as device design and accessibility were identified as contributors to screen addiction. The physical health problems included sleep disturbances, eye strain, and reduced physical activity; mental health issues encompassed increased anxiety, depression, and attention deficits; while social impacts involved strained family relationships and academic challenges. Various interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, screen time monitoring apps, and educational programs for parents and children, showed varying levels of efficacy. The study concludes that although technology offers many advantages, it also presents challenges like screen addiction in children and adolescents, leading to numerous physical, mental, and social problems. A more holistic approach is needed to increase the effectiveness of interventions in clinical practice. Further research, including longitudinal studies in diverse populations, is required to better understand and reduce the prevalence and impacts of screen addiction in young people.
Keywords: Screen addiction, children and adolescents, physical health, mental health, intervention strategie