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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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Characterization and Biocontrol of Pathogenic Microorganisms Associated With Commonly Grown Banana Cultivars in Embu, Kisii and Nyamira Counties of Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-08) Kamore, Harrison Kibe
Bananas (Musa spp.) rank among the highest-produced and traded fruit crops in the world. Production and marketability of bananas in Kisii, Nyamira and Embu counties of Kenya is greatly hampered by banana diseases caused by various pathogens. Information on disease severity and prevalence in the three counties is however scanty. Also, the various disease management strategies employed have not controlled the diseases effectively. This study aimed to profile bacterial and fungal pathogens affecting major banana cultivars in Kisii, Nyamira and Embu counties and assess the potential of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi, species Rhizophagus irregularis against Fusarium wilt of bananas. Questionnaires were issued to 90 farmers to determine the preferred cultivars and post-harvest losses. Disease severity was determined by comparing the observable symptoms to available disease scoring charts. Samples were aseptically obtained from symptomatic plants. The causative agents for banana diseases were isolated and characterized morphologically and through DNA analysis. Sukari bananas regenerated in the tissue culture laboratory were used in determining the efficacy of Rhizophagus irregularis in controlling the Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense infection. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used in setting up the four treatments which had five replicates. Farmers in Embu reported the highest cases of post-harvest loss at 23.33%. While a few farmers reported theft, pests, and diseases as causes of post-harvest losses, the majority were not aware of the causes. Ng’ombe, Kienyeji and Sukari were identified as the major cultivars in Nyamira County. Israel, Sukari, Kiganda and Kampala were the most common in Embu while Eng’oche, Kienyeji and Sukari were the most common in Kisii County. The bacteria profiles, based on morphology, biochemical and 16S rRNA, associated with banana diseases were Xanthomonas campestris and Erwinia chrysanthemi. On the other hand, the fungal pathogens identified as causatives of banana disease were Fusarium oxysporum strains, Fusarium solani CBS 140079, Sclerotium rolfsii, Verticillium sp., Athelia rolfsii, Pseudocercospora sennae-multijugae and Mycosphaerella sp. The application of R. irregularis fungi effectively increased banana plants’ height, number of leaves and total leaves area while reducing the plants’ susceptibility to Foc. Due to the evidenced presence of pathogens, banana farmers should be trained on field diseases and product handling post harvest. More studies on the application of Rhizophagus irregularis in field banana crops should be done to test its full potential.
Macroeconomic Variables and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-09) Mungai, Francis Njenga
Kenya’s banking sector plays a pivotal role in financial intermediation by connecting savers with borrowers, facilitating international transactions, and supporting overall economic growth. However, in recent years the sector has been exposed to domestic and global shocks that have strained financial stability and challenged profitability. This study sought to examine the influence of selected macroeconomic variables; namely inflation, interest rates, money supply, and exchange rate fluctuations, on the financial performance of all 42 licensed commercial banks in Kenya. Financial performance was measured using return on assets, with firm size considered as a moderating factor. The analysis covered the period 2018 to 2023, a timeframe marked by major regulatory reforms and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by theories of interest, balance of payments, deflation, organization, and the quantity theory of money, the study adopted an explanatory research design and relied on secondary data drawn from banks’ audited financial statements and publications of the Central Bank of Kenya and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, multiple regression, correlation tests, and diagnostic checks. The results revealed that inflation, exchange rate, interest rate, and money supply each had a positive and statistically significant effect on financial performance, with interest rate effects being the strongest. The findings imply that rising inflation and interest rates enhance bank profitability through higher loan pricing, while exchange rate movements and money supply growth create opportunities for income diversification and liquidity management. The study concludes that macroeconomic conditions materially shape banking outcomes, with larger banks benefiting more due to economies of scale. It recommends that banks adopt proactive interest rate adjustments, diversify foreign currency operations, engage in forward contracts to hedge against exchange rate risks, and expand into underserved market segments to strengthen resilience. Policymakers, particularly the Central Bank of Kenya, should employ balanced monetary interventions that stabilize inflation and exchange rate volatility without stifling bank profitability. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on how macroeconomic variables jointly and significantly influence bank performance in an African emerging economy context, offering practical insights for both regulators and bank managers in formulating strategies to enhance financial sector stability and growth.
Quality Management Drivers on Performance of Tier 1 Commercial Banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Makau, Elizabeth Mumo
The management of Tier 1 commercial banks in Kenya needed to reconsider quality management drivers and realign their strategies with shifting consumer demands as a result of declining performance. This research aimed to ascertain the impact of quality management drivers on the performance of Tier 1 commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya, on the basis that there were few studies examining the relationship between quality management drivers and performance in the banking industry. The purpose of the study was to determine how innovations in processes, products, and continuous quality improvement affected the performance of Tier 1 commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Strategic leadership was also the moderating variable of the study. Dynamic capability and Schumpeter innovation theories were used to support the study, which was grounded on resource-based theory. The study employed a cross-sectional survey approach, which made it easier to collect unaltered data. Ten Tier 1 commercial banks that were active in Nairobi City County, Kenya, were the subject of the study. Fifty-three personnel from the operations departments across the 10 Tier 1 commercial banks took part in the study as a whole. Furthermore, the Krejcie and Morgan algorithm was used to determine an appropriate sample size of 47 respondents. Structured questionnaires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions were utilized to obtain primary data. Secondary data on the financial performance of Kenyan commercial banks were gathered via financial statements, strategic plans, and sessional papers. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach Alpha coefficients of 0.7, and validity was assessed utilizing strategic management experts and Kenyatta University lecturers. The study of qualitative data included the use of content analysis, whereby significant themes were selected from published material. Verbatim statements were thoroughly examined, leading to the formulation of conclusions. By using SPSS version 24, correlation and regression analyses were employed to analyze quantitative data. Regression analysis was performed at a 95% confidence level to evaluate the statistical significance between variables. The information under analysis was tallied and displayed as mean scores, percentages, and standard deviations. The study employed inferential statistics to assess the effect of quality management drivers on the performance of Tier 1 commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined product innovation, process innovation, and continuous improvement innovations, with strategic leadership as a moderating factor. Performance was measured by profitability and cost efficiency, while correlation, linear regression, and multiple regression analyses were applied. Correlation results showed that all quality management drivers were positively related to performance, with product innovation (r = .485), process innovation (r = .405), and continuous improvement innovations (r = .470) demonstrating significant effects. Strategic leadership had the strongest correlation (r = .585), underscoring the importance of visionary leadership and employee empowerment. Regression results indicated that the predictors jointly explained 44.6% of the variation in performance (R² = .446). Process innovation (β = 0.187, p = 0.047), continuous improvement innovations (β = 0.247, p = 0.014), and strategic leadership (β = 0.404, p = 0.001) had significant positive effects, while product innovation (β = 0.153, p = 0.188) was insignificant. The findings suggest that strategic leadership plays a crucial moderating role, enhancing the impact of process and continuous improvement innovations on bank performance, while product innovation alone is insufficient to drive significant outcomes
Public Vocational Training Centres’ Preparedness for Provision of Competency Based Education and Training in Nakuru County, Kenya, Compared with Canada’s Experience
(Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Kipkoech, Gilbert
Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) has gained worldwide recognition as a panacea to improve relevance and quality of vocational training. However, inadequate instructors with pedagogical competencies, access to custom made teaching and learning facilities and limited institution-industry participation are impeding its realisation. As a result, vocational graduates are exiting the system devoid of significant skills required, in addition to the knowledge they already have. Their fixed mindset and resisting the necessary cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning directly fuels critical skilled labour shortages and drives up attrition rates within the industry and service sectors. This scenario increases the cost to employers. It was against this gap that the study established whether trainees were acquiring competency based skills needed to power the human economy. The study purposed to establish instructors’ and VTCs’ level of preparedness for provision of competency based skills in public VTCs, in Nakuru County, Kenya and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Canada. The objectives of the study were to establish the level of instructors’ competencies, assess the extent of availability of teaching and learning facilities, and establish the extent to which VTCs partner with industries for provision of CBET, in public VTCs, in Nakuru County, Kenya, compared with Canada’s experience. The study was anchored on curriculum implementation theory. Mixed methods research design was employed. Stratified random sampling method was exploited to obtain proportionate samples of 10 VTCs from different sub counties in Nakuru County. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 principals. Simple random sampling method was used to select 92 instructors and 261 trainees. Snowball sampling method was used to select 20 industry managers. Additional data was collected during 2 consultative meetings and 2 interviews with programme heads at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Canada. Questionnaires, observation checklist and interview guides were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using means, percentages, standard deviations and multivariate regression analysis. Qualitative data were reported as direct quotations to underpin quantitative data. Quantitative data were presented using bar graphs and tables. Findings in Kenya revealed that instructors lack industrial training and professional development. Instructors rely more on theoretical training as opposed to practical skills. Availability of standard workshops and internet connectivity was also identified as a challenge. Industry managers are thus forced to reorient graduates with practical skills before entrusting them with complex technical tasks. The local capacity of instructors to handle practical sessions was also reported as a challenge affecting the effective implementation of CBET. VTC-industry linkage is weak, yet it forms a major component in the successful implementation of CBET. Findings from Saskatchewan, Canada, show more engaged and practical activities, including indenturing and supervision of apprentices by certified journeypersons and close working relationships between polytechnics and industries for up-to-date, demand driven skilling. The study recommends that the Kenyan government should increase funding to facilitate industrial training and refresher courses for instructors and attachment of trainees. Integrate ICT into CBET. Industrial experts and employers should be empowered and mobilised to deliberately work with VTCs to offer on-the job training to trainees, which is practised in Canada. Exchange programmes between VTCs and prospective industries and service sectors should also be explored.
Risk Response Approaches and Project Delivery among Non-Governmental Organizations in the Humanitarian Sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Nyongesa, Fidelis Menasi
Project success depends on how projects perform, influenced by aspects such as project complexity, contractual timelines, stakeholder capabilities, project manager competencies, and interpersonal relationships among project parties. The research was motivated by persistent challenges in NGO project implementation, including cost overruns, delays, and unmet objectives. This study examined the influence of risk response approaches and project delivery among non-governmental organizations in the humanitarian sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Key risk response strategies assessed included risk transfer, risk prevention, risk control, and risk retention. The study was grounded in expectation theory, enterprise risk management theory (ERM), network theory, and resource-based theory (RBT). A descriptive research design was employed for a population of 1,252 humanitarian NGOs, with 125 NGOs randomly selected and data collected from 375 project managers and technical staff using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Descriptive results showed moderate to high reliance on risk response strategies: risk prevention had the highest aggregate mean of 3.9561 (SD = 0.47697), followed by risk control (mean = 3.7848, SD = 0.53485), risk transfer (mean = 3.7181, SD = 0.54035), and risk retention (mean = 3.6921, SD = 0.55630). Project delivery scored a mean of 3.7793 (SD = 0.56465), indicating overall effective implementation. Correlation analysis revealed positive relationships between all risk strategies and project delivery, with risk control showing the strongest correlation (r = 0.603, p < 0.01) and risk transfer the lowest (r = 0.475, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression indicated that the model significantly predicted project delivery (R² = 0.752, F (4,296) = 228.916, p < 0.001). Specifically, risk transfer (β = 0.673, p < 0.001), risk prevention (β = 1.296, p < 0.001), and risk retention (β = 1.490, p < 0.001) had positive and significant effects on project delivery, while risk control had a negative but marginally insignificant effect (β = -0.470, p = 0.053). These findings demonstrate that effective risk management, particularly in prevention, transfer, and retention, enhances NGO project performance by improving cost control, timely completion, scope adherence, and output quality. The study contributes to knowledge on risk management in humanitarian projects and provides practical guidance for NGO managers, policymakers, and donors. It recommends continuous improvement of risk management systems, emphasizing risk prevention and transfer, and calls for future research on integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics into NGO project management.