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Effect Of Product Innovation On Financial Performance Of Commercial Banks In Kenya
Get PDFAgainst the backdrop of heightened competition for the unbanked population, retention of
existing members, changing customer preferences and the need for revenue growth at low
operating costs for profitability, commercial banks in the country are increasingly adopting
product innovation. It however remains scantily explored in the Kenyan body of knowledge, how
these product innovations have influenced the intended financial performance of commercial
banks in the country. While several related empirical studies have been conducted in the Kenyan
literature, notable contextual, methodological, and conceptual gaps still remain. Occasioned by
these gaps, the present study sought out to assess the effect of product innovation on financial
performance of commercial banks in Kenya. More specifically, the study sought to examine the
effect of issuance of credit cards on the financial performance of banks in Kenya; to examine the
effect of the use of internet banking on the financial performance of banks in Kenya; to
determine the effect of the use of mobile banking on the financial performance of banks in
Kenya; and to determine the effect of use of agency banking on the financial performance of
banks in Kenya. The study was grounded on three theories, including the Dynamic Capability
theory, Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Blue Ocean Theory. This research used the
descriptive research design method, with the target population comprising all 39 Commercial
Banks as at December 31, 2022. Owing to the relatively manageable population size, the present
study adopted a census survey of all 37 commercial banks. The study utilized secondary
quantitative data that was collected from the commercial banks’ annual integrated financial
reports. The study adopted multiple linear regression, whereby five-year average data points for
each variable were used. A combination of both descriptive and inferential statistics was used in
data analysis. The regression model used in this study was Y = β0 + β1X1 + β2X2 + β3X3 + β4X4 +
ε where, Y=Financial Performance (ROA), X1 = Issuance of Credit Cards, X2 = Internet banking
X3 = Mobile banking, X4 = Agency banking, β0 = Constant, and β1, β2, β3 and β4 = Regression
Coefficients and ε = Error Term. The study found that this model could was statistically
significant and that it could be used to explain 24.3% of the bank’s performance measured in
return on assets for banks in Kenya. The study found that Agency Banking had the most
influence on return on assets and that Mobile banking had the least influenc
Influence Of Social Media Marketing Tools On Performance Among Hotels Registered By Tourism Regulatory Authority In Central Region, Kenya
Get PDFThe environment in which hotels operate is quite competitive due to the constantly
evolving environment. as a result, hotels are quickly rejuvenating their survival strategies to sustain
profitability. Despite the innovative adoption of digital marketing amongst hotels in Central
Region, most of the hotels are struggling to remain afloat as others close down. Against the
background, this study aimed at establishing the influence of social media marketing tools on
performance of hotels registered by Tourism Regulatory Authority in Central Region, Kenya. The
guiding objectives were to determine how social media platform, social media content, social
marketing capacity and social marketing culture influences performance of hotels in registered by
Tourism Regulatory Authority in Central Region, Kenya. The founding theoretical frameworks
included: technology acceptance model, theory of change, system theory of management and
social exchange theory. Descriptive survey research design was adopted in the implementation of
the research. The targeted population is 228 hotels registered by the Tourism Regulatory Authority
as by the year 2021 in central region. Census method was adopted. Raw data was collected by
means of structured questionnaires. Pilot study was conducted to a sample size of 23 respondents
in Nyeri County in order to enhance feasibility of the research methodology. Reliability and
validity of the instruments was determined using split half method and matching respectively. Data
was collected after getting clearance and research permit from the KCA University and NACOSTI
respectively. The following diagnostic tests were carried out: normality, heteroscedasticity and
multicollinearity. Quantitative data was subjected to SPSS version 25 so as to generate descriptive
statistics (frequencies, means, standard deviation and percentages) and inferential statistics
(correlation coefficients, regression coefficients, ANOVA). Relationship between variables was
established using Pearson`s Product Moment Correlational Analysis. Hypotheses was tested by
means of F-statistical test at the widely accepted 0.05 level of significance. Statistical findings
were presented in tables. The strength of the relationship between social media marketing tools
and performance of Hotels in Central Region of Kenya decreased in the following order: social
media content (r=0.81), social marketing capacity (r=0.76), social media platform (r=0.51) and
social marketing culture (r=0.33) for p = 0.00 < 0.05. Therefore, the four null hypotheses were
rejected and concluded that there is significant relationship between social media platform, social
media content, social marketing capacity, social marketing culture and performance of hotels in
central region in Kenya. The model or social media marketing tools (social media platform, social
media content, social marketing capacity, social marketing culture) accounted for 78% variation
in the performance of hotels in Central Region of Kenya (for R2=0.78). The resolved model was:
Y = 0.24+0.05X1+ 0.55X2+ 0.39X3+ 0.04X4+ε. It was concluded that an increase in social media
platform, social media content, social marketing capacity, social marketing culture would result
into a significant increase in the performance of hospitality firms amongst the registered hotels in
Central Region, Kenya. Government was recommended to create digital schools, develop policies
that encourage creative utility of social medial platforms while promoting ethical social media
marketing practices so as to protect the rights of the consumers while promoting fair trade.
Managers should conduct thorough analysis of the targeted audience and suitability of a social
media platform before adoption to optimize its utility in enhancing performance. Managers should
also ensure that the social media contents are relevant, informative and engaging with customers.
Also, managers should put in place a dedicated digital team to effectively manage and optimize
social media marketing while promoting positive social marketing culture. Future studies should
focus on testing the findings from this study in different contexts in order to generate more
representative and generalizable findings
Applying Data Mining in Graduates’ Employability
No full textEnvisaging an adequate IT/IS solution that can mitigate the employability problems is imperative because nowadays there is a high rate of unemployed graduates. Thus, the main goal of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to explore the application of data mining techniques in modeling employability and see how those techniques have been applied and which factors/variables have been retained to be the most predictors or/and prescribers of employability. Data mining techniques have shown the ability to serve as decision support tools in predicting and even prescribing employability.
The review determined and analyzed the machine learning algorithms used in data mining to either predict or prescribe employability. This review used the PRISMA method to determine which studies from the existing literature to include as items for this SLR. Hence, 20 relevant studies, 16 of which are predicting employability and 4 of which are prescribing employability. These studies were selected from reliable databases: ScienceDirect, Springer, Wiley, IEEE Xplore, and Taylor and Francis. According to the results of this study, various data mining techniques can be used to predict and/or to prescribe employability. Furthermore, the variables/factors that predict and prescribe employability vary by country and the type of prediction or prescription conducted research. Nevertheless, all previous studies have relied more on skill as the main factor that predict and/or prescribe employability in developed countries and none studies have been conducted in unstable developing countries. Therefore, the need to conduct research on predicting or prescribing employability in such countries by trying to use contextual factors beyond skill as features
Enhancing Cybercrime Investigation Effectiveness: Amultifaceted Analysis Of Information Technology Tools, Digitalevidence Quality, And Law Enforcer Security Measures
Get PDFn Kenya and in today's world, cybercrimes present a greater challenge in terms of detection and
investigation compared to traditional crimes. As cybercrimes continue to evolve and become more
complex, law enforcement agencies must continuously adapt their Information Technology tools
to effectively combat this menace. These crimes have significant adverse effects on individuals'
reputations, investors' finances, and data security. To prevent such damages, this study aimed to
assess the application of Information Technology (IT) and propose a model applicable for
investigating cybercrimes within the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in Kenya. A case
study approach was employed to explore the extent of Information Technology application in
crime investigation, with a particular focus on using a regression model. Primary data was
collected through the random distribution of questionnaires to 361 police officers from different
units within the DCI department. The study developed a regression model that incorporated key
variables, namely Information Technology tools, quality and quantity of evidence, and security of
law enforcers The Pearson product-moment correlation was utilized to examine the associations
among the study variables, while the regression model aimed to illustrate whether alterations
observed in the dependent variable are linked to variations in the explanatory variables. The
findings revealed that Information Technology Tools, Quantity and Quality of Evidence, and
Security of Law Enforcers exhibited a positive and significant relationship with cybercrime
investigation. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the utilization of Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) tools has a positive and significant impact on the effectiveness
of cybercrime investigation within the Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi.
The study recommended that the DCI conducts regular training sessions and workshops to keep
investigators up to date with the latest technologies and their applications in cybercrime
investigation. Additionally, future research should consider controlling for potential confounding
variables that might influence the relationship between ICT tools usage and the effectiveness of
cybercrime investigation
A Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) Network Model For Predicting Water Consumption In Residential Properties Using Smart Water Meter Data
Get PDFRapid urbanization in Kenya and the subsequent population increase have caused a
severe imbalance between water demand and water availability. This imbalance poses
serious challenges in managing water consumption in urban areas. Furthermore, water
leakages and variable human activity generate non-linear patterns in domestic water
consumption data which make traditional linear time series models such as
autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) ineffective. Using a case study
research design with Nairobi City, the author developed a novel Long Short-Term
Memory (LSTM) network model for predicting water demand through deep learning of
smart water meters data. The model uses high frequency non-linear time series data
collected between January and December 2022 from smart sensors within an Internet of
Things (IoT) framework, alongside other information such as timestamp and
temperature. Nine different variables were constructed from the study data and used to
train and validate the LSTM network model for smart water meter data management.
The model was then evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE) and the
correlation coefficient. Although significant variation was observed in the daily and
monthly patterns of domestic water consumption, the model outcomes were relatively
accurate. LSTM generated values that mirrored observed values more closely than the
ARIMA model. Evaluation metrics also indicated that LSTM had lower prediction
errors. It is expected that the developed model will be generalizable for estimating
future water consumption in other urban households in Kenya and other regions. The
study is limited by a small sample dataset of 320 households and the lack of socio
economic and demographic factors to determine water consumption. A more extensive
study with multiple influencing factors is recommended to assist water authorities and
service providers to properly distribute water, identify leakages, and take corrective
actions to prevent degradation of the ecological environment
Effect Of Financial Soundness Indicators on The Degree of Diversification in Commercial Banks in Kenya
Get PDFCommercial banks are essential to global economies, with Kenyan banks contributing
significantly, holding 78.55% of total savings. However, challenges in Kenyan commercial bank
performance have led to a consideration of diversification as a means to boost returns and manage
risks. This study explored how financial soundness indicators impact diversification in Kenyan
commercial banks, examining metrics like capital, high-quality assets, effective management, and
liquidity. It drew on four theoretical frameworks—agency theory, buffer capital theory, financial
intermediation theory, and stakeholders' proposition—to provide a structured understanding of the
situation. The research focused on 36 licensed commercial banks operating in Kenya as of
December 2022, analyzing data from 2016 to 2021. Data was sourced from the Central Bank of
Kenya's website and banks' annual financial reports, analyzed using STATA software and various
tests including heteroscedasticity, correlation, autocorrelation, multicollinearity, and normality
tests. Findings showed that capital adequacy, asset quality, and liquidity management significantly
influenced diversification levels, with a notable decline in 2018 attributed to political instability
following elections. Recommendations include establishing a clear framework for banks to
implement financial soundness indicators, especially in asset quality, capital adequacy,
management efficiency, and liquidity management. Ensuring bank efficiency is vital for financial
sector stability and safeguarding savings. In summary, this study finds that capital adequacy, asset
quality, management efficiency, and liquidity management play significant roles in diversification
among Kenyan commercial banks. Political instability in 2018 exposed potential risks in banks'
diversification strategies. To enhance diversification, effective implementation of financial
indicators is crucial, though this study's focus on commercial banks and reliance on secondary data
were mitigated through thorough analysis
Effect Of Corporate Governance Dimensions On Financial Performance Of Savings And Credit Cooperative Societies In Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFCooperatives play significant role in national economy and socio-economic development in
Kenya. Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) in Kenya not only provide loans
to their members, but they also offer investment opportunities, agricultural facilities for
farmers, create employment, housing solutions, and much more. In the recent one decade,
SACCOs in Kenya have been experiencing challenges in financial performance. The return
on assets among SACCOs in Nairobi County in the year 2018 was 14.53%, which decreased
to 14.13% in the year 2019, 13.82% in 2020 and 13.75% in 2021. The main objective of the
study was to examine the influence of corporate governance dimensions on SACCOs’
financial performance in Nairobi County. Specifically, the study sought to determine the
effect of board independence, board accountability, audit committee and financial disclosure
on financial performance of SACCOS in Nairobi County. The study was anchored on agency,
stewardship, and stakeholder theories. This research used descriptive survey design. The
target population was the heads of finance and administration in all the 43 SACCOs in
Nairobi County. Pre-testing of research instruments was carried out among SACCOs in
Kiambu County. The researcher used census methodology to collect data. Secondary data on
return on assets, total deposits, total assets and non-performing loans was collected from the
annual reports of the SACCOs. Primary data was collected using semi-structured
questionnaires. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data and the results were
presented in a narrative form. Quantitative data was then analyzed using inferential
and descriptive statistics with the help of statistical software known as Statistical Package for
Social Sciences version 22. Descriptive statistics comprised of mean, frequencies, standard
deviation, and percentages. Regression and correlation analysis were examples of inferential
statistics used. The study's findings were represented using both tables and figures. The study
found that board independence has a positive and significant effect on the financial
performance of SACCOs in Nairobi County. In addition, board accountability has a positive
and significant effect on the financial performance of SACCOs in Nairobi County. The study
also found that the audit committee has a positive and significant effect on the financial
performance of SACCOs in Nairobi County. The study established that financial disclosure
has a positive and insignificant effect on the financial performance of SACCOs in Nairobi
County. The study recommends that SACCOs should select independent members of the
boards to help the societies run honestly and efficiently since they are not under the influence
of the management teams. In addition, SACCOs should make sure that the board of directors
actively oversees and holds management accountable for financial decisions, risk
management, and strategic planning. They should select the audit committee to monitor
financial reporting, audit process, internal control system of the organization, and legal and
regulatory conformity. They should also clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the
audit committee in the SACCO's bylaws. Further, SACCOs should also establish a system for
regular reporting to the board on financial performance, risk exposure, and compliance with
financial policies and regulations
Effect Of Workforce Diversity On Employee Performance In Parastatals In Nairobi County
Get PDFCompetitive institutions strive to offer consumers high-quality service in a constantly changing
environment marked by diverse changes and transformation. When it affects an organization's
overall performance, high employee performance becomes a crucial problem. The hands and
hearts of healthcare continue to be those working in the field. Modern enterprises' intrinsic need
for a more diverse workforce has raised serious questions about how to manage it. Yet, a
number of study gaps compromise the works on employee performance and diversity in the
work force. The research aimed to investigate how employee performance at Nairobi,
parastatals is impacted by workforce diversity. Evaluation of the impact of gender, ethnicity,
age, and educational diversity on employee performance at parastatals in Nairobi, Kenya, is
one of the particular goals. Equity Theory, Multiculturalism Theory, and Symbolic
Interactionist Theory all will provide support for the study. The staffs in human resource of the
registered parastatals in Nairobi, Kenya, served as the study's population in a descriptive
research design. The study's respondents (sample) was the staff working in human resource
department in senior position. The study used primary information that was gathered through
the use of a questionnaire. Using descriptive and regression techniques, the study's data was
examined with the use of SPSS version 25. In this study, a variety of ethical standards and
norms were observed. After data analysis the study found out that education diversity approach
had a significant positive impact on the employees’ performance of parastatals in Nairobi
County. The study also found out that age diversity had a significant impact on employee
performance in the parastatals. Ethnicity diversity had positive but insignificant relationship on
employee performance of Nairobi County parastatals. Gender diversity had positive but
insignificant relationship on employee performance of Nairobi County parastatals. The study
therefore recommended that there is a high need for the parastatals to embrace educational
diversity at all cost in order to have a smooth flow of operationalization at workplace. There is
the need for the human resource department to ensure that every staff employed in the
organization is not from same ethnic group so that their diversity can lead to overall
performance of individual as well as that of the organization. The organization management
should ensure that the employees based on their gender are in accordance to the stipulations of
the constitutio
Celebrating 10 Years of Charter A Publication from the Division of Research, Innovation and Outreach
No full textEffect Of Venture Capital Support on Organizational Performance of Tech Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Get PDFGiven the high capital requirements and rapid pace of technological advancements in the tech industry, venture capital has emerged as an attractive funding option for these firms. The allure of venture capital lies in its ability to provide not only financial resources but also valuable expertise, industry connections, and strategic guidance. Tech firms recognize the benefits of partnering with venture capitalists who understand the intricacies of the tech landscape and can offer valuable insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The objective of this research was to assess the effect of venture capital support on organizational performance of tech firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of venture capital financial support on organizational performance, to establish the effect of venture capital management support on organizational performance, to assess the effect of venture capital technical support on organizational performance and to determine the effect of venture capital mentoring support on organizational performance of tech firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The research was based on three theories namely, the resource-based view theory, agency theory and pecking order theory. Descriptive research design was employed in this study. The target population of this study was all the 106 firms’ tech firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya that had received venture capital support between 2016 and 2022. Since the population was relatively small, the study was a census. The target respondent was the head of operations in each firm or their equivalent. Questionnaire was utilized in primary data collection. Quantitative data was collected. The collected data was analysed through descriptive, correlational and multiple linear regression method. Regression results revealed that venture capital financial support, venture capital management support, venture capital technical support, and venture capital mentoring support together account for 93.1% of the variation in the performance of tech firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. The explanatory power of the model was statistically significant as the p value was 0.000. Further the results revealed that venture capital financial support (β = 0.316, p < 0.000); venture capital management support (β = 0.280, p < 0.000); venture capital technical support (β = 0.236, p = 0.004); and venture capital mentoring support (β = 0.731, p < 0.000) had a positive and significant effect on performance of tech firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study concludes that venture capital financial, management, technical, and mentoring support positively influence overall performance of tech firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. It is recommended that policymakers should create an enabling environment to attract more venture capital investment into Nairobi's tech sector. Additionally, tech entrepreneurs should actively seek and leverage venture capital support, particularly focusing on building strong relationships with venture capitalists who offer not only financial resources but also valuable management, technical, and mentoring assistance