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Board Structure and Profitability of Manufacturing and Allied Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-08) Githiomi, Purity
Kenya’s manufacturing and allied sector is vital to the country’s growth economically. For Kenya’s vision 2030 to be realized, the sector is essential. However, manufacturing industry has experienced a downturn throughout time. Manufacturing gross domestic product of Kenya has experienced declining performances from 11.16% in 2011 to 7.24% in 2022. Therefore, the survey purposely ascertained how structure of the board affects financial performances of firms in manufacturing and allied industries listed on NSE. In particular, the study evaluated the influence of board size, gender composition and independence on financial performances of manufacturing companies registered on Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. Resource based, agency, stewardship, institutional and dynamic capability theories served as theoretical reviews for the study. To achieve this, an explanatory method of design was used. Census sampling was utilized to sample all eight (8) manufacturing and allied firms listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange. Secondary data was utilized for the study. Diagnostic tests encompassing homoscedasticity, autocorrelation, multicollinearity, stationarity, and specification were applied on the panel data, obtained from firms' audited financial statements and financial reports from 2015-2022, was analyzed using panel multiple regression analysis, correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and frequency). 0.05 significance level was applied as threshold for hypothesis testing. All ethical morals were followed carefully. Outcomes unveiled in the study showed a significant positive effect of board independence on financial performance; board size yielded an insignificant negative effect on financial performance; board gender diversity uncovered an insignificant positive effect on financial performance; while a insignificant moderating effect of firm size on the relationship between board structure and financial performance within Kenyan manufacturing and allied firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange was revealed. The study recommends that the board independence should be strengthened to enhance the financial performance of the firms as this would allow for greater independence in decision of the board as it pertains to the financial performance of the studied firms in Kenya. The study contributes to the development of a more comprehensive theoretical framework that accounts for the unique institutional and cultural factors influencing corporate governance in Kenya. The study also provides a basis for developing evidence-based policies that encourage best practices in board structure and promote the profitability of manufacturing firms. Furthermore, the study helps boards of directors understand the importance of factors such as size, independence, and diversity in enhancing their effectiveness.
Macroeconomic Determinants and Financial Performance of Real Estate Sector In Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-03) Mburu, Charles
The financial success of the real estate sector has played a significant role in global economies, including Kenya, where it is used as an indicator for predicting real estate demand and overall economic performance. In Kenya, the real estate industry makes up over 9% of the country's GDP, although seeing a decline in financial performance. The average uptake of real estate properties decreased from 23.3% in 2020 to 20.9% in 2021. The decline in the sector can be attributed to adverse economic conditions related to financing, a significant increase of 48.0% in nonperforming loans (NPLs) within the same timeframe, a rise in construction costs, intensified competition, and a decrease in demand due to various macroeconomic factors. This phenomenon has resulted in the loss of employment opportunities, the relocation of investors, and deterioration in overall sector performance. The association between macroeconomic aspects and the overall success of the real estate industry has garnered significant attention from scholars, leading to varying findings across different regions worldwide. Insufficient attention has been given to the examination of the impact of macroeconomic drivers on the financial wellbeing of the real estate industry in the Kenyan market. Hence, this research aimed to assess the impact of macroeconomic determinants on the financial wellbeing of the Kenyan real estate industry. The primary aim of this research was to ascertain the bearing of exchange rates, interest rates, inflation rates, and GDP on the financial performance of the real estate industry. The research was underpinned on the theoretical frameworks of real estate cycle theory, loanable fund theory, classical theory of inflation, and balance of payments theory of exchange. The research design utilized in this research was a causal-effect design. The research focused on the population of the Kenyan real estate business. The research utilized secondary data sourced from the repository of the CBK and the Economic Survey Reports published by the KNBS for the period spanning from 2013 to 2022. The data was subjected to analysis using a VAR time series regression model. This approach enabled the computation of descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations), and inferential statistics for conducting correlational analysis and VAR time series analysis. The data that was analyzed was displayed in the form of tables and graphs. Prior to doing the actual analysis, the researcher performed diagnostic tests like normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, optimum lag selection, stationarity and autocorrelation for time series regression. Ultimately, strict adherence to ethical principles was ensured. The study suggested that foreign exchange, interest rate, inflation, and GDP, when analyzed individually, each had a statistically significant bearing on the financial health of the property industry. As a result, these hypotheses were rejected. The research determined that foreign exchange rates, interest rates, inflation, and GDP do have an impact on the financial performance of the property industry. The report recommended that the property industry should assess the existing risks and identify the currencies involved with the assistance of a foreign exchange specialist. This serves as a foundation for several tactics that may be employed, including pre-purchasing the currency, using dollar-cost averaging, utilizing forward contracts, employing limit orders, and exploring other temporal alternatives. Equally, the research advises making safer investments for investors wishing to lower the risks associated with interest rates, investing in bonds and certificates with short maturities since they are the safest option. Additionally, the research advises implementing a contractionary monetary strategy and also, real estate firms have more cash so they may raise capital, enhance technology, and grow.
Analysis of Boundary Layer Flow Second-Grade Hybrid Nanofluid Subject to Lorentz Force
(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Chege, Stephen Njoroge
Fluids are non-solids that usually change shape under the action of shear stress. Over the past two decades, fluid thermophysical properties have been refined by the use of nanoparticles in the field of nanotechnology. The addition of nanoparticles has been a sure way of steadily improving fluid behaviour. Hybrid nanofluids have been of major interest to researchers. This is because more advancement in fluid behaviour has been achieved by the use of two dissimilar nanoparticles in a base fluid compared to the use of just one nanoparticle. Since major progress has been achieved, a variety of issues have also arisen like what would happen to the fluid properties when the stress tensor to strain tensor relationship is up to derivatives of order two. Multiple studies have been done on first-grade hybrid nanofluid flow (a subclass of Newtonian fluids) with little emphasis on second-grade hybrid nanofluids (a subclass of non-Newtonian fluids) research. So far, no researcher has considered the influence of Lorentz force on a second-grade hybrid nanofluid flow. To bridge this gap, this study analyses the boundary layer flow of second-grade hybrid nanofluid subject to Lorentz force. The nanoparticles used are TiO_2 and MoS_2 due to their great lubricating and efficient heat transfer properties. This study’s outcome will provide theoretical information to industries dealing with electronic and automotive cooling systems on how to improve their heat transfer efficiency. This will be done by indicating how to adjust the parameters of interest for maximum yield at the end of this study. The flow is on a surface of uniform thickness. The surface is linearly stretching horizontally and the fluid flow is experiencing perpendicular magnetic influence. The governing non-linear equations are formulated and rendered dimensionless via similarity variables. The resulting boundary condition equations are transformed to initial condition equations by use of shooting technique in MATLAB bvp4c. The IVP is then numerically solved by Runge Kutta (4) method in MATLAB bvp4c. The parameters of interest in the study are the second-grade fluid and magnetic strength parameters. These parameters are simulated and the results are presented graphically. Fluid’s velocity profile rises with increasing volume fraction and fluctuates with increasing fluid parameters and magnetic strength. The temperature profile grows with the Prandtl number and magnetic field and decreases with the increase in volume fraction and the second-grade fluid parameter.
Monitoring and Evaluation Approaches and Performance of Dam Project: A Case of Umaa Dam in Kitui County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) John, Priscillah Mutethya
Kitui County, located in the eastern region of Kenya, has been the focus of various dam projects aimed at improving water supply, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting local communities. However, several of these projects have faced challenges that have led to inadequate performance. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the influence of monitoring and evaluation approaches on the performance of the Umaa dam project in Kitui County, Kenya. Specifically, the study analyzed the influence of feedback systems, stakeholder participation approach, logical framework approach, and results measurement approach on the performance of the Umaa dam project in Kitui County. The guiding theories for this study were the theory of change, results-based management theory, and the balanced scorecard model. A descriptive research design was implemented to carry out this study. The focus of the study was on the Umaa dam project in Kitui County, and a total of 45 respondents were selected from various sectors and organizations involved in the project, including county and national government, contracting, and consultation organizations. The study participants were provided with semi-structured questionnaires to collect primary data. Descriptive analysis was used to calculate frequencies, means, and standard deviations, while inferential statistics such as correlation and regression analysis were employed to assess the strength of relationships between variables. Prior to conducting these analyses, diagnostic tests were performed to ensure data distribution, including normality and multi-collinearity tests. Furthermore, qualitative data collected was subjected to content analysis. The study findings revealed that feedback systems, stakeholder participation approach, logical framework approach, and results management approach all had a positive and significant influence on the performance of the Umaa dam project in Kitui County, Kenya. Based on these results, the study concludes that feedback systems build upon the PM&E tradition and are compatible with logframes. Furthermore, stakeholder participation in M&E activities can ensure that all relevant stakeholders have a clear understanding of the evaluation process's objectives and purpose. The logical framework approach is particularly useful during the initial stages of a project to assess the relevance and usefulness of project ideas and concepts. Lastly, a results-based management approach allows project managers to effectively monitor the project's success, enabling them to identify any issues or successes early on. In light of these conclusions, the study recommends tailoring feedback mechanisms to the local context and integrating them into local political structures and processes. Additionally, project managers should engage with stakeholders during the planning stages, involve them in the data collection process, and share the findings of M&E with them. Lastly, project managers should conduct a problem analysis to identify the main problems and establish cause-and-effect relationships associated with these problems. It is also important to develop a clear, realistic, relevant, and stakeholder-aligned results framework.
Computer-assisted learning on English language writing skills among learners with hearing impairments in Kiambu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Wangui, Veronicah Wambui
Despite research showing that integration of CAL in the teaching and learning process has helped to improve performance in different learning areas, data has continued reveals that learners with hearing impairments perform dismally in English writing skills. The purpose of this study was therefore to ascertain the effectiveness of CAL in improving writing skills of secondary school learners with HI in Kiambu county Kenya. The following four objectives guided the study; determine the level of English writing skills of learners prior to the implementation of CAL at Kambui School for HI, establish the effect of CAL on learners’ English writing skills, investigate how learners' degree of hearing loss affects English writing skills when using CAL and when using CAL, determine the effect of gender and age on English writing skills. The study was guided by the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. The study adopted single subject Quasi-Experimental research design. The study was conducted at Kambui Secondary School for the hearing impaired. The study consisted of 19 participants who were learners with hearing impairments: 8 female and 11 were male. The Written Test of Language Development was administered before and after the treatment. Treatment using CAL was provided using the English Grammar Test application. Quantitative data was collected and analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistics and results were displayed in frequency distribution tables. Results showed that learners with HI improved their English writing skills after utilizing CAL. In addition, hard of hearing learners performed better than their deaf counterparts in English writing skills when using CAL. As a result, the study concluded that CAL positively influences English writing skills of learners with HI. Consequently, the researcher recommends that KICD should consider digitizing content and resources on writing skills for learners with hearing impairments. Currently, learners with hearing impairments struggle to access the curriculum using different pedagogical methods than their hearing peers, which leads to an overreliance on sign language and traditional pedagogies.