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Loan Delinquency and Profitability of Equity Bank, Rwanda
Get PDFPurpose: The general objective of the study was to examine the effect of loan delinquency on the profitability of equity bank, Rwanda. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine the effect of interest rate, loan policy, loan size and loan duration on profitability of Equity bank in Rwanda.
Methodology: Both correlational and descriptive research design utilize questionnaires to collect data on a variety of subjects. The target population consisted of 175 individuals from Equity Bank Rwanda, including Senior Management, Loan Officers, Risk Management Team, Financial Analysts, and the Compliance and Regulatory Team. By applying Slovin\u27s formula, the researcher has determined that a suitable sample size would be 122 participants. The research employed basic random sampling to guarantee that each member of the population has an equal chance of being picked. Data collection incorporated both questionnaires and document analysis to gather comprehensive information. Data for this research was analyzed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.
Findings: The regression coefficients reveal the significant impact of each predictor on the profitability of Equity Bank, Rwanda. The constant term (α = 0.090) indicates the expected profitability when all independent variables (Interest Rate, Loan Policy, Loan Size, and Loan Duration) are zero. The unstandardized coefficients show that a one-unit increase in Interest Rate (B = 0.197, t = 4.205, p-value = 0.000), Loan Policy (B = 0.267, t = 6.389, p-value = 0.000), Loan Size (B = 0.388, t = 7.709, p-value = 0.000), and Loan Duration (B = 0.135, t = 3.282, p-value = 0.001) results in respective increases in profitability of 0.197, 0.267, 0.388, and 0.135. All these relationships are statistically significant, with p-values well below the 0.05 threshold, highlighting the strong positive influence of these predictors on the bank’s profitability.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that Equity Bank Rwanda regularly adjust interest rates based on market trends, introduce tiered rates for varying risk profiles, and update loan policies to align with market demands and regulatory changes. For future research, academics should explore the impact of interest rates, lending rules, loan sizes, and loan terms on loan delinquency and profitability
Credit Risk Control and Asset Quality of Listed Commercial Banks at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
Get PDFLending remains the core activity of commercial banks, and subsequently the largest source of credit risk. For that reason, mitigation of credit risk exposure is vital for going-concern purposes. This study sought to establish whether there exists a relationship between credit risk control and the asset quality of commercial banks listed at the NSE in Kenya. The theory that the study anchored upon was asymmetric information theory. The study employs quantitative research design. The population of the study was drawn from the 11 commercial banks listed at the NSE in Kenya. The study was conducted through a census. Secondary data from 2015 to 2024 was utilized with data collected from annual financial reports of listed commercial banks in Kenya, CBK and the KNBS and financial statements for analysis with the aid of a secondary data collection sheet. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Panel regression results indicated that credit risk control had a significant and bidirectional effect on the asset quality of commercial banks listed at the NSE, Kenya. The findings therefore concluded that credit risk control has a positive significant effect on the asset quality of commercial banks listed at the NSE, Kenya. As a consequence of the findings, the policy recommendation for commercial banks id to set aside resources in loan loss reserves to cover possible defaults. This will ensure they can withstand unforeseen losses and preserve financial stability by serving as a financial buffer against any defaults. As a safety net, the reserves will enable lenders to withstand losses without suffering a major blow to their overall financial stability
Effect of Capital Structure on Return on Asset of Commercial and Services Firms Listed at Nairobi Security Exchange
Get PDFPurpose: Reviewing what conditions influence how much capital little list companies raise is the basis for capital structure research. It researcher intended to understand how the structure of capital affects the Return on Assets of listed Commercial and Services Firms in Kenya during the years 2020–2024. The investigation had set aims which included observing how retained earnings, share capital, debt and equity play a part in establishing the capital structure and to use ROA as the main gauge of financial results.
Methodology: Data from audited financial statements from Commercial and Services Firms listed at Nairobi Security Exchange, instructions from the Capital Market Authority handbook, magazines, business journals, articles and websites was the secondary information used. Descriptive research was the method and statistical methods such as data analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to look at the data. All Commercial and Services Companies listed on the Nairobi Security Exchange made up the population. For the research, the sample used were all organizations that were entered by the employees.
Findings: It was found, that not all the companies supplied the data required for public access. Two other companies stopped running their operations for the time it took to collect the data. Retained earnings, share capital and return on asset all appear to be related for the Commercial and Services Firms listed at NSE, Kenya. When if rises, return on assets declines and this trend is significant for Commercial and Service Firms on the NSE, Kenya. Also, at NSE, Kenya, equitable companies in Commercial and Service Firms don’t have a statistically significant impact on their return on assets.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that a holistic approach to capital structure can enhance firm profitability and financial sustainability. Moreover, aligning policy frameworks, corporate financial practices, and theoretical models with these findings will enable stakeholders to make more informed decisions that foster long-term value creation within Kenya’s Commercial and Service Sectors
Operational Efficiency and Financial Performance of Manufacturing and Allied Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: A company\u27s financial performance indicates how well it combines policies, operations, and characteristics to gain a competitive edge. It also indicates the percentage of a company\u27s revenue that is distributed to investors. The objective was to establish the effect of operational efficiency on the financial performance of manufacturing firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Kenya.
Methodology: The study was supported by efficient market hypothesis theory. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study targeted a population of 9 manufacturing firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya as of 31st December 2024.A census of all the 9 manufacturing firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange was used as a unit of analysis. Data was gathered from secondary sources through a secondary data collection sheet. Data was sourced from financial and statistical reports released by the NSE and the KMA. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings: The findings of the panel regression model indicated a positive and significant effect between operational efficiency and the financial performance of manufacturing firms listed at the NSE, Kenya.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that manufacturing firms listed at the NSE should develop strategies to establish a firm-specific optimization framework designed to enhance the financial performance of NSE-listed manufacturing firms by integrating and addressing key internal characteristics that influence profitability and sustainability. By adopting a targeted and evidence-based approach through the firm-specific optimization framework, Kenya can empower its manufacturing firms to thrive within their unique structural contexts. Such alignment is not only beneficial to individual firms but is also essential to achieving national development goals under Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda
Effect of Change in Macroeconomic Variables on Aggregate Private Investment Growth in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: Aggregate private investment is key in stimulating economic growth and development of a country such as Kenya. However, the sector seems to be influenced by changes in macroeconomic variables. Therefore, the study aimed at determining the effect of change in macroeconomic variables on aggregate private investment growth in Kenya. It focused on the effect of changes in interest, inflation and exchange rates on aggregate private investment growth in Kenya as the key objectives of the study.
Methodology: The study adopted the quantitative causal research design. Secondary data obtained from the World Bank was used, with a time scope of between 1972 and 2023. Data was analyzed through exploratory and inferential analyses via R software. Cointegration analysis was carried out through the Johansen test and both the Maximum Eigenvalue and Trace tests indicated the absence of cointegration relationships since the test statistic values were less than the critical values at ∝ = 0.05. Thus, ARDL estimation technique was adopted.
Findings: The study’s findings indicated that change in interest rate had a statistically significant negative effect on aggregate private investment growth in Kenya (P-value < 0.05). Furthermore, the study revealed that such effect wasn’t instant but was translated after three years. The study further found that change in inflation rate had a statistically significant positive effect on Kenya’s aggregate private investment growth (P-value < 0.05). Likewise, such effect was felt on aggregate private investment after eight years. Finally, the study showed that change in exchange rate did not have any significant effect on aggregate private investment growth in Kenya (P-value > 0.05).
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends the need to manage the changes in macroeconomic variables including inflation and interest rates within their target range as prescribed by the “monetary policy” so as to ensure macroeconomic stability and boost aggregate private investment growth in Kenya
An Elliptical Slot Ring Defected Ground Structure (ESR-DGS) Based Antenna Design for 5G Applications
Get PDFPurpose: Continuous demand is for precise and compact systems that operate with 5G wireless technologies. The size and compactness of devices play a major role in developing communication systems, especially in 5G applications. One of the main components in 5G systems is the antenna system; it should be designed to meet 5G requirements. In this article, a microstrip antenna is designed with a resonant frequency of 12 GHz using an FR4 substrate with an overall size of 15x15x1.6 mm3 for 5G applications.
Methodology: The patch is etched with an inverted-F slot with optimized dimensions of 0.5x2.5 mm2 and 0.5x5.5 mm2 to perform a resonant frequency of 6.2 GHz. The antenna is optimized to operate with 5.38 GHz with the same dimensions using double elliptical slots ring resonators (ESR) defective ground plane (DGND) with outer radii of (5 mm, and 4 mm) and inner of (4.25 mm, and 3.25 mm) with gap-space of 0.25 mm between them to perform a size reduction ratio of 82.558%.
Findings: This allows the antenna to operate with 5G applications such as WiFi and WiMAX. The antenna can be fabricated easily on an FR4 substrate with height, permittivity, and loss tangents of 1.6 mm, 4.3, and 0.02. It also can be implemented with metamaterial and studied/analyzed of the other antenna\u27s performance for further size reduction.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The antenna configuration supports up to 82.558% size reduction. The proposed structure operates with return loss, gain, radiation efficiency, and bandwidth of -37 dB, 2.21 dB, 75.8%, and 122.2 MHz from (5.4417-5.3195) GHz respectively
Role of Deep Learning in Enhancing Medical Diagnosis Accuracy in Argentina
Get PDFPurpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the role of deep learning in enhancing medical diagnosis accuracy in Argentina.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Deep learning has significantly enhanced medical diagnosis accuracy in Argentina, particularly in cardiology, radiology, and infectious disease detection. AI-driven echocardiograms have achieved high accuracy rates, reducing diagnostic errors and improving early disease detection. AI-powered models for COVID-19 diagnosis have streamlined response times and resource allocation. In cancer detection, AI has improved early tumor identification, but challenges remain due to biases in medical imaging datasets. Machine learning applications in diabetes risk assessment have proven effective in predicting high-risk patients. Despite these advancements, issues such as AI biases, limited dataset diversity, and challenges in integrating AI into healthcare systems persist.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Artificial neural network (ANN) theory, computational learning theory (CLT) & pattern recognition theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of deep learning in enhancing medical diagnosis accuracy in Argentina. Hospitals and diagnostic centers should develop AI-assisted workflows that seamlessly integrate deep learning models into radiology, pathology, and general diagnostics. Governments should encourage privacy-preserving AI techniques like differential privacy and federated learning to minimize data-sharing risks
How Smart Education Technologies Can Prepare Post-Graduate Students to Be Productive and Increase Their Readiness for the Job Market
Get PDFPurpose: In this research, smart education technologies are considered in respect to their impact on postgraduate students, to see whether these technologies enhance productivity and job market preparation. It intends to identify the way smart education technologies add to postgraduate student productivity and career readiness and are effective compared with traditional education, and study global benchmarking practices.
Methodology: This study uses both primary and secondary methods of research. Surveys were distributed to post-graduate students to gather their perspectives, while interviews with professors and educators provided further insights. The research tests two hypotheses: (1) integrating smart education technologies into post-graduate programs increases student productivity, and (2) smart education produces top-quality graduates ready for the workforce. Findings from the literature review are compared with survey and interview data to identify trends and alignment. The limitations of the study are time, generalizability, and levels of participant engagement.
Findings: The study delves into the concept and categories of smart education technologies, their effects on post-graduate students\u27 productivity and employability, implementation challenges, and international adoption examples. Student and teacher views are brought out in survey and interview feedback, complementing the literature review findings. The results show that smart education technologies have a positive effect on productivity and employment readiness among post-graduate students.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: In order to achieve maximum returns from smart education technologies, post-graduate studies must design individualized learning routes to accommodate students\u27 individual needs. Higher exposure to diverse smart education technologies will improve learning and prepare the workforce more suitably. Further, keeping pace with new smart education tools will be critical in keeping up with education and being ready for work. In summary, incorporating smart learning technologies can strongly improve the academic experience of post-graduate learners by enhancing their productivity and enhancing their readiness to enter the world of work
Parental Perceptions and Challenges in Supporting the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Deep Sea Informal Settlement, Loresho, Nairobi County
Get PDFPurpose: The study examined parental perceptions and challenges in supporting the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in the Deep Sea Informal settlement, Loresho, Nairobi County, Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine parental perceptions and challenges in supporting the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Deep Sea Slums, Loresho. The target population comprised of parents with children enrolled in CBC schools and a sample of 83 participants was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) formula. The selection criteria considered factors such as the number of school-going children per household and parental engagement in CBC-related activities. Stratified random sampling was used to select parents with children enrolled in CBC schools within the Deep Sea informal settlement, ensuring representation across different socio-economic backgrounds. Purposive sampling was applied to select participants for semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, focusing on parents with varying levels of CBC involvement, age and gender in order to capture diverse perspectives. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Primary data was then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including correlation, regression as well as ANOVA. The analyzed data was presented in pie charts and tables and interpreted statistically. The study was guided by Joyce Epstein’s Theory of Overlapping Spheres of Influence and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory to contextualize the overall findings.
Findings: The study reveals that 67% of parents lack a comprehensive understanding of CBC, limiting their ability to support their children’s education. This aligns with Epstein’s Theory of Overlapping Spheres of Influence, which highlights the importance of parental engagement in academic success (Epstein, 2011). A lack of comprehension weakens collaboration between schools, families and communities, further exacerbating disparities in education. Boonk et al. (2018) found that parental involvement is positively linked to improved student motivation and performance, reinforcing the necessity of informed parental participation. Additionally, Begi (2020) emphasizes that understanding curriculum requirements is essential for effective home-based learning support. Kariuki & Wanyama (2022) and Mwangi & Kimosop (2021) highlight that low literacy levels in marginalized communities create barriers to the implementation of CBC, while Mwangi & Wambugu (2021) stress that limited parental knowledge on the expectations of CBC reduces engagement in school activities. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1979) provides further insight into these findings by illustrating how multiple environmental systems influence a child’s development. The microsystem, which includes immediate interactions between the child, family and school, is directly affected by parental understanding of CBC, as informed parents can provide better educational support. The mesosystem, which refers to the interactions between these entities through parent-teacher collaboration is weakened when parents lack knowledge about CBC, reducing the effectiveness of learning both at home and in school. The exosystem, encompassing broader societal structures such as education policies and community resources, plays a role in addressing these gaps through parent education programs and community engagement initiatives. Furthermore, Chege & Sifuna (2016) argue that uninformed parents struggle to guide their children academically, widening socio-economic learning disparities. Odundo & Gunga (2018) and Wambua & Otieno (2021) assert that effective implementation of CBC requires informed parental collaboration, while Kabiru & Njenga (2022) emphasize the burden placed on teachers due to inadequate parental support. These findings underscore the need for structured parent education programs to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance parental participation in CBC.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study contributes uniquely to theory by expanding the application of Epstein’s Theory of Overlapping Spheres of Influence and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory in the context of informal settlements, emphasizing how socio-economic barriers influence parental involvement in education. By integrating these theories with the implementation of CBC, the study provides a refined framework for understanding the relationship between parental engagement and learner success in resource-constrained environments. In practice, the study highlights key challenges and proposes actionable solutions that can improve parental support for CBC. It recommends targeted parental training programs, affordable learning resources and enhanced school-parent communication strategies to ensure effective curriculum implementation. Educators, policymakers and community organizations can use these insights to develop localized interventions that empower parents and enhance learning outcomes. From a policy perspective, the findings inform the need for structural reforms to support the implementation of CBC in low-income areas. The study advocates for policy measures such as government-subsidized learning materials, structured parental education programs as well as improved school-community collaboration to bridge the gap in educational equity. By addressing systemic barriers, policymakers can nurture an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all learners
Examining the Prevalence and Types of Alcohol and Drug Use among Kaimosi Friends University Students
Get PDFPurpose: This study examined the prevalence, types, and patterns of alcohol and drug use among students at Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU), as well as their awareness and knowledge of substance abuse.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, with a stratified random sample of 350 students selected from a population of 4,800. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires adapted from NACADA in April 2025, and the analysis involved descriptive statistics using SPSS. Ethical clearance was granted by MMUST, with participant confidentiality and voluntary participation ensured.
Findings: Findings revealed that 65.1% of respondents were male, with an average age of 21.8 years. Most were government-sponsored (76%), and the largest proportion (68%) came from the School of Education and Social Sciences. A majority (57%) lived off-campus, mainly in Cheptulu (28%) and Jivuye (16%). Lifetime substance use stood at 70%, and 60% had used substances in the past year. Alcohol was the most commonly used substance (70%), followed by cigarettes (50%) and marijuana (40%). Other substances like codeine, prescription drugs, shisha, miraa, and vape products had usage rates between 20–30%, while fewer than 10% reported using hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Most students began using substances between the ages of 15–19, with accessibility playing a significant role especially for alcohol, cigarettes, and miraa.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study provides insight into prevalence and types of substances abused as well as recommending measures to inform policy in regulating access to substances of abuse as well as improving on campus support services