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The Moderating Effect of Trade Openness on the Relationship between Public Expenditure and Economic Security
Get PDFPurpose: The objective of this study was to find out the relationship between public expenditure and economic security and find out whether the relationship between public expenditure and economic security is moderated by trade openness.
Methodology: The study used positivism research philosophy and adopted the descriptive and exploratory study designs in analyzing the longitudinal and cross-sectional panel data to describe and evaluate the relationship between public expenditure and economic security and examine whether trade openness had moderating influence on the relationship between public expenditure and economic security among the five selected EAC member countries that were Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. The study used secondary panel data, from year 2008 to 2022, that was sourced from the World Bank Development Indicators, for five selected countries of the East African Community. The study adopted the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno Autoregressive Moving Average Generalized Least Squares regression model to test the research hypotheses.
Findings: The study found that public expenditure had statistically significant effect on economic security. The study further found that trade openness had positive statistically insignificant moderating influence on the relationship between public expenditure and economic security with strengthening trade openness reducing the adverse effect that public expenditure has on economic security.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study findings have contributed to new knowledge on the connection between public expenditure and economic security where public spending was shown to have a significant adverse effect on economic security. The study findings also contributed to the growing knowledge on construction and composition of economic security indices, which factors various parameters. The study findings can guide policy makers to develop trade policies that would balance between economic nationalism and trade openness in a manner to harness the favorable effect that trade openness has in weakening the adverse influence of public expenditure on economic security
Effect of Ethical Procurement Practices on Performance of Commercial State Corporations in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: Procuring commodities and service is a critical avenue for delivery of public services by the state in any country. Process integrity right from need identification, tendering and eventual provision of services and works or delivery of the goods and their utilization is significant in identifying how robust public service is. Notably, challenges afflict ethical procurement practices in the public sector, leading to public resources losses along the supply chain. Thus, this study’s main goal was to evaluate the relationship between ethical procurement practices and performance of Kenya’s commercial state corporations.
Methodology: Descriptive research design was used to study 165 Supply Chain Management staff at the targeted 33 functional corporations. Data was compiled through questionnaires. Pilot study was done to ensure reliability and validity of research instruments. The data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics that included analysis of frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics were further applied to assess the degree of relationship among the study variables, and results presented through tables and charts.
Findings: The study results indicated a positive and significant relationship between ethical procurement practices (tendering, contracting and sourcing) and performance of commercial state corporations. However, ethical practices in specifications development did not have a significant effect. The study therefore concludes that ethical practice in tendering, sourcing and contracting significantly directly affected commercial state corporations’ performance.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that commercial state corporations should invest in staff capacity building on specifications development, inherent ethical standards/practices and their significance in order to improve quality service delivery to the public
Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Framework as a Way to Thrive During and Beyond the Pandemic: Perspectives from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
Get PDFPurpose: The COVID-19 pandemic that shocked the world in 2019 intensified the emphasis on the need for organizational quality, agility, and sustainability in all industries worldwide, including the education sector. The pandemic exposed loopholes, areas for improvement, or the lack of organizational development techniques in administrations, including HEIs in the Philippines and in other countries, whereas it also displayed other organizations’ readiness in terms of organizational development and the capacity to change towards greater effectiveness. One prominent and robust framework for sustainability and for thriving during sudden and rapid change, such as the pandemic, is the PQA Framework. PQA Framework users are expected to succeed with their organization-embedded mechanisms for leadership, strategic management, customer focus, knowledge management, human resource focus, and operations focus. This study explored the cases of nine Philippine HEIs using the PQA Framework during the pandemic and studied how they implemented the PQA Framework in a challenging situation using Organizational Development.
Methodology: The study utilized qualitative research in the form of a case study. The researcher gathered and analysed the experiences of PQA Implementers, using Thematic Case Analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s techniques. This involved identifying a group of similar cases, reviewing existing literature, and selectively choosing a relevant topic. The group were identified with the criteria that they are using the PQA Framework during the pandemic. Data was transcribed, organized, and coded into themes and patterns, employing both inductive and latent approaches to extract insights. The findings were validated against existing literature to address the research questions and highlight key lessons learned from the respondents\u27 experiences.
Findings: PQA Framework was found to have enabled organizations to thrive by facilitating strategic planning, focusing on current needs, and ensuring business continuity and agility among the respondents. In the post-pandemic period, it further supported regular stakeholder feedback, crisis management, technology investment, and a comprehensive view on quality.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Successful PQA Framework utilization requires careful planning and appropriate metrics, as many organizations struggle due to a lack of understanding of Organizational Development, Change, and Systems Perspective, leading to inefficiencies and failures. The study highlights successful implementers\u27 experiences, offering insights into effective strategies by identifying themes and patterns related to Systems Perspective and Change Concepts that others can refer to
Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential: A Comprehensive Analysis of AfCFTA Opportunities for Women and Youth as Workers, Consumers, Producers, and Traders
Get PDFPurpose: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a monumental step toward the economic integration of the African continent, aiming to create a single market for goods and services among 55 African Union member states. With an anticipated market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $3.4 trillion, the AfCFTA holds transformative potential for fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. Central to this transformation is the strategic inclusion of two historically marginalized but economically vital groups: women and youth. This article critically examines the promises and practical pathways through which the AfCFTA can become a driver of inclusive economic empowerment for women and youth.
Methodology: Drawing from treaty provisions, policy frameworks such as Agenda 2063, and a range of empirical data, the paper analyzes opportunities across the economic spectrum: as workers, consumers, producers, and traders. It also integrates case studies and comparative insights to underscore the practical realities and innovations shaping gender-responsive trade policies.
Findings: Women account for the majority of the informal trade workforce across Africa, while youth represent over 70% of the population under the age of 30. Both groups possess immense economic potential but face significant structural and systemic barriers including limited access to finance, education, infrastructure, and representation in policy decision-making.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The article offers actionable policy recommendations to national governments, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and civil society. Ultimately, the paper argues that the success of the AfCFTA hinges not only on economic liberalization but on its ability to deliver social transformation—where inclusivity, equality, and empowerment are foundational pillars of Africa’s economic renaissance
Immigrant Entrepreneurship and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprise Firms Owned by Burji Community in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: This study aimed at establishing the influence of immigrant entrepreneurship on the performance of Burji-owned SME firms in Nairobi City County. Immigrant entrepreneurship is situation where immigrants engage in business activities in the host country, mainly for survival. Immigrants\u27 inclination towards entrepreneurship is partially explained by social-cultural factors such as religion, saving culture, work ethics, and social values. Research on immigrant entrepreneurship is today multidisciplinary, and it includes business, management, political sciences, and sociology. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of immigrant entrepreneurship on the performance of Burji-owned SME firms in Nairobi City County.
Methodology: Hypothesis was formulated to address this objective. The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive survey design, using a sample of 363 Burji community-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating within Nairobi City County.
Findings: The study found a significant and positive relationship between immigrant entrepreneurship and performance of SME firms owned by Burji Community in Nairobi City County. The study underscores that immigrant entrepreneurship within the Burji Community does not operate in isolation. Instead, it is deeply embedded in and influenced by cultural identity, financial capacity, and the institutional setting. Together, these factors contribute to the enhanced performance of SMEs owned by this community in Nairobi City County.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The results of this study have contributed to theory and better understanding of the antecedents of immigrant entrepreneurship providing reference for further research. The study recommended that future studies should consider expanding the geographic scope beyond Nairobi City County to include other urban and rural areas in Kenya. This will allow for comparative analysis across different regional contexts, offering a broader understanding of how location-specific factors such as infrastructure, market dynamics, and institutional support influence entrepreneurial outcomes among immigrant communities
Credit Risk Identification and Asset Quality of Commercial Banks Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: Lending 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 identification and the asset quality of commercial banks listed at the NSE in Kenya. The theory that the study anchored upon was asymmetric information theory.
Methodology: The study used a descriptive 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 for a year between 2015 and 2024 was utilized to collect financial information from the bank’s annual reports, 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.
Findings: The study revealed that credit risk identification had a significant positive effect on the asset quality of commercial banks listed at the NSE, Kenya.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: In this regard, the study recommended that commercial banks in Kenya should consider using financial forecasts and budgets to investigate and evaluate the credit status of firms to identify possible risks and future exposures. The study recommends analyzing the borrower\u27s industry, market position, and economic circumstances as part of the market assessment process. The study recommends further research by examining Basel 11 and Basel 111 effects on asset quality to establish whether it help in improving the credit risk identification for commercial banks
Role of Public Financial Governance Practices on the Performance of Kisumu County Government
Get PDFPurpose: The study sought to analyze the effect of public financial management practices on the performance of the Kisumu County Government. It entailed assessing how auditing, information technology, regulation, and public engagement in decision-making affect the performance of Kisumu County Government.
Methodology: The study employed Systems Theory as the framework for developing the survey. The target group consisted of 70 participants from Kisumu County Government, such as ICT officers, accountants, finance officials, auditors, the County Secretary, and ward administrators. Data collected from the field were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) through both descriptive and inferential analyses. The results were analyzed and recorded in tabular form.
Findings: All the examined aspects were identified to have a significant effect on the KCG performance; however, auditing practices had the most significant effect compared to information technology, public participation, and regulatory policies. Thus, based on the research outcomes, several factors, such as the explicit possibility of auditing to build trust and identify risks and control issues, affect the efficiency of county governments. In addition, meetings and hearing sessions that involve the public provide input in the budgeting process, enhancing performance.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that county governments should adopt and follow proper financial structures and processes as stated in the legislation as contained in the Public Financial Management Act. The processes are often audited to ensure compliance and effectiveness
Moderating Effect of GDP Growth Rate on Public Health Care Financing and Tax Revenues, among the East Africa Community Members Countries?
Get PDFPurpose: This research aimed at establishing the linkage between public healthcare financing and tax revenues and the moderating effect of GDP growth rate within the context of East Africa Community Countries.
Methodology: The target population was three EAC member countries comprised of Kenya Uganda and Tanzania. Causal and cross-sectional research design were applied. For hypothesis tests, stepwise multiple regression was used to test for moderation effect of GDP growth rate on public healthcare financing and tax revenues. The secondary data was sourced from the research departments of the National Treasury; State Departments of Planning / National Bureau of Statistics; the Revenue Authorities; and the Central Banks of the three countries using a set of data matrix for the period 1982 to 2022. Specifically, tax revenues were proxied by the sum of revenues realized. Public health financing was proxied by the total sum of expenditure towards health. And the GDP rate was indicated by the prevailing GDP rate over the period of study.
Findings: Findings reveal a statistically significant link between PHF and Tax revenues for East Africa member Countries; Although the R-square increased by 2.5%, when GDP rate was introduced into the model, it resulted that no significant moderating effect in the linkage between PHF and tax revenues in EAC. The PHF and Tax revenues relationship that was previously significant also became weaker and negative, hence no moderation.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study extends on predictive insights of ability to pay theory in conceptualization, informing and understanding the linkage of PHF and tax revenues. The study adds to knowledge in PHF, GDP growth rate, and tax revenues by showing that the linkage of PHF and Tax revenues among East Africa member Countries is not direct but rather is moderated by GDP growth rate. Health, budgetary and finance sectors and other agencies in the government can be guided by the findings to inform policies that can address GDP growth rate, guide the healthcare allocations particularly when setting goals to expand tax revenues
Enhancing Operational Effectiveness in Security and Defence within the UAE: The Strategic Role of Artificial Intelligence
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of the study was to examine operational effectiveness in security and defence within the UAE: The strategic role of artificial intelligence.
Methodology: The study applied both Qualitative and quantitative approach. For the qualitative component of this research, a complete literature analysis will be done to investigate the current body of scholarship, studies, and policy papers pertaining to the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in security and defense within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thematic analysis will be used for a qualitative data analysis method. This study will also apply quantitative approach. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and a structured survey distributed to 50 professionals to stakeholders within the UAE\u27s security and military industries to obtain quantitative data on different areas of AI acceptance, usage, obstacles, and perceived influence on operational performance. Statistical software like Excel and Python will be used to perform quantitative data analysis. Charts, graphs, and plots will be used to visually present the survey results.
Findings: The statistical findings reveal a significant relationship between AI adoption and enhanced decision-making capabilities. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) between AI usage and improved situational awareness underscores AI’s capacity to process real-time data effectively. In cybersecurity, the analysis identifies a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.64, p < 0.01) between AI implementation and threat mitigation success. The participants have consistently emphasized ability of AI for analysis of vast datasets in the real time ensuring more informed and quick decision. It aligns with the global trends where the defense organizations would leverage AI for interpretation of satellite imagery and prediction of threats. The advanced machine learning algorithms have been proven effective for detection of anomalies like unauthorized access and phishing attack attempts. The participants are praising the technologies for improving the operational efficiency and reducing the human risks.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Study highlights existing theories where AI improves decision making through real time insights. However, it challenges the deterministic views for AI as the infallible further emphasizing need for the hybrid models which integrates with the human judgement. The defense organizations need to adopt for hybrid approach where the AI is supporting instead of replacing the human decision making. The training programs need to be designed for equipping personnel with skills for interpreting the AI outputs critically. With the growing adversarial of AI, the investment across counter AI technologies has been imperative. It includes development of systems which could neutralize and identify the AI driven cyberattacks and foster collaborations with the global cybersecurity experts for staying ahead in emerging threats. The strengthening of partnerships with the international defense organizations could also help the UAE for leveraging the cutting-edge counters for AI solutions while sharing the threat intelligence effectively
Determinants of Traditional Birth Attendants Compliance to Existing Legal Frameworks against Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting in Garissa County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The study sought to establish the determinants of traditional birth attendants’ compliances to existing legal frameworks against female genital mutilation/ cutting in Garissa County, Kenya. The study intended to answer complex interplay of cultural, religious, and social factors influencing traditional birth attendants\u27 compliance with legal frameworks against FGM/C.
Methodology: Study adopted cross sectional study design. Mixed methods approach (Survey and KIIs) was used to collect data. Targeted TBAs, law enforcers and opinion leaders residing in Dadaab Sub- County. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while key informant interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data collected was entered into Epidata (version 3.1) database then exported to R (version 3.6.4) for analysis while qualitative data were thematically analysed. 261 participants were recruited, with 86.21% being compliant to existing law against FGM/C.
Findings: The independent predictors for compliance to existing legal frameworks against FGM/C in this study were marital status of the active TBAs: married (AOR=7.78, 95% CI=2.4544-24.6443, p<0.001) and widowed (AOR=4.76, 95% CI=1.2063-18.8181, p=0.0259); Education level of the active TBAs: primary education (AOR=5.80, 95% CI=1.3887-24.2616, p=0.016); Required ages for girls/women before circumcision being 5-11 years (AOR=7.91, 95%, CI=2.73-22.95, p<0.001); Mothers accompanying girls/women to circumcision (AOR=7.02, 95% CI=2.0899-23.6125, p=0.0016); Religious background of girls/women to be circumcised (AOR=2.94, 95% CI=1.1688-7.4096, p=0.022); active TBAs who asserted that FGM/C was still deemed necessary in their community (AOR=0.11, 95% CI=0.0146-0.8844, p=0.0378); active TBAs who identified FGM/C Type I as the most predominant in their community (AOR=0.10, 95% CI=0.0261-0.3673, p<0.001); FGM/C being practiced for traditional purposes traditional (AOR=9.86, 95% CI=1.8419-52.7653, p=0.0075); Advocacy through religious approaches on the abandonment of FGM/C (AOR=5.90, 95% CI=2.173-16.0309, p<0.001); active TBAs cognizant of the punishments imposed on perpetrators and accomplices of FGM/C (AOR=3.11, 95% CI=1.279-7.5576, p=0.0123); active TBAs aware of the laws/legislations prohibiting FGM/C in Kenya (AOR=3.06, 95% CI=1.3759-6.7912, p=0.0061); Active TBAs supporting for the education of TBAs on existing anti-FGM/C laws (AOR=4.64, 95% CI=1.7885-12.0514, p=0.0016); active TBAs aware of someone in the community who had reported FGM/C as a crime (AOR=2.71, 95% CI=1.2296-5.9762, p=0.0134).
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Information from the study will influence policy formulation and complement existing literature