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Green Procurement and Sustainability in Infrastructure Projects: Employing the EcoVadis Model
No full textThis study investigated the integration of green procurement (GP) and sustainability in infrastructure projects, with a focus on the application of the EcoVadis model as a transformative tool for procurement reform. Green procurement is increasingly recognized as a strategic mechanism for embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into project delivery, aligning infrastructural development with global climate and sustainability agendas. The paper sought to examine the interplay between green procurement and sustainability in infrastructure projects and how employing the EcoVadis Model contributes to sustainability within the projects. By examining the theoretical underpinnings of the Resource-Based Theory (RBT), Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), and Institutional Theory, the paper situated GP as both a strategic resource and an adaptive capability, while also acknowledging the role of institutional pressures in shaping procurement practices. The research adopted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to synthesize empirical findings from global and regional contexts, highlighting enablers, barriers, and impacts of GP adoption. Case studies from Kenya and other regions underscore the potential of GP to reduce lifecycle costs, enhance environmental performance, and generate long-term socio-economic benefits when effectively embedded in governance structures. The EcoVadis model was presented as a standardized framework for evaluating supplier sustainability performance, fostering accountability, transparency, and competitive advantage in infrastructure projects. Findings revealed that while GP offers significant environmental and cost-efficiency advantages, challenges such as capacity gaps, upfront costs, fragmented policies, and resistance from stakeholders impede its mainstreaming. The study emphasized the critical role of capacity development, digital technologies, policy alignment, and collaborative governance in overcoming these barriers. The conclusion highlighted that GP must be viewed as both a strategic and moral imperative in addressing climate change and resource scarcity, while the recommendations underscore the importance of aligning policies with global standards, strengthening capacity building, adopting digital technologies, engaging suppliers, and fostering collaborative governance. Ultimately, the paper demonstrates that green procurement, when strategically institutionalized, not only mitigates ecological and financial risks but also catalyzes innovation, resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable transformation in infrastructure development across diverse economies.
Keywords: Green procurement, Sustainability, Infrastructure Projects, Capacity Developmen
Digital Financial Inclusion and Economy Growth in Kenya: Banking Sector’s Efficiency and Competition Interaction Analysis
No full textThe main purpose of the study was to investigate the interaction effects of both banking sector’s efficiency as well as competition in the relationship between digital financial inclusion and economic growth. Positivist research paradigm and cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. A sample size of 384 respondents was drawn from the target population distributed across the four County governments in the Kenya’s Western Province. Structured questionnaires and document analysis research instruments yielded data that was subjected to descriptive, Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression analysis. From the findings, digital financial inclusion measured based on account ownership and use of financial service indicators was found to positively and significantly improve economic growth. On the other hand, banking sector efficiency as well as competition each separately moderated significantly the relationship between digital financial inclusion and economic growth. Moreover, the results outlined a combined moderating effect of banking sector efficiency and competition given the nexus between digital financial inclusion and economic growth. The findings of the study have implication for not only practice and policy but also to theory, social and future research. In the recent past, technology advancement has amplified the use of digital financial services amid the increased efficiency and competition concerns in the banking sector. The study therefore contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge as it examines the relationship between digital financial inclusion and economic growth taking into consideration the joint moderation effects of banking sector efficiency and competition.
Keywords: Digital, Financial Inclusion, Economy Growth, Banking Sector’s, Efficiency, Competition Interaction Analysi
Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Technology and Its Impact on Insurance Company Performance in Kenya
No full textThis study investigates the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their impact on the performance of insurance companies in Kenya. While AI has been widely acknowledged for improving operational efficiency, risk management, and regulatory compliance, limited empirical evidence exists on its measurable influence within the insurance sector. A descriptive research design was employed, focusing on 71 insurance companies registered with the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA). Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected to assess the relationship between AI adoption and organizational performance. The results indicate that AI adoption has a significant positive effect on performance, explaining 57.9% of the variability observed. Technologies such as generative AI, machine learning and deep learning, blockchain, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and IoT were found to contribute substantially to operational improvements and customer service delivery. The findings highlight the strategic importance of AI integration in enhancing competitiveness and efficiency within Kenya’s insurance industry. Broader adoption of AI technologies is recommended to strengthen performance outcomes across the sector. This study provides empirical evidence on the relevance of AI adoption in the Kenyan insurance industry, addressing a critical gap in existing literature and offering insights for both practitioners and policymakers.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, AI Adoption, Insurtech Artificial Intelligence Technolog
Influence of Knowledge Creation on Organizational Resilience Among Travel Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textKnowledge creation have become essential for organizations seeking to build resilience in today's dynamic business environment. The tourism industry, particularly travel firms, faces unprecedented challenges that require effective knowledge utilization to maintain operational continuity. Thus, this study examined the influence of knowledge creation on organizational resilience among travel firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. A mixed-methods research design was employed, targeting 286 participants drawn from travel firms and tourism-related institutions including KATO, KATA, TOSK, Ecotourism Kenya, the Tourism Regulatory Authority, Tourism Promotion Fund, Kenya Tourism Board, Tourism Research Institute, Kenya Tourism Federation, GTRCMC–EA, the Tourism Professional Association, and the State Department of Tourism. The sample size comprised of 233 respondents, representing an 81.47% response rate. Quantitative findings showed that knowledge creation had a significant positive effect on organizational resilience, demonstrating that travel firms with structured practices for generating new ideas, insights, and solutions were better able to withstand disruptions. Qualitative results revealed that although some firms had initiated knowledge creation activities, many relied heavily on informal practices that limited the institutionalization of creativity and innovation. The study concludes that knowledge creation is a critical driver of organizational resilience among travel firms but remains underdeveloped due to inconsistent structures, limited formalization, and insufficient institutional support. Strengthening knowledge creation systems, fostering collaborative innovation environments, and enhancing organizational mechanisms for generating new knowledge are essential for improving resilience capacity. The study recommends that travel firm managers should strengthen structured systems for knowledge creation and innovation, ensuring that such processes are institutionalized and supported through dedicated teams, professional development, and continuous learning mechanisms. The study further recommends that tourism sector policymakers should enact supportive regulatory frameworks that reduce barriers, promote collaboration, and provide incentives that enable travel firms to develop innovation hubs and advance sustainable tourism development.
Keywords: knowledge creation, organizational resilience, travel firms, Nairobi City County, Keny
Role of Risk Identification on the Financial Performance of 3-5-Star Hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textRisk identification is crucial to success in hospitality, helping achieve stakeholders' income and growth objectives. Risks can negatively affect financial outcomes. This study examines how risk identification influences the financial performance of 3- to 5-star hotels. It provides insights for hotel owners, managers, industry stakeholders, officials, policymakers, and researchers, emphasizing the importance of risk mitigation strategies in ensuring financial stability. Data was collected from 396 participants across 44 star-rated hotels, divided into three groups, using structured questionnaires, interviews, observation, and published sources. A stratified random sample of 196 respondents, including hotel managers, staff, and suppliers, was selected. The study employed a descriptive, mixed-methods approach to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data to answer the research questions. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that risk management practices significantly impact the financial performance of star-rated hotels. Risk identification (β = 0.4080, p < 0.05) enables 3- to 5-star hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya, to anticipate financial uncertainties, reduce losses, minimize disruptions, and enhance operational efficiency. The study emphasizes that a strong risk identification strategy contributes to long-term financial stability. The conclusion states that a structured risk identification approach improves hotels' financial performance, leading to higher profitability, lower risk, and sustainable growth. Risk governance officers should enhance risk identification and incorporate it into strategic planning for stability. Future research might explore differences in risk mitigation between private and franchise hotels and their financial outcomes.
Keywords: Risk Identification, Financial Performance, 3-5-Star Hotels, Nairobi City County, Keny
Healthcare Literacy and the Access to Healthcare Services by the Elderly in Bagamoyo District, Pwani Region, Tanzania
No full textLimited healthcare literacy among elderly populations in Bagamoyo district, Tanzania, impairs their ability to navigate healthcare systems, understand medical instructions, and make informed health decisions. Despite various initiatives, a significant knowledge gap exists in understanding how healthcare literacy levels influence elderly individuals' access to healthcare services. Anchored in the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) theory, this study aimed to determine the effect of healthcare literacy on access to healthcare services among the elderly in Bagamoyo district. The mixed-method research design employed a pragmatic approach, targeting elderly individuals aged 60 years and above attending health facilities. Using Krejcie and Morgan's formula and a proportional formula, a sample size of 239 respondents was determined, with 237 participants ultimately included. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs), focusing on education levels, healthcare awareness, and health information comprehension. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for quantitative analysis, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Linear regression results revealed a significant positive relationship between healthcare literacy and access to healthcare services (coefficient=2.501, p-value=0.000), with the model explaining 5.6% of the variance. Qualitative findings highlighted challenges in healthcare delivery and education, emphasizing the need to adapt communication styles to ensure comprehension and adherence to medical advice. The study concludes that healthcare literacy plays a critical role in shaping health outcomes among elderly populations in rural settings like Bagamoyo district. It recommends prioritizing healthcare literacy in healthcare provision strategies through tailored education campaigns, multi-channel health communication platforms, and enhanced provider-patient communication.
Keywords: Healthcare Literacy, Access to Healthcare Services, Elderly, Bagamoyo District, Pwani Region, Tanzani
Prevalence of Malnutrition among Under-Five aged Children and Methods Used to prevent and Control Unmated Nutrition Needs in Population Health of Kicukiro District, Rwanda
Full text linkGlobally, malnutrition remained a significant issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Rwanda. Though progress has been made, millions of people, particularly children, still suffer from malnutrition, however malnutrition information and methods o used to prevent and control in Kicukiro District remains unclear. These reasons led to Specifically to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among Under-Five aged Children, Methods Used to Prevent and Control Unmated Nutrition Needs in Population Health , and evaluate how knowledge, attitudes, and practices of KAP are associated with the increased malnutrition among under-five children attending Kicukiro Health Center. Despite global efforts to combat malnutrition, it remained a significant public health challenge. In Rwanda, malnutrition is associated with mass wasting, distended abdomen of under 5s, stunting growth, poor cognitive and physical development, with increased morbidity and mortalities. Study was mixed-methods of descriptive, cross-sectional, cohort, and triangulation designs of both surveys and Interviews. Structured questionnaires for primary data and rapid retrospective forms for secondary data for the last 5 years data collection using, a 235 sample sizes, in survey, and KIIs and FGDs guides used interviews to get value data numbers. The study opined, that only female next of kin/guardians participated in the stated healthcare of the under children to seek health care in the study area, (102) 43.4%, aged 25 to 35 with zero male community participation. The occupation profile of the respondents, majority lacked employment (126) 53.6 %, and only a few, (45) 19.1%, were employed guardians / next of under 5s with RR (0.2, 0.3) and OD (1.0) income. Most under 5s sex affected by malnutrition was female (123), 52.3%, followed closely by, (112), 47.7% male gender. The prevalence of malnutrition among under 5s was only 12. 8 % (30) in the population health, with RR (0.34. 0.43) due Global partnership supply of fortified food and increased health education on under 5s nutrition by MOH. Food insecurity at the household level is associated with the main supply of inadequate nutrition with RR (0.56., 2.1) and (OD 3.04) signifying the need to improve food security at the household level to mediate a quality long-lasting intervention malnutrition in society. The study concludes that malnutrition among under-five children remains a public health challenge due to limited household access to adequate dietary food. The study recommends diversifying and increasing the supply of fortified foods through global partnerships and coordinated efforts by the Ministries of Health and Agriculture to address food insecurity and support nutrition programs for under-five children. Keywords: malnutrition under 5yrs children, stunting under nutrition global partnership, community participation
Beyond the Label: Choosing Low-Impact Farming by Crop, Context, and Country
Full text linkThis paper examines the limitations of labeling systems such as "organic," "non-GMO," and "regenerative" in evaluating the true environmental and agronomic impact of farming systems. Using crop-specific case studies—maize, French beans, blueberries, dry beans, and cotton—the analysis applies metrics like Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ), pesticide risk, soil disturbance, and carbon footprint to compare systems across different contexts. The final section highlights a breakthrough in wheat breeding—Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI)—as a scalable, label-defying innovation. Findings support a metrics-first approach to sustainability assessment and call for a shift in both policy and consumer engagement.
Keywords: Beyond the Label, Low-Impact Farming, Crop, Context, Countr
Strategic Management Practices and Performance of Technology Start-Up Companies in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Full text linkNairobi serves as Kenya's innovation and entrepreneurial centre, providing an appropriate setting to investigate strategic decisions and operational frameworks that determine success or challenges faced by emerging technology ventures. The study identified a disconnect between strategy formulation and execution, both critical to strategic management. Thus, the study examined strategic management practices and performance of technology start-up companies in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The objectives were to evaluate the effects of strategy formulation, implementation, control, and evaluation on start-up technology enterprise performance. Using stratified random sampling, 191 respondents were selected from Nairobi City start-up companies. Primary data was collected using pre-structured questionnaires with closed-ended and open-ended items organized on a Likert scale. Cronbach's alpha testing yielded reliability scores between 0.706-0.796, indicating good internal consistency. The study revealed strong positive correlations between tech start-up success and strategic management practices: formulation, implementation, control, and evaluation. Start-ups investing in comprehensive strategies achieved better business objectives and sustained growth. Those adopting well-defined strategies including effective marketing, innovative product development, robust financial management, and strategic partnerships experienced enhanced performance outcomes. Strategic control provided data enabling informed decisions based on competition research, consumer preferences, and market trends. Strategy evaluation yielded useful information guiding decision-making. The study recommends that companies should conduct market research to determine consumer trends and preferences, implement leadership training programs for founders and managers, identify specific goals such as revenue growth and user acquisition, and establish technology sector KPIs including customer acquisition cost, churn rate, and user engagement metrics.
Keywords: Strategic Management Practices, Performance, Technology Start-Up Companies, Nairobi City County, Keny
Investigating the Impact of Inclusive Education Policies on Access to Education for Students with Special Needs Education: A Case of Bsvi and Rish Schools of Special Needs in Musanze District, Rwanda (2024-2025)
No full textThis study examines the impact of inclusive education policies on the access to education for students with special needs, focusing on BSVI and RISH schools in Musanze District, Rwanda. The research aims to explore how the implementation of inclusive education policies affects the educational opportunities for students with special needs. Using a mixed methods approach, the study gathers both qualitative and quantitative data from surveys, interviews and focus groups with teachers, school administrators, students and parents. The study hypothesized that effective implementation of inclusive education policies enhances educational access for students with special needs and further investigates the role of teacher training in improving teaching practices and student outcomes. Stratified random sampling was applied to ensure a balanced representation of teachers, administrators, students and parents, providing a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and successes in implementing inclusive education policies. While inclusive education policies are impactful, their effectiveness is closely tied to their implementation and continuous support. Teacher training, although beneficial, has a relatively smaller impact compared to infrastructure and policy support in enhancing educational access. This study fills a research gap by examining how these elements work together to improve educational access in Rwanda, where limited studies have addressed their combined effect. In conclusion, the research underscores the necessity of a holistic approach that integrates well trained teachers, adequate infrastructure and strong policy support to ensure equitable access to education for students with special needs.
Keywords: Inclusion Education Policies, Special Education Need