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Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution
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Dynamic capabilities and performance of commercial banks in Nairobi city county, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2026-09) Gathambo, Margaret Nduta
Commercial banks play a crucial function in enabling economic activities and ensuring financial stability within an economy. However, despite their undeniable significance, they have grappled with performance obstacles, as evidenced by a downturn in profitability, fluctuating returns on assets, market share volatility, and inconsistent returns on equity. This research intends to determine the effect of dynamic capabilities on the profitability of commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, the study confirmed the influence of innovative capability, technical knowledge ability, learning culture ability, and service quality ability on the performance of commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was supported by four frameworks: Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Resource-Based View Theory, Organizational Learning Theory, and the Balanced Scorecard Theory. This research employed a descriptive research design along with a purposeful sampling method. The intended audience consisted of 38 commercial banking institutions located in Nairobi City County, Kenya. A total of 228 employees working at these commercial banks participated in the survey. In this study, participants were categorized based on their different departments. A straightforward random sampling method was employed to choose participants from each group, ensuring that every individual in the population has an equal opportunity for selection. The group included 102 employees. Semi-structured questionnaires were employed for data collection, utilizing a drop-off and pick-up method later. Face and content validity were assessed by obtaining expert opinions, while reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, with a threshold of 0.7 deemed acceptable. The information was examined using descriptive statistics and multiple regression methods, with the results presented in tables, charts, and graphs. Ethical issues such as confidentiality and voluntary involvement were tackled to safeguard participants' rights and privacy. In general, the study seeks to clarify how dynamic capabilities can enhance the performance of commercial banks, providing significant insights for industry professionals and policymakers within the banking field. The capacities for innovation, technical knowledge, service quality, and learning culture were identified as having a significant positive impact on the performance of commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The research finds that innovative abilities allow banks to automate repetitive tasks, which decreases the time and resources needed for operations. Technical expertise allows banks to utilize data analytics to comprehend customer preferences and behaviors. Cultural competence allows bank employees to engage effectively with clients from various backgrounds, building trust and rapport. Excellent service quality results in enhanced customer satisfaction, which subsequently promotes loyalty. Content customers are more inclined to stay with their bank, lowering churn rates. The research suggests that banks ought to improve and advance their mobile and online banking systems to ensure smooth customer experiences. Financial institutions ought to conduct workshops and seminars facilitated by industry specialists to address new trends, regulatory updates, and technological progress in banking. The leaders of the bank need to express a clear vision that highlights the significance of ongoing learning and growth. The banks ought to conduct regular training sessions for staff to enhance their abilities in customer service, product expertise, and communication
Community-Led Strategies and Management of Violent Group Conflicts in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-09) Maina, Joseph
This study examines community-led strategies for managing violent group conflicts in Nairobi’s informal settlements, focusing on Mathare. It addresses three objectives namely assessing the influence of community-led watch programs in mitigating conflict consequences, evaluating the effectiveness of communication networks in coordinating responses, and analyzing the role of physical security measures in protecting property and businesses. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting 128 participants, including residents, Nyumba Kumi leaders, administrative officers, and NGO members, with a 92% response rate (118 respondents). Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, with quantitative data analyzed descriptively and qualitative data thematically. Findings indicate that community watch programs significantly reduce violence when participation levels and meeting frequency are high. These programs enhance early warning systems, role clarity, and conflict resolution training. Mobile technology emerged as the preferred communication tool due to its real-time updates, enabling swift community mobilization. However, network disruptions and misinformation limit its reliability. Physical security measures, such as makeshift barricades, were widely adopted for their accessibility but faced challenges due to inconsistent law enforcement collaboration and resource constraints. The study underscores the importance of structured community engagement, diversified communication channels, and stronger police-community partnerships. Recommendations include institutionalizing watch programs through training and incentives, expanding communication infrastructure (e.g., hybrid digital/traditional systems), and fostering joint security initiatives with local authorities. Financial support and policy frameworks are critical to sustaining these efforts. The research contributes to urban conflict management strategies, advocating for grassroots resilience in contexts where state intervention is limited. Future studies could explore gender-specific roles in community-led security and comparative analyses across rural-urban divides.
Organizational Characteristics and Implementation of National Government Constituencies Development Fund Projects by Igembe South Constituency, Meru County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-08) Kaithia, Jolland Kiriinya
Numerous challenges arose in the administration of the fund. These included various legal disputes that disrupted the fund's operations, unfinished projects falling under decentralized functions that were no longer eligible for funding under current legislation, and insufficient technical expertise for efficient management at the Constituency Committees and Project Management Committees level. Furthermore, discrepancies between initiated development projects and the capacity to implement them were observed. Consequently, this research aimed to explore the impact of organizational attributes on the execution of NG-CDF projects in Igembe South Constituency, Meru County, Kenya. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of project leadership, stakeholder engagement, communication, monitoring, and evaluation on NG-CDF project implementation in the aforementioned constituency. The investigation was guided by contingency theory, stakeholder theory, cybernetics theory, and realistic evaluation theory. An explanatory research design was implemented, focusing on five NG-CDF projects carried out by Igembe South Constituency within the previous five years (2018 – 2022). The research encompassed 55 participants, comprising 10 project supervisors and 45 project team members, due to the restricted overall population. Surveys were employed for primary data collection, with an initial trial among eight participants from Igembe North Constituency for evaluating content validity. The questionnaires' reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Thematic analysis was used to examine qualitative responses to open-ended questions, and descriptive statistical methods like frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze quantitative data. In addition, an inferential examination with multiple linear regression and the Pearson correlation coefficient was carried out. Tables and illustrations were used to demonstrate the outcomes. The analysis reveals that effective project leadership is essential for successful project execution, with positive feedback from team members emphasizing the importance of building committed teams and ensuring timely project completion. While stakeholder involvement is recognized as crucial for fostering trust and accountability, opportunities remain for better integration of stakeholder voices into project processes. Communication is identified as foundational in project management, influencing collaboration and stakeholder engagement, although barriers to effective communication persist. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of robust M&E practices in aligning projects with organizational goals and optimizing strategies for future success. Overall, the findings suggest that a combination of effective leadership, clear communication, active stakeholder engagement, and strong M&E practices is vital for enhancing project implementation outcomes. Recommendations for continuous leadership training, strategic stakeholder engagement, improved communication plans, and the establishment of M&E frameworks are proposed to optimize project management practices and achieve successful project outcomes.
Integrated Marketing Communication Strategies and Market Performance of Registered Pharmaceutical Companies in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Wanjiku, John Ndungu
The pharmaceutical sector in Kenya has faced persistent challenges in maintaining competitive market performance, with firms struggling to retain customers due to rising competition from regional and international players. Despite increased marketing efforts, many pharmaceutical companies in Nairobi City County continue to experience low brand visibility, weak customer loyalty, and declining sales performance. This problem is attributed to inconsistent and poorly integrated marketing communication (IMC) strategies, where firms often rely on isolated promotional tactics rather than a cohesive approach. Consequently, there is limited empirical evidence on how specific IMC elements such as advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, and personal selling collectively influence the market performance of pharmaceutical firms in Kenya. This study therefore investigated the effect of integrated marketing communication (IMC) strategies on the market performance of pharmaceutical firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined how advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, and personal selling strategies influence market outcomes. Grounded in the Hierarchy of Effects Theory, Push and Pull Theory, Customer Relationship Management Theory, Commitment-Trust Theory, and Balanced Scorecard Theory, the study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population comprised pharmaceutical firms operating within Nairobi City County. A census approach was applied to ensure inclusivity and comprehensive data collection across all firm categories, and a sample size of 90 firms was selected to represent manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and means) and inferential statistics (regression analysis). The findings revealed that advertising strategies significantly improved brand visibility and sales, sales promotion tactics enhanced customer engagement and demand, direct marketing strategies strengthened personalized communication with healthcare professionals and consumers, and personal selling techniques positively influenced customer relationships and market share. The study concludes that an integrated approach to marketing communication yields greater performance outcomes than fragmented strategies. It recommends that pharmaceutical firms in Nairobi City County adopt a comprehensive census-based IMC assessment to continuously monitor marketing effectiveness and prioritize coordinated IMC elements to enhance competitiveness, strengthen customer loyalty, and improve overall market performance.
Marketing Mix Strategy and Performance of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Embu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-08) Nzioka, John Fundi
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute significantly to Kenya’s economy by creating employment, generating income, and driving innovation. In Embu County, however, many SMEs struggle to sustain growth and achieve optimal performance, with high failure rates attributed to challenges such as inadequate market penetration, declining sales, and limited profitability. While marketing mix strategies are critical drivers of firm performance, their application and impact among SMEs in this region remain underexplored. This study examined the effect of four marketing mix elements—product strategy, pricing strategy, e-promotion strategy, and distribution decisions—on the performance of selected small and medium manufacturing enterprises in Embu County, Kenya. Guided by the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Business Performance Theory, Systems Theory, and Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design targeting 53 SMEs. A census approach was used, with business supervisors as the primary respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, which underwent pilot testing to ensure clarity, validity, and reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding the 0.7 threshold. Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and inferential analyses (Pearson correlation and multiple regression) were applied. Results revealed that product strategy (β = 0.091, p = 0.041), pricing strategy (β = 0.600, p = 0.000), and e-promotion strategy (β = 0.534, p = 0.000) had positive and statistically significant effects on SME performance, while distribution decisions had a positive but non-significant effect (β = 0.041, p = 0.540). The study concludes that product differentiation, competitive pricing, and effective e-promotion significantly enhance SME performance in Embu County. It recommends that SME managers prioritize innovative product development, adopt competitive and flexible pricing models, and leverage digital promotion platforms to expand market reach. Although distribution decisions were not statistically significant, improving logistical efficiency could indirectly boost customer satisfaction and long-term competitiveness.