East African Journal of Business and Economics

Composition and Financial Performance of Farmers' Cooperative Societies in Kericho County, Kenya

Kirui Jepkemoi Susan, Penina Langat, PhD, Raymond Kemboi, PhD — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:55:48 +0000

The main focus of this study was to analyse the relationship between board composition and the financial performance of farmers' cooperative societies in Kericho County, Kenya. The study was based on the Stakeholder Theory and adopted a correlational research design. The target population consisted of accounting officers, auditors, chief executive officers, directors, managers, and employees from the 51 farmers' cooperative societies registered by the Ministry of Cooperatives in Kericho County. A sample size of 303 participants was determined through Yamane's (1967) formula. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and subject experts were consulted to enhance the validity of the research instrument. The instrument's reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which yielded a result of 0.8999, indicating sufficient reliability for the study. A pilot study was conducted in Bomet County, using 10% of the sample size to evaluate the research instrument's validity. The data from the study was analysed using descriptive statistics, that is, mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics using correlation and multiple regressions. The results were presented using frequency tables. The study found that board composition was statistically significant (Beta=0.431; p=0.000<0.055) and positively influenced the financial performance of farmers' cooperative societies. Overall, the study concluded that board composition had a positive statistically significant relationship with the financial performance of the farmer cooperative societies. The findings from this study could be used to improve the delivery of services to farmers by cooperative society management. It can also help policymakers, such as the government and other stakeholders, make informed decisions and policies to enhance the performance of cooperative societies across the country. Finally, the study's findings will benefit researchers interested in studying the relationship between board composition and the financial performance of farmers' cooperative societies.

Enhancing Creativity in Educational Institutions: Does Emotional Intelligence Matter?

Simion Tanui, Ambrose Kemboi, Andrew Kimwolo — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:57:02 +0000

Academic experts have emphasised the significance of leadership elements like emotional intelligence in cultivating innovative thinking among workers in professional settings. There is a lack of understanding about how emotional intelligence affects various types of creativity. This study sought to determine the antecedent role of emotional intelligence on different dimensions of creativity. The study used an explanatory design methodology to explain the hypothesised relationship between study variables in a detailed and comprehensive manner. The research aimed to understand better how emotional intelligence affects creativity. The research revealed that emotional intelligence significantly and positively affects various forms of creative behaviour. Although the extent of impact varies across the three categories of creativity, idea championing and idea generation are the two categories most influenced by emotional intelligence. The research findings were obtained from a public educational institution, rendering the results potentially only applicable to similar institutions. This is due to the differences in work environments between public and private educational settings, which could impact the creative potential of employees. Additionally, the data was sourced from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, making the results particularly relevant to tertiary-level establishments. It is worth noting that this study was cross-sectional, so employees' creative abilities could change over time. Nonetheless, this research provides an opportunity for a future longitudinal study to be conducted in the same field. To help employees overcome their fear of the repercussions of creativity, organisations should focus on enhancing positive leadership behaviours such as emotional intelligence. However, it is important to consider the stage of creative behaviour when enhancing emotional intelligence among leaders, as studies have shown that emotional intelligence can have varying effects on creative behaviour. This research holds both practical and theoretical significance. This is a novel study to establish the direct impact of emotional intelligence and individual dimensions of creative behaviour in public TVETIs in developing countries such as Kenya. The study also extends the application of social cognitive theory by confirming that the role of leaders' personality traits, such as emotional intelligence, varies with the type of creative behaviour. This is because the embedded tasks in the dimensions of creative behaviour tasks differ

Fabrication of a Sustainable Biodegradable Packaging Alternative for the Fashion Industry from Banana Waste

Stephanie Kobehlo Musombi, Mercy Wanduara, PhD, Jacqueline Kisato, PhD — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:11:09 +0000

Packaging has both functional and aesthetic purposes. Kenya requires more sustainable biodegradable packaging options after a plastic ban was introduced in 2017 affecting numerous industries such as fashion. Banana stems and peels are part of the waste produced in Kenyan farms, suggested for the construction of biodegradable paper packaging material for the fashion industry. The objectives of this study were: to extract banana stem (BS) fibres using a decorticating machine; pulp the BS fibres using banana peel lye (KOH); and construct samples of paper packaging material from the pulp treated with KOH. The research design for this study was experimental. Kiganda banana stems collected from Kisii County were used in this study. The paper packaging material was constructed by pulping the BS using the KOH as a delignification reagent and then converting the pulp to paper by mounting it on mesh frames to dry. The findings reveal that in BS fibre extraction, decorticating one banana stem takes 10 minutes yielding 105 g of dry BS fibre. It also revealed that the handmade paper-making process takes 8 hours and 12 minutes including drying time to create an A4 size paper with the majority of the time (8 hours) being used for drying. The yield from the KOH pulped BS fibre was determined to be 68%. It was clear from the findings that KOH is comparable to commercial industrial alkalis like Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) as a delignification reagent for BS fibres as it yields much pulp which produces good packaging material. Part of the recommendations for further research include the exploration of an industrially scaled paper-making process by the paper packaging manufacturing industry using KOH to pulp BS fibres. It is also suggested that research be done on using non-decorticated stems and varied concentrations of KOH to establish the most economical method

Effect of Risk Assessment as an Element of Internal Control System on the Quality of Financial Reporting Information in Local Governments of Rwanda

Aminadab Ntahondereye, Gordon O. Opuodho, PhD, Robert Gitau Muigai, PhD — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 11:54:40 +0000

Risk assessment as a component of the internal control system allows the management to stay focused on the entity's pursuit of its operation and produce high-quality financial reporting. Despite the adoption of risk assessment as part of an internal control system for years, Rwanda's local governments faced many persistent problems in their financial reporting information. Thus, this research evaluated the effect of risk assessment as a component of the internal control system on the quality of financial reporting in Rwandan local governments. The study was conducted in the 30 districts of Rwanda. Primary data was collected using the questionnaire, and the reports of the Office of General Auditors of Rwanda were consulted to collect secondary data. The findings from descriptive analysis showed a high level of risk assessment with a mean of 3.87. The level of the quality of financial reporting information was high, with a mean of 4.02. Findings from correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficient between risk assessment and quality of financial reporting information was 0.648, and the p-value was 0.00. The linear equation from regression analysis showed a constant of 2.135, indicating that if the risk assessment as an independent variable stays constant, a positive change in the quality of financial reporting information of 2.135 is observed. The model shows that for a unit increase in risk assessment quality, financial reporting information is predicted to increase by 0.493 units. The management of local governments of Rwanda has been recommended to put more effort into considering the potential for fraud to assess risks for achieving the objective of avoiding public fund embezzlement

Asymmetric Analysis of the Impact of Taxation on Unemployment in Uganda

James Mukoki, Ibrahim Mukisa, Kurayish Ssebulime, Edward Musoke — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:58:21 +0000

Uganda, like most developing countries, has one of the highest tax rates not only in Africa but also in the world. This explains the numerous challenges faced in mobilizing sufficient revenues to fight poverty and improve people’s economic welfare. We, therefore, use a more recent nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model (NARDL) to analyze the impact of higher taxes on the unemployment rate in Uganda. Results indicate that total Unemployment in Uganda is a negative function of both an increase in tax and a negative change in tax. Specifically, if taxes increase, then unemployment decreases by almost 3.9%, and if taxes decrease, then unemployment increases by about 4.9%. Also, the unemployment level decreased by 0.06% with a decrease in the gross capital formation (GFKF). Finally, unemployment also decreases with a rise in GDP and decreases with a decrease in GDP. In a nutshell, Uganda lacks the possibility of making the economy more productive and thus only relies on taxing an already overtaxed economy. Overtaxing an economy kills the possibility of ever building a formidable capital base that can stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty and unemployment. The government, therefore, should cut taxes and level the playing field regarding tax policies for foreign and home-grown investors. Finally, policymakers should also aim to unlock the potential of the informal sector not only to create jobs but also to widen the tax base

Fish Value Addition Practices by Women Fish Vendors in Dar Es Salaam: A Case of Mackerel Fish

Rehema John Magesa, Ponsian Sewando, Lilian Daniel Mkenda — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:35:06 +0000

Fish value addition has been linked with enhanced economy for women vendors worldwide. Despite the existence of enormous benefits linked to value addition, many fish traders in Dar Es Salaam still sell unprocessed fish and fish products while a few of them sell the processed product. A number of practices for fish value addition have been identified through this study conducted in Kinondoni Dar Es Salaam. The study employed a cross-sectional design. The study population was 100 fish traders involved in the fish business. Structured questionnaires were employed. Quantitative and qualitative analysis using frequency table proportions (percentage) was used to interpret the data, and descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. The study established the fish vendors in Dar es Salaam were involved in fish cleaning (14%), grading (23%), processing (52), and packaging (11%). This implies thatthe majority of fish vendors were engaged in processing fish. Further, the study revealed that 5% of respondents were preserving fish in frozen devices, 77% of respondents were frying them, 7% were drying fish in the sun and11% were packing them. This implied that there are a number of methods used to ensure the quality of fish, but the most common one used by women fish vendors was to fry them. It was concluded that Value addition plays a crucial role in enhancing economic returns, expanding market opportunities, reducing waste, improving nutrition, and promoting food security

Beyond Panacea: Deconstructing the Multifaceted Relationship between Procurement Accountability and Quality in the County Government of Kitui, Kenya

Justice Mutua J.N, PhD, Cynthia Korir — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:48:59 +0000

Procurement and supply chain processes in public administration are often scrutinized for their susceptibility to inefficiency and corruption. This research investigated the influence of different accountability mechanisms on the quality of procurement and supply chain management within the Kitui County government in Kenya. Moving beyond a simplistic notion of accountability as mere responsibility, the study adopted a nuanced approach, drawing upon agency theory and institutional theory to analyse the interplay between formal rules, oversight bodies, and stakeholder engagement in shaping procurement outcomes. It examined how these mechanisms influence key quality dimensions like cost-effectiveness, transparency, and value for money. A mixed-method was employed, utilizing both quantitative surveys within the Kitui County procurement department and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. The coefficients of correlation and the P-values were as follows: Accountability (Beta= 0.774, P-value= 0.000<0.05) thus indicating a statistical significance, 1 point increase in accountability increases quality of procurement by 0.774 hence indicating a very strong positive influence. This research serves as a springboard for further investigation into the nuanced dynamics of accountability within public procurement and supply chain management, ultimately aiming to improve quality and deliver greater value for public institutions and their stakeholders

Digital Capability and Performance of Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises: A Review

Joy Kibor — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 13:57:29 +0000

Digital Capability is considered one of the cardinal strategies that MSMEs can adopt to enhance their competitiveness and improve performance. However, several business enterprises continue to experience various setbacks, such as poor performance and slow growth, where almost 70 percent of SMEs close their businesses before their third year in operation. This may be attributed to an unfavorable business environment and rapid technological changes, requiring an equal and efficient change in business strategy. This paper, therefore, sought to assess the effect of digital capability on the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises. Specifically, the study aimed to evaluate the influence of digital infrastructure, organization competency, and digital operations on the performance of Micro, Small, and medium-scale enterprises. The study adopted a qualitative survey design where the scholar did a literature search on different online databases, mainly Google Scholar, EBSCO, and Science Direct. The study was desk research, which involved reviewing academic journals, scholarly articles, and published research. The findings indicated that digital infrastructure, organization competency, and digital operations significantly positively affected the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises. The study recommended that further studies be carried out using quantitative techniques to assess further the relationship between digital capability and the business sustainability of MSMEs

Messenger Marketing Platforms and Performance of Tour Operating Companies in Kenya

Mercy Kaari Bii, Alfred Bett, PhD, Lydia Langat, PhD, Janet Kimeto, PhD — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:04:14 +0000

Messenger marketing is part of global digital trend that acts as a new avenue for tour firms to adopt based on convenience in interaction, ability to reach more audiences and collaboration with customers. The study aimed to examine the effect of messenger marketing on performance of tour operating companies in Kenya. The study was anchored on diffusion innovation theory. Cross-sectional and correlational research design were utilized. The study applied census approach to a target population of 212 general managers of tour operating companies. Online and physical questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The supervisors and experts were used to examine validity of the instrument while Cronbach Alpha was adopted to test reliability was 0.783 which was above a threshold of 0.7, hence reliable. Descriptive statistics consisting of mean and standard deviations were used to summarize data while simple linear regression was used to test significance at 5%. The results revealed that messenger marketing platform was practiced by the tour operating companies through using mobile services platform for sending messages, chatting and soliciting sales. It also assisted in obtaining customer feedback, blogging and chatting with customers. However, the Chatbots were hardly used by firms which adopted artificial intelligence in communicating, sending random messages and could be integrated to existing online platforms. The results indicated that messenger marketing had positive significant effect on the performance of tour operating companies (β1=0.428, P = 0.000<0.05). The study concludes that messenger marketing platform marketing significantly influenced performance of tour operating companies. The study recommends tour operating companies should apply Chatbots, mobile service, mobile commerce and conversation commerce to enhance customer relationship and improve performance

From Reform to Resurgence on Somalia's Journey to Economic Stability and Global Confidence

Mohamed Hassan Mohamed, PhD — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 08:39:49 +0000

Examining Somalia's journey from political instability to economic recovery, this analysis focuses on the significant impact of recent efforts to relieve the country's debt burden. A major achievement was Somalia's successful inclusion in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which granted the nation relief from repaying its debts. This article aims to explore the complex landscape, thoroughly examining the essential role of debt relief. It dissects the factors contributing to economic stability, evaluates the newfound global confidence, analyses elements enhancing investor appeal, and navigates the challenges and opportunities defining the nation's economic resurgence. The challenges arising from the debt write-off include the effective implementation of economic reforms, managing heightened expectations, and addressing the persistent historical political instability that requires ongoing attention. Despite these challenges, opportunities emerge, providing Somalia with the chance to strategically reallocate resources to vital sectors, enhance its attractiveness to investors, and engage in potential global collaborations. This exploration concludes by outlining policy implications for Somalia's policymakers. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable economic reforms, initiatives promoting political stability, prudent resource allocation, the implementation of investor-friendly policies, active participation in international collaborations, and targeted efforts to promote investment. Addressing these policy implications could empower Somalia to transform challenges into catalysts for sustained economic growth and development, charting a course toward a prosperous and resilient future

Mediating Effect of Motivation on the Association between Employee Compensation and Employee Performance in Kenyan Chartered Public Universities

Ruth Mitalo, PhD, Kadian Wanyonyi Wanyama, PhD — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:57:45 +0000

Compensation is crucial to the employee-employer relationship, affecting satisfaction, turnover, absenteeism, commitment, and trust. Fairness in incentives distribution and supportive supervisors are key to motivating academic staff and enhancing performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of employee motivation on the relationship between compensation and performance in Kenyan chartered public universities. The study was based on Expectancy and Maslow Theory. The study adopted positivist research philosophy. It utilized a positivist research approach, adopting a descriptive cross-sectional design. A pilot study was carried out at one university to validate the data collection instrument. Reliability results indicated a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.920. 247 questionnaires were returned out of 382 administered, thus giving a response rate of 64.7%. Data on compensation, motivation, and performance were collected through a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for analysis. Results showed that motivation mediates the relationship between compensation and performance (R2=0.348, F=66.563, p<0.05), positively and significantly. The study concludes that the relationship between employee compensation and employee performance is mediated by positively and significantly by motivation. The study recommends that compensation programs should be well structured so as to promote fairness and also motivate employees

An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Project Planning Management and Performance of Selected Mega-dam Projects in Kenya

Michael Bongei, Paul Sang, Morrisson Mutuku — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:05:28 +0000

The main objective of this paper was to determine the relationship between project planning management and the performance of mega-dam projects in Kenya. This study was guided by positivist research philosophy. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. In this study, the unit of analysis was 18 mega-dam projects launched and completed across Kenya as listed under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation (MoWSI) while the unit of observation was the respective three officials (project manager, project engineer, geospatial engineer) in the MoWSI. A Census of all mega-dams completed in Kenya was conducted. In addition, the study purposively interviewed 5 key stakeholders including the cabinet secretary, permanent secretary from the MWSI, donor, contractor, and one randomly selected beneficiary from the community with the target mega-dam. This formed a total sample size of 180 respondents. Primary data was collected using the semi-structured questionnaires as well as the Key Informant Interview (KII) guide. The combination of quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources and perspectives provided a more comprehensive and robust understanding. Pretesting was done by way of pilot testing to ascertain the validity and reliability of the tools. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize and describe the key characteristics of the data, as well as draw conclusions and make inferences. Correlation snalysis found that project planning management had a positive significant relationship with the performance of selected mega-dam projects in Kenya (r= 0.869, p<0.05). Furthermore, regression found that the project planning management coefficient is 0.497, suggesting that a one-unit improvement in project planning management corresponds to a 0.497 improvement in the performance of these mega-dam projects. Based on the findings, the study concluded that project planning management positively and significantly influences the performance of selected mega-dam projects in Kenya. This study therefore recommends that project managers should give priority to project planning management

Investigating the Influence of Project Initiation Management on Performance of Mega-dam Projects: Empirical Evidence from Kenya

Michael Bongei, Paul Sang, Morrisson Mutuku — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:05:44 +0000

Performance of large projects including mega-dams could be associated with strict adherence to project life cycle (PLC) phases while considering the risks such as displacement of people and natural ecosystem disturbance. Understanding these risks helps project managers and stakeholders make informed decisions thus creating a positive legacy for the project in the long run. The main objective of the research was to determine how project initiation management influences the performance of mega-dam projects in Kenya. This study was guided by positivist research philosophy. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. In this study, the unit of analysis was 18 mega-dam projects launched and completed across Kenya as listed under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation (MoWSI) while the unit of observation was the respective three officials (project manager, project engineer, geospatial engineer) in the MoWSI. A Census of all mega-dams completed in Kenya was conducted. In addition, the study purposively interviewed 5 key stakeholders including the cabinet secretary, permanent secretary from the MWSI, donor, contractor, and one randomly selected beneficiary from the community with the target mega-dam. This formed a total sample size of 180 respondents. Primary data was collected using the semi-structured questionnaires as well as the Key Informant Interview (KII) guide. Quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources and perspectives provided a more comprehensive and robust understanding. Pretesting was done by way of pilot testing to ascertain the validity and reliability of the tools. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize and describe the key characteristics of the data, as well as draw conclusions and make inferences. Correlation findings showed that project initiation management and performance of selected mega-dam projects in Kenya have a strong positive and significant relationship (r= 0.874, p<0.05). In addition, regression findings showed that one-unit rise in project initiation management corresponds to a 0.433 improvement in the performance of these mega-dam projects. Based on the findings, the study concluded that project initiation management positively and significantly influences the performance of selected mega-dam projects in Kenya. This study therefore recommends that project managers should give priority to project initiation management

Employees’ Motivation and Local Governments Performance in Tanzania: A Case Mvomero District Council

Kelvin Njunwa, PhD — Thu, 02 May 2024 09:49:58 +0000

Employee motivation is a universal concept that is accepted by human resource practitioners as a tool to improve organizational performance. This study sought to examine the effects of employee motivation in improving performance in local governments in Tanzania. The study aims at examining the contribution of employee motivation to local governments in Tanzania. This paper adopted a research case design whereby Mvomero District Council was the case study. A sample size of 78 respondents was taken for the study. The study adopted a mixed approach whereby qualitative and quantitative approaches in the data collection process. The data was collected through key informant interviews and questionnaires. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents were negative about the employee motivation provided in Mvomero District Council, especially at ward and village levels. The findings also, found that there is a positive relationship between employees’ motivation and employees’ performance. The higher the employee’s motivation the higher the employee’s performance. The study indicated that employees are motivated by financial motivation rather than non-financial motivation. The study concluded that there is a greater relationship between employee performance and employee motivation and employees in rural settings are less motivated compared to their counterparts in an urban setting. The study recommended that the government incentives policies should be reversed not only to motivate top management levels and consider middle and lower levels employees. The study also, recommended for the Mvomero District Council to improve the working conditions of the employees who are working in remote areas

The Moderating Effect of Internal Controls on the Relationship Between Supplier Pre-Qualification and Procurement Performance in Public Universities in Kenya

Jonah Kibet Laboso, Pauline Jeruto Keitany, PhD, Isaac Naibei, PhD — Fri, 24 May 2024 13:19:11 +0000

As publicly funded institutions, public universities are expected to follow a competitive and systematic tendering process when procuring goods or services. Despite legislation and regulations aimed at ensuring adherence to international best practices and promoting integrity and accountability, there have been instances of inefficiencies in the tendering process, particularly within public universities. The purpose of this study was to assess the moderating effect of internal controls on the relationship between supplier pre-qualification and procurement performance in public universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on stakeholder theory. A positivist research philosophy and a correlational research design was adopted. Target population of the study was 1,016 employees from the selected public universities. The study adopted stratified and simple random sampling to select a sample of 287 respondents. Primary data was obtained using a structured questionnaire, which was self-administered using a drop-and-pick later technique. The validity of the research instrument was ensured through an extensive literature review and consultation with subject experts and supervisors from the procurement department. The reliability of the instrument was examined through a pilot study involving 29 respondents from the University of Kabianga where a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.834 was obtained. The obtained quantitative data was analysed descriptively using means, frequencies, and standard deviation, and inferentially, correlation and regression analysis were used. The study established that internal controls had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between pre-qualification (R2, change of 0.075; p<0.05), and procurement performance. The study concluded that pre-qualification of suppliers, was an important factor in determining the procurement performance in public universities because it significantly explained the change in procurement performance. Therefore, the study recommends that public universities improve internal controls to ensure efficiency in the supplier pre-qualification process as well as the procurement performance in public universities in Kenya. The study findings could be significant to the management of public institutions and policymakers in public procurement, enhancing knowledge in academia and theory development in procurement activities

Loan Repayment Performance on Smallholder Tobacco Contract Farmers. A Case of Ward 21 Marondera District, Mashonaland East Province

Mon, 27 May 2024 07:25:06 +0000

This study examined the factors affecting loan repayment performance among smallholder tobacco contract farmers in Mashonaland East Province in Marondera District, Ward 21. The study was a quantitative research. A total of 222 respondents were administered with structured questionnaires to provide the relevant information. The information was gathered from respondents in Ward 21 Marondera District using the multistage sampling technique. A Linear regression model was applied to analyse factors that affected tobacco output and a Probit model was applied to analyse factors that affected loan repayment performance among smallholder tobacco farmers. The majority of the respondents who participated were males and they were the ones making household financial decisions. Results from the linear regression model showed that of the 9 variables that were tested, education level, tobacco land irrigation land and farm experience were significant at a 5% level of significance. Results from the probit model showed that of the 27 variables that were tested, household size, land size, experience, other loans due, other crop enterprise, loan purpose, other sources of income and side marketing were found statistically significant at a 5% level of significance. Therefore, it is recommended that the lenders pay much attention to land size, experience and the size of households of the farmers before extending credit to them as these were found to be contributing the highest variance in loan repayment performance

Exploring the Root Causes of Low Household Income among Smallholder Farmers in Kamuli District, Busoga Region, Uganda

Ronald Gideon Lubaale, Johnson Ocan, PhD, Francis Akena Adyanga, PhD — Mon, 27 May 2024 08:02:32 +0000

This study investigated the root causes of low household incomes among smallholder farmers in Kamuli District, Busoga Region, Uganda. Employing a mixed methods approach, the research integrated quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to comprehensively explore the factors influencing household income. The study population comprised 100 smallholder farmers and 20 key informants, totalling 120 respondents. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used to select respondents. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, and reliability statistics indicated a high level of internal consistency among survey items. Qualitative data was analysed by using thematic analysis. The findings revealed significant challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Kamuli District. These challenges were categorized into agricultural production practices and technologies, institutional factors and market dynamics, and environmental factors and shocks. Limited adoption of modern agricultural practices, poor market access, and climate variability emerged as key impediments to income generation. Possible strategies to address these challenges were identified, including the adoption of modern agricultural practices, investment in training and extension services, infrastructure improvements, access to credit, and establishment of farmer cooperative associations. These strategies aimed to enhance agricultural productivity, market access, and resilience to environmental shocks. The study underscored the interconnectedness of challenges faced by smallholder farmers and emphasized the need for integrated interventions involving technological innovations, institutional reforms, and climate adaptation measures. Collaboration among stakeholders was essential to implement effective solutions and promote sustainable development in agricultural communities. By addressing the root causes of low household income, this study sought to contribute to poverty reduction and food security in Kamuli District and beyond

Technological Factors and Performance of Roads Construction Projects in Nairobi County, Kenya

Akuto Musaeh B. P. Kamarkor, Paul K. Sang, PhD, David Nzuki, PhD — Wed, 29 May 2024 12:16:57 +0000

The successful construction of roads plays a pivotal role in driving Kenya’s economic development, aligning with the objectives outlined in Kenya’s Vision 2030. However, the suboptimal performance of road construction projects in Nairobi County can be attributed to the continually evolving environmental factors. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the relationship between technological factors and performance of roads construction projects in Nairobi County. The theoretical foundations guiding this study encompassed open system theory. Utilizing a positive research philosophy, the study adopted a descriptive and explanatory research design. This research focused on a target population comprising 176 concluded roads construction projects within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, executed by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA). The unit of analysis focused on the completed roads construction projects in Nairobi County. The unit of observation included road engineers, project planners, and directors associated with KERRA, along with road supervisors, inspectors, surveyors, contractors, and members of project implementation teams. Proportional stratified sampling was employed to determine a sample size of 253 respondents. Data collection involved the use of a structured questionnaire. The study embraced descriptive and inferential statistics. The results were presented through tables, and inferential statistics were carried out using linear regression. The study unveiled a positive and significant relationship between technological factors (t=2.270, p<0.05) with project performance. In conclusion, the study establishes a discernible relationship between technological and project performance. The research recommends that managers are urged to embrace digitization and automation, leveraging on technology to address complex technicalities before and during construction

Analysis of Blue Ocean Strategies on the Performance of Roofing Sheet Manufacturers in Kenya

Justice Mutua, PhD, Charity Chacha — Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The production and uptake of locally manufactured roofing sheets have been on a steady downward trajectory over the last ten years, leading to a significant decline in revenue and employment in the sector. Kenya's roofing sheet production fell more than 8 percent in 2019 following a decline that started with weakening demand in 2010. Blue ocean strategies prescribe a path to positively sustaining performance by shifting firms from cut-throat market competition (the red ocean) to a wide-open new, uncontested market space (the blue ocean). The main purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of blue ocean strategies on the performance of roofing sheet manufacturers in Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were to establish the effect of value innovation strategy, examine the effect of customer acquisition strategy, evaluate the effect of competitor elimination strategy on the performance of roofing sheet manufacturers in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed research method and employed a descriptive research design. The target population consisted of 241 employees drawn from all the fifteen (15) roofing sheet manufacturers in Kenya registered with the Kenya Association of Manufactures (KAM), from whom a sample size of one hundred and twenty-seven (127) employees was selected using the Krejcie and Morgan table formula. The findings of this study have illuminated a statistically significant positive effect of Blue Ocean strategies on firm performance, albeit with variations among specific strategies. These statistics imply that 51% of the variance in the performance of roofing sheet manufacturers can be attributed to the adoption of the blue ocean strategy. Consequently, the study recommends that roofing sheet manufacturers must prioritize the adoption of need-based value innovation and customer acquisition strategies overall blue ocean strategies over any other strategies therein to ensure sustainable performance

Essential Human Resource Metrics and Analytics for Sustainable Work Environments: Literature Mapping and Conceptual Synthesis

Ann Gaceri Kaaria, PhD — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 19:41:58 +0000

Human resource (HR) metrics and analytics play a critical part in creating sustainable work environments in today's fast-paced and cutthroat business environment. The present study aims to investigate the critical HR metrics and analytics required for establishing and preserving sustainable work environments in organizations through a thorough mapping of the literature and conceptual synthesis. In order to evaluate and improve sustainability factors including employee engagement, retention, productivity, well-being, diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI), and environmental sustainability practices, a wide range of HR metrics and analytics are examined in this study. By means of a methodical examination of extant literature and academic sources, this study pinpoints crucial HR metrics and analytics frameworks that facilitate sustainable work practices. In order to clarify the interactions and connections between these HR analytics and indicators and their effects on sustainable work environments, the study also performs a conceptual synthesis. The study intended to provide insights into how organisations may use HR metrics and analytics to promote sustainability initiatives and develop positive work cultures by synthesising actual facts and theoretical frameworks. The findings from this research contribute to advancing the understanding of the strategic role of HR metrics and analytics in promoting sustainability within organizations. By adopting a data-driven approach and utilizing relevant metrics and analytics tools, HR professionals and organizational leaders can make informed decisions, implement targeted interventions, and cultivate work environments that foster employee well-being, organizational resilience, and long-term sustainability. This research offers valuable guidance for HR practitioners, researchers, and policymakers seeking to enhance sustainability practices in the workplace

Sustainable Human Resource Management and Sustainability: A Survey on Nairobi Securities Exchange Listed Companies, Kenya

Hellen W. Sang, PhD — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:20:49 +0000

According to IISD (International Institute for Sustainable Development) “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’’. However, many organizations focus on short-term profits while the contribution of human resource management towards sustainable development is pushed to the margins. Intensive labour practices, poor working conditions and poor work systems in Kenya are some of the issues that have been found not to contribute towards sustainability in organizations and in keeping with the 8th sustainable development goal of Promoting “sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”. Lack of focus on sustainable human resource management practices will make it difficult for Kenya to achieve Vision 2030 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-goals). Sustainable Human Resource management focuses on managing the people resources in an organization so as to achieve long-term sustainable goals that not only benefit the organization but also the society and the environment at large. This Paper is a literature review and analysis on sustainable Human Resource Management and its benefits to the employees, their families and society at large by exploring sustainable HR practices, sustainable work systems and sustainable resource management that also provide for the sustainable performance of organizations in keeping with the need for corporate sustainability. The paper also explores reporting on sustainable HRM practices as part of corporate sustainability reporting in Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed firms

Influence of Transactional Leadership Style on Performance of Agricultural Enterprises in Kenya

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 18:49:52 +0000

The influence of Transactional Leadership Style on the Performance of Agricultural Enterprises in Kenya has been evaluated. The assessment of agricultural enterprises' performance encompassed both financial and non-financial indicators. The microenterprise sector, a significant catalyst for economic expansion in Kenya and numerous other countries, has been overlooked in prior research that concentrated on large corporations. The overarching theory was the Path Goal Theory of Leadership. Academics have predominantly adopted quantitative methodologies, neglecting the potentially explanatory value of qualitative approaches. The objective of the study was to assess the influence of the transactional leadership style on the performance of agricultural enterprises in Kenya with a null hypothesis linked to it. The Study utilized explanatory sequential mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were gathered using closed-ended questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered using interview guides and focused group discussion guides. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The research sample consisted of 222 leaders and employees out of the population of 525 from a census of 105 agricultural enterprises for the quantitative study. Qualitative research adopted a sample of 40 participants. The quantitative was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 28.0.1. Inferential statistics was used to test the hypothesis while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis to arrive at conclusions and recommendations. The results revealed that Transactional Leadership Style significantly influenced the performance of agricultural enterprises in Kenya. The study concludes that agricultural enterprises in Kenya can significantly enhance their performance by incorporating transactional Leadership Style. Capacity building organizations, donor agencies and government agencies wanting should develop policies that help enterprises to adopt transactional leadership style for enhanced performance to address challenges of food security

Assessment of Relationship Between Human Resource Planning Strategies and Job Satisfaction in the Lake Region Economic Bloc County Governments in Kenya

Joash Omosa, Grace Mwangi, PhD, Caroline Igoki, PhD, Ruth Muriithi, PhD — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:34:54 +0000

Human resource planning encompasses predicting quantity, quality and category of human resources requirements in organizations to ensure that they are suitably redeployed and utilized optimally by organizations. Accurate predictions ease the rationalization of staff to improve its performance and create a conducive working environment. In that regard, organizations in the public and private sectors are formulating and deploying several strategies to enhance employee job satisfaction and gain a competitive edge. Despite the emphasis on job satisfaction, a review of available literature indicated limited focus on the relationship between human resource planning strategies and job satisfaction. This paper assessed the relationship between human resource planning strategies and job satisfaction in Kenya's Lake Region Economic Bloc County Governments. The study used the equity theory and the target population was all employees engaged by the 14 counties in Kenya's Lake Region Economic Bloc County Governments. Three counties: Kisumu, Bomet and Kakamega, which had employed 14,361 workers were sampled. The study sample consisted of 374 respondents, who arrived at the study using the Morgan and Krejcie sampling formula. A questionnaire was used to collect data analysed using SPSS for descriptive and inferential statistics and presented using tables. Regression analysis indicated that human resource planning strategies are positively and significantly related to job satisfaction (B = 0.939, p = .000). Thus, the study concluded that a significant relationship exists between human resource planning strategies and job satisfaction in Kenya's Lake Region Economic Bloc County Governments. The study recommends that county governments in the Lake Region Economic Bloc in Kenya emphasize implementing forecasting and restructuring strategies objectively and rationally to enhance employees' job satisfaction