Kenyatta University Repository
Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution
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Service Automation, Data Analytics and Digital Payment Solutions: The Future of Competitive Advantage of Commercial Banks in Kenya
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2025-07) Musau, Nelly Nthenya; Muathe, Stephen Makau
In an era of rapidly evolving technologies, the banking industry in Kenya must adopt digital transformation to enhance competitiveness and improve customer experience. This study examined the effect of digital transformation strategies on the competitive advantage of commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya, with a focus on three key dimensions: service automation, data analytics, and digital payment solutions. Theoretically, grounded in the Generic Competitive Strategies Framework, the Resource-Based View, the Dynamic Capabilities theory, the Technology Acceptance Model and the Diffusion of Innovation theory, the study employed a descriptive research design targeting 412 functional heads across 39 commercial banks stratified by size. A multi-stage sampling approach that combined proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques was used to select a sample of 203 participants determined by Yamane’s formula. Primary data were collected through structured surveys, with the research instrument validated by subject matter experts among 15 respondents to ensure reliability. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient confirmed internal consistency (threshold ≥ 0.7). Data analysis utilised descriptive and inferential statistics, with findings presented visually for clarity. Results demonstrated that service automation, data analytics and digital payment solutions strategies significantly influenced competitive advantage, although their individual effects varied. These findings highlight the need for a strategic customer-centric approach to digital transformation, advocating for selective automation that preserves human interaction in high-value services, improved feedback mechanisms, robust data governance and advanced analytics tools. In addition, banks should refine digital payments, promoting user experience, fraud prevention and service differentiation supported by regulatory frameworks that foster security and innovation.
Contribution of Different Frass Fertilizer Products on Enhanced Growth, Yield and Nutrient Quality of Broccoli [Brassica Oleracea]
(Frontiers in Plant Science, 2025-08) Kagehi, Noella; Beesigamukama,Dennis; Tanga, Chrysantus M.; Ngugi, Mathew P.; Subramanian, Sevgan; Khamis, Fathiya M.
Vegetables are crucial for food security and income, but in developing countries their production is hindered by low soil fertility. Although the insect frass fertilizer is a potential solution, its use is constrained by limited product choices. Unlike conventional fertilizers, which are available in different forms, the insect frass fertilizer is mostly available in solid form. Here, we evaluated the effects of different black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) products on broccoli [Brassica oleracea] growth, yield, and nutritional profiles. Solid, liquid BSFFF, chitin-fortified solid BSFFF, chitin-fortified liquid BSFFF, and commercial organic fertilizer (Safi) were applied at rates equivalent to 250 kg N ha-1 for two cropping seasons. The control treatment consisted of unfertilized soil. Results showed that solid and chitin-fortified solid BSFFF products significantly increased broccoli leaf growth and chlorophyll concentration by 54% and 11%, respectively, compared to the other BSFFF products. Soils amended with BSFFF products produced broccoli with higher number of heads (28 – 158%), fresh yield (26 – 138%), dry yield (17 – 60%), and aboveground biomass (7 – 117%) compared to Safi and control treatments. Broccoli grown in soil amended with BSFFF had higher nitrogen (84%), phosphorus (93%), potassium (51%) uptake, and agronomic use efficiency (4.6-fold) as compared to Safi and the control. Additionally, the application liquid BSFFF produced broccoli heads with higher levels of crude fat (61%), carbohydrates (16%), and calcium (38%) compared to other BSFFF products. Conversely, broccoli grown using chitin-fortified BSFFF exhibited the highest levels of crude protein, potassium, crush ash, and phosphorus. The net income and gross margin achieved with BSFFF treatments were 19 – 26-fold and 29 – 63-fold higher than values obtained Safi, respectively, with higher profitability achieved using chitin-fortified BSFFF formulations. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of different BSFFF formulations in supporting circular economy for safe vegetable production, and improved food and nutrition security
Access to Credit and Firm Performance: Evidence from Micro and Small Enterprises in Murang’a County, Kenya
(Journal of Business and Management Sciences, 2025-07) Karanja, Johnson Muguro; Muathe, Stephen Makau A.
Report on the Kenya National Human Development [1] showed that among the challenges still facing MSEs in Kenya is lack of access to credit due to financial institutions requiring collateral as well as inadequate entrepreneurial skills. Despite the provision of affordable credit through the funds, micro and small enterprises in Murang’a County that has continued to record poor performance, which begs the question of the effectiveness of the various efforts and their contribution to improved performance of the MSEs. The study focused on collateral requirement, credit assessment, credit information sharing and cost of credit and their implication on performance of micro and small enterprises in Murang’a County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the resource-based view, dynamic capability theory, pecking order theory, entrepreneurship theory of Shane, innovation of entrepreneurship theory as well as the traits theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design where 1,020 registered SMEs in Murang’a County were targeted, of which 287 were selected through a stratified and random sampling techniques. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data which was later analyzed through means and standard deviations as well as multiple regression analysis and presented through tables and figures. The study established that collateral requirements (β=.420, p
Assessment of the Accessibility Level to Available Learning Resources and Their Influence on Performance of Learners with Hearing Impairment in Selected Public Junior Secondary Schools in Kisii, Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025-07) Ogembo, M. Caroline; Awori, Beatrice Bunyasi
The purpose of this study was to investigate dynamics of accessibility to learning resources and their impact on performance among learners with hearing impairment, with special reference to selected public Junior Secondary Schools in Kisii County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework which emphasizes varied methods of engagement, representation, and expression to accommodate diverse learner needs in learning environments. The contention of the study is that despite government efforts to enhance education for learners with hearing impairments (HI) in Kenya, their academic performance remains a significant concern. Many existing studies tend to overlook the unique needs of HI learners, focusing instead on other forms of disability. The study adopted a descriptive research design involving 188 participants. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and direct observations. Analysis was conducted using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that access to learning resources, particularly reading materials, plays a critical role in improving academic outcomes for HI learners. However, accessibility was hindered by challenges such as frequent power outages, limited availability of textbooks and specialized resources, out-dated materials, and inadequate maintenance of existing tools. To address these barriers, the study recommends investing in reliable electricity infrastructure, regularly updating learning materials, and providing resources in formats accessible to learners with HI. Additionally, equipping schools with adequate reading and writing materials, as well as digital tools such as laptops and tablets, is essential to support technology assisted and inclusive learning. The study also calls for broader research across all educational levels to better inform policy development and strengthen inclusive education initiatives in Kenya.
Epidemiology of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli among Children under Five Years in Kenya’s Urban Informal Settlement
(Frontiers in Microbiology, 2025-08) Njuguna, Amos; Maingi, John M.; Mbae, Cecilia; Otieno, Phelgona; Kering, Kelvin; Mbithi, Winfred; Kioko, Christine; Osman, Rahma; Kibet, Evans; Kariuki, Samuel
Introduction: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a significant cause of diarrheal morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years, particularly in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ETEC and associated risk factors among children under five presenting with diarrhea in health facilities in Mukuru slums of Nairobi, Kenya, where poor sanitation and hygiene practices are prevalent. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we recruited 387 children under five years of age with acute diarrhea. Total nucleic acid (TNA) was extracted from stool samples and analyzed using a PCR-based customized TaqMan Array Card (TAC), which included three ETEC toxin genes (LT, STh, and STp) and six ETEC colonization factors (CFs). A structured questionnaire was employed to collect participants information. Findings: ETEC was detected in 148/387 samples, yielding a prevalence of 38.2% (95% CI: 34.2–42.2%). Both heat-labile and heat-stable (LT/ST) enterotoxin genes were the most common (43%) followed by heat-labile (30%), and heatstable (27%). Colonization factors (CF) were present in 52% (77/148) of ETECpositive samples with CS6 being the most frequently detected CF at 36.3% (28/77). Children aged 13–24 months had significantly elevated odds of infection (aOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.36–4.52, p = 0.003), as well as those aged 25–36 month (aOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.10–4.10, p = 0.025), 37–48 months (aOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.21–4.97, p = 0.013), and 49–59 months (aOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.12–6.01, p = 0.027). Households lacking access to private flush toilets exhibited a tripled risk (aOR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.38–6.71, p = 0.006) of ETEC positivity. Conclusion: These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including improved sanitation and hygiene practices and vaccine introduction, to mitigate the burden of ETEC-related diarrhea among high-risk populations in disease endemic settings.