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INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION ON PERFORMANCE OF MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES IN KERICHO COUNTY, KENYA
Full text linkFinancing has been identified as a key element for micro and small enterprises to thrive
in their drive to build productive capacity, to compete, create jobs and to contribute to
poverty alleviation in developing countries. Financial Inclusion consists of all initiatives
to make financing a realization for this group. Researchers have argued that lack of
financing is almost universally indicated as a key problem for micro and small
enterprises thus the need to study influence of financial inclusion on performance of
these enterprises. The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of financial
inclusion on performance of micro and small enterprises in Kericho County, Kenya. The
study was guided by the following specific objectives: to establish the influence of
financial access on performance of micro and small enterprises, to determine the
influence of financial transparency on performance of micro and small enterprises, to
examine the influence of financial credit product on performance of micro and small
enterprises and to assess financial literacy of micro and small entrepreneurs and how it
influences performance. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design from a
population of 7277 micro and small enterprises in Kericho County. Stratified and simple
random sampling was used to sample the 380 micro and small enterprises.
Questionnaires were used in the data collection phase of the study. Cronbach‟s alpha was
used to assess the degree of instrument reliability while factor analysis was used to check
validity of the variables. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential
statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and percentages while inferential
statistics included correlation and regression analysis models with the aid of SPSS
version 25. The research findings indicated that there exists a statistically significant
positive causal relationship between financial access, financial transparency, financial
credit products and financial literacy and performance among micro and small
enterprises to credit in Kericho County. This was established from correlation results
between the two variables. Results showed a statistically significant positive relationship
between financial access and performance (r = 0.215, p < 0.05), financial transparency
and performance (r = 0.251, p < 0.05), financial credit products and performance
(r = 0.222, p < 0.05) and financial literacy and performance (r = 0.293, p < 0.05). This
implies that when financial access, financial transparency, financial literacy and financial
credit products increases, performance improves among micro and small enterprises in
Kericho County, Kenya. Further, interest rates capping significantly moderates the
influence of financial access, financial transparency, financial credit products, and
financial literacy on performance of micro and small enterprises in Kericho, Kenya. It
was concluded that repayment period for MSEs loan was not flexible even after top up or
second facility. Micro and small enterprises need guarantors to access financial credit
facilities and that they need guarantors to access financial credit facilities for a second or
top up facility. Further, collateral and guarantors were needed before credit was given to
micro and small enterprises, with financial institutions not having flexible repayment
period for loans. Financial institutions did not embrace financial literacy of the micro and
small enterprises. The study also concluded that the micro and small enterprises were not
provided forums to be educated and informed on any new and changing financial
information. The study recommended that financial institutions come up with new
products to cover micro and small enterprises financial needs. Further, the study
recommended policy formulation and amendments that will include transparency of
financial institutions to upheld inclusion of financing. Fora and workshops to be created
to educate and inform micro and small enterprises on issues regarding financing
EFFECT OF FINANCIAL FACTORS ON AFFORDABILITY OF HOUSING AMONG THE LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN NAKURU EAST AND NAKURU WEST SUB-COUNTIES, KENYA
Full text linkAccess to adequate and quality housing is considered as a key economic and social
right to all humans. Affordable housing is associated with a number of outcomes
including; social, health, development, financial and economic benefits. In Kenya,
there is a high shortage of housing in the urban areas due to rapid urbanization
resulting from natural population growth and the large scale rural-urban migration.
Nakuru County being one of the major urban areas in Kenya has been recorded as
experiencing housing shortage of 8,000 units per year due to the increased number of
investors, entrepreneurs and governmental institutions which have encouraged an
increased migration in search for employment in those sectors. The emerging situation
has resulted to a concerted effort by the National and County government and other
housing stakeholders in an attempt to understand the housing affordability challenges
and recommending possible solutions to the challenge. This study analyzed the effect
of financial factors on affordability of housing in Nakuru East and Nakuru West SubCounties.
The study focused on household‘s home owners and renters in the lower
income areas in the two sub counties with a view of understanding how the household
income, cost of financing, house price and financial management skills affects
housing affordability. The following theories guided the study; Modigliani‘s Life
Cycle Theory of Savings and Consumption, Classical theory of Interest rates and the
Housing Adjustment Theory. This study adopted a Positivist research philosophy and
a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The target population for the study was
392,587 household heads and managers of 80 housing stakeholder institutions in the
two sub counties. The study sampled 384 households‘ heads using stratified sampling
technique and 12 stakeholders‘ institutions using purposive sampling. Structured
questionnaire were constructed and used to collect data from the low-income
households while interview schedules were used to collect data from the housing
stakeholders. To ensure that the questionnaire helped collect reliable and valid data in
the same contextual environment, a pilot study on 38 households who did not
participate in the main study representing 10% of the sample size was drawn from
Nakuru East and Nakuru West Sub-Counties in Nakuru County. Validity and
Reliability tests were done and all items met the required set threshold. The data
obtained was analyzed descriptively using frequencies, mean and standard deviation
and inferentially using correlation and regression analysis. The study established a
positive and statistically significant moderate effect of income of household and
financial management skills on affordability of housing. On the other hand, the study
revealed negative and statistically significant moderate effect of cost of house
financing and house pricing on affordability of housing. The study further showed
that household income had the greatest effect on housing affordability, followed by
financial management skills, then cost of house financing and the least aspect was
house price. The study recommends that Government develops strategies that will
lead to increasing incomes to the low-income households through targeted financial
funding of business in the informal sector within the locality, introduction of targeted
financial literacy skills to the said group and also encouragement of key stakeholders
to develop affordable housing loans
Digital Technologies as a Driver in the Provision of Universal Health Coverage
Full text linkFULL TEXTThe digital revolution is affecting various sectors in the world ranging
from banking, healthcare, telecommunications, retail, insurance, and Government.
Technological innovations like digital health and electronic healthcare are core in
the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in developing countries.
However, their successful deployment is faced by several barriers and challenges in
Kenya. This paper applied exploratory research methodology in reviewing existing
literature in the health sector with an objective to analyse the benefits and challenges
associated with the application of digital technologies for UHC. The results of this
study show that some of the benefits of digital technologies to UHC are efficiency,
controls, and quality to areas of health finance, e-referrals, electronic health records,
and health information systems. This results in reduced healthcare costs, predicting
epidemics, avoiding preventable deaths, improving quality of life, reducing
healthcare waste, developing new drugs and treatments, improving efficiency, and
quality of healthcare. While these technological developments offer countless
benefits, some of the concern revolves around the distributed storage of medical data
across various facilities leading to lack of data interoperability among medical
agencies and the security of health information systems and patients’ medical
records. Lack of digital health causes delayed decision-making processes, poor
medical service delivery, inaccuracy, untimeliness, and inefficiency in access to
medical data. The results were used to guide the development of a conceptual
framework that would be used to address the challenges for the adoption of digital
technologies for UHC
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELECTED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND SCHOOL COMPLETION RATES: A PERSPECTIVE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SAMBURU EAST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
Full text linkLow secondary school completion rates have been linked to factors such as social-economic and social-cultural characteristic of students, low intrinsic motivation to learn, parental influence and lack of role models in the community among others. However, previous studies in Kenya and specifically in Samburu County have not established links between school management practices and secondary school completion rates. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between management practices and secondary school completion rates in Samburu East Sub-county, Kenya. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected school cultures, selected user education costs, availability of selected instructional resources, selected student motivational practices and selected classroom instruction on secondary school completion rates in Samburu East Sub-county, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study was guided by influential theory by Finn (1993). The target population was 254 Form Four students derived from 7 secondary schools in Samburu East Sub-county, Kenya. The sample size of the study was 156 form four students who participated in the study as respondents. The 7 schools included in the study were sampled on the basis of the fact that they had student cohorts who sat for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination. Data was collected using questionnaire. Content validity was used to validate the instrument also validity was ensured through expert opinions. Piloting was done and reliability was tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Coefficient value of above 0.7 was obtained therefore, the questionnaire was reliable. Stratified and simple random sampling technique was used to obtain respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analyzed using mean, frequencies, percentages and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The findings were presented in tables. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to test the hypothesis at a threshold of 0.5 alpha level. The study established that there exists a positive and significant relationship (r = .472, P=0.000) between school cultures and secondary school completion rates. The study further established that there exists a positive and significant relationship (r = .294, P=0.000) between user student education costs and secondary school completion rates in Samburu East Sub-county. In addition, the study established that there exists a positive and significant relationship (r = .540, P=0.000) between provision of instructional resources and secondary school completion rates in Samburu East Sub-county. The study also established that there exists a positive and significant relationship (r = .544, P=0.000) between student motivational practices and secondary school completion rates in Samburu East Sub-county. Finally, the study established that there exists a negative but significant relationship (r = -0.194, P=0.000) between classroom instructional practices and secondary school completion rates in Samburu East Sub-county. The researcher concluded that there statistically significant relationship between school cultures, user education costs, availability of instructional materials, student motivational and classroom instructional practices and secondary school completion rates at 0.05 alpha level. The researcher recommends that the Ministry of Education, TSC, Head Teachers and parents should collaborate in matters related to school management practices so as to improve secondary school completion rates
SCREENING STRATEGIES TO DETECT GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IN AIC KIJABE HOSPITAL, KENYA
Full text linkBackground Gestational DM has been associated with increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity however, screening recommendations are not clearly described in Kenyan guidelines. Kenyan studies have shown wide-ranging prevalence rates for GDM between 1.1%-16.7% which reflects inconsistences in GDM screening strategies. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of the selective and universal screening strategies in detecting GDM in AIC Kijabe Hospital. Methods This was a cross-sectional retrospective and prospective study. Study participants between 24- and 32-weeks’ gestation had a risk factor screening questionnaire administered, followed by a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) if appropriate. Results A total of 343 were selectively screened for GDM from the retrospective data, while 38 women were universally screened for GDM in the prospective arm of the study. The detection of GDM was 13.2% and 2.6% in the universal and selective screening strategies, respectively (p=0.016). A first degree relative with DM, stillbirth and macrosomia were the most frequently observed risk factors at 21.8%, 17.2% and 9.2%, respectively. Forty-three percent (42.9%) of GDM cases were diagnosed in the absence of risk factors for GDM. Conclusion Universal screening detected a significantly higher rate of GDM than the selective screening strategy. Recommendations Kenyan health facilities should adopt the universal screening strategy for GDM, for early diagnosis and prevention of maternal and neonatal complications amongst pregnant women in Kenya. The true prevalence of GDM in Kenya will be clearly defined once universal screening is widely adopted
FINANCIAL INCLUSION DETERMINANTS AND THEIR EFFECT ON UTILISATION OF FORMAL FINANCIAL SERVICES BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN KENYA
Full text linkKenya’s financial services sector has witnessed significant technological revolution in the
past decade resulting to new financial products. Whereas 80 percent of Kenyan adults owned
a formal bank account as at 2019, the level of usage of formal financial services among the
smallholder farmers was still low with usage of bank accounts at 17 percent. This study
aimed at addressing this low utilisation of formal financial services by the smallholder
farmers in Kenya by determining suitable financial inclusion approaches which could raise
the level of utilization of formal financial services among the small holder farmers thus
increasing productivity in the agricultural sector. The main objective of this study was to
establish financial inclusion determinants and their effect on the utilisation of formal financial
services by smallholder farmers in Kenya. The specific objectives were; to determine the
impact of demographic factors on utilisation of formal financial services among smallholder
farmers, to evaluate the effect of socio-economic factors on utilisation of formal financial
services among smallholder farmers, to determine the effect of institutional factors on
utilisation of formal financial services among smallholder farmers, to examine the extent of
technological factors on utilisation of formal financial services among smallholder farmers.
The study also sought to explore the moderating effect of financial literacy on the utilisation
of formal financial services among the smallholder farmers. The study adopted a descriptive
cross-sectional survey research design. The target population of the study was 3,666,294
from Nakuru, Busia and Kirinyaga counties in Kenya from which a sample size 560 of
smallholder farmers was selected. Simple random sampling was used to select the three
counties and sub-counties while convenience sampling was used to select the smallholder
farmers for study in each ward. Data was collected using structured and semi-structured
questionnaires which were administered to smallholder farmers identified through random
sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse the data
using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) in order to address each study objective.
Descriptive statistics used were frequencies, percentages and chi-squares. Inferential statistics
comprised correlation, Multinomial logistic regression and multiple linear regression analyses
were then conducted. Regression results showed that age group, marital status and education
levels of the respondents were the significant demographic variables. It is also evident that
the socio-economic variable annual income, land size and occupation institutional factors and
product differentiation were all significant financial inclusion variables. Technology factors
were also significant to the formal predicting utilisation of financial services. The findings
also revealed that financial literacy had a significant moderating effect on the utilisation of
formal financial services. The study, therefore, recommends that policymakers should also
consider reviewing policies that present obstacles to financial inclusion along demographic
lines and address them to increase utilisation of formal financial services. Policymakers
should also encourage smallholder farmers by way of incentives to disclose their annual
income to improve their chances of accessing formal financial services that can expand their
enterprises. Also, financial services providers and their technological intermediaries such as
mobile service providers should revise their product strategies to encourage subscription from
smallholder farmers. Policymakers should encourage more investment in the digitalisation of
small scale farming activities to encourage more technology adoption. Financial institutions
in the country need to develop more friendly and accessible products with features that
encourage not only their uptake but also integrate into other financial services
Implementation of a Scalable Long-Range Wireless Based Model for Water Loss Monitoring
Full text linkWater companies experience challenges in detecting water loss and
undertaking reliable and efficient water audit. Consequently, mitigation of these
incidences of water loss, as well as auditing of water distribution is difficult, largely
uncoordinated and inherently cumbersome. A Long-Range (LoRa) based technology
prototype is designed and implemented to enable detection of water loss and audits to
be performed remotely and affordably. This study enabled the design and development
of a long-range Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) model based on IEEE 802.15.4g
LoRa standard. This study reviewed the technological challenges, architectural and
logical design for the implementation of a scalable long-range model to detect losses in
real time. The study used the PPDIOO methodology towards achieving and
implementing network design lifestyle. The designs prototypes were set-up in a testbed,
monitored, reconfigured and adjusted for efficiency and applicability. The study
contributed to the body of knowledge in design of applicable water systems
architectures
Formative E-assessment as a Tool for Promoting Competence-Based E-Learning in Universities: A Contextualized Perspective
Full text linkFULL TEXTUbiquitous Information communication technologies (ICT) and dynamics in today’s society (both
disruptive and progressive changes) are increasingly driving adoption of e-learning models at all levels of
education. Previous research has shown that the synergy between learner and assessment centered dimensions
are antecedent to knowledge centeredness which is a key goal in higher education. This paper offers insights on
how to address the key challenges facing Universities in implementation of competence-based learning through
effective use of formative e-assessment in e-learning as a tool for fostering learner and assessment centeredness.
The ultimate goal is to enhance understanding on effective integration of formative e-assessment in e-learning
courses as a strategy for promoting competence-based education, while providing information that serve
formative and summative purposes. It is also important to emphasize that use of formative e-assessment as a tool
for assessment for learning (formative assessment) is an integral requirement for active and meaningful
engagement particularly in e-learning settings. Formative assessment should be seamlessly integrated within
teaching and learning processes; and it entails enabling adequate opportunities for continuous monitoring and
assessment to inform formative feedback. However, such a focus has been lacking or inadequate based on what
characterizes continuous assessment in many Universities e-learning settings. This implies that the validity of
continuous assessment cannot be realized without purposeful focus on formative assessment and tailored
feedback. This briefing paper therefore aims to offer better understanding on the role of formative e-assessment
from a contextualized perspective as an important pedagogical strategy for enhancing e-learning.
Contextualization implies paying attention to the unique needs of particular e-learning settings including ICT
capacity, learners’ needs and experiences. Drawing from related literature and practical experiences, this paper
offers best practices that need to be emphasized in applying formative e-assessment to promote learner and
assessment centeredness that are desirable for achievement of envisaged core competences
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELECTED UNIVERSITY CULTURES AND STUDENT RETENTION IN CHARTERED CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
Full text linkThis study sought to address the problem of low student retention in Chartered Christian
Universities in Kenya. University cultures make up the academic and social
environment in any university and are therefore key to students‘ retention. The purpose
of this study was to establish the relationship between selected university cultures and
student retention in Chartered Christian Universities in Kenya. The following objectives
guided the study; to establish relationship between religious cultures, instruction
cultures, discipline cultures and study cost management cultures and student retention in
Chartered Christian Universities in Kenya. The significant of the study was in policy
review and formulation. The study was based on Students‘ Integration Theory by Tinto
(1993) and Cultural Model of Educational Management by Bush (2011). The descriptive
survey research design was adopted. The targeted population comprised of 604yearfour
students, 12Academic Deans, 5 chaplains, 5 Finance Managers, and 5 Deans of students
in Chartered Christian Universities located in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kericho
counties. Census method was used to sample the respondents. Questionnaire and
interviews were used to collect data. The questionnaire was piloted at Tangaza
University and tested for reliability using test retest method and was validated by
experts. The outcome of the tests showed that the intraclass correlation value was >.9 for
both tests and the test was significant (p<.05) hence the tool was reliable for data
collection. The qualitative data was cleaned for errors, coded, assigned labels and
grouped for related themes. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics
such as means and percentages and reported in tables and figures. Data analysis was
done using tools in SPSS version 22. Pearson Product Moment Correlations CoEfficient,
Analysis of Variance and regression analysis were computed to establish
relationships between selected university cultures and student retention. The Embedded
Design for mixed methods was used to integrate and present the quantitative and
qualitative data outcomes. It was found out that religious cultures were related to student
retention (r=0.437; p=0.000). On objective two, instruction cultures were related to
student retention (r=0.482; p=0.000). Objective three shows that discipline cultures were
related to student retention (r=0.591; p=0.000) and objective four; the result showed
study cost management cultures were related to student retention (r=0.647; p=0.000).
From these findings, all the four null hypotheses were rejected, and the alternate
hypotheses adopted, meaning there is statistically significant relationship between
university cultures and student retention in chartered Christian universities in Kenya.
The Study recommends that chartered Christian universities in Kenya should take
advantage of their cultures and should come up with policies to strengthen the existing
cultures as they come up with new ones. The study recommends further that the
Ministry of Education should develop policies that could facilitate student retention and
review the existing policies on student retention in institutions of higher learning in
Kenya and beyond. In addition, studies are recommended in other Christian universities
which did not start as theological colleges, other private universities and in public
universities to establish the relationship between university cultures and student
retention