DSpace Repository :: Browsing by Author "Muathe, Stephen Makau"

Browsing by Author "Muathe, Stephen Makau"

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A Paradigm of Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship Management Practices and Youth Empowerment Programs in Mogadishu, Somalia
(Journal of Business and Management Sciences, 2025-08) Adam, Mohamed Mustafa Haji; Muathe, Stephen Makau
Youth unemployment is a growing global issue, exacerbating poverty and dependency cycles that hinder development. Despite the initiatives by the various stakeholders to improve youth empowerment, it has remained below the threshold. Available data indicated that Somalia is still experiencing one of the highest youth unemployment rates globally at 67%. Additionally, the low education levels, which stand at 60%, have contributed to Somali youth's inability to receive entrepreneurial training. Therefore, the primary focus of the research was to ascertain the effect of entrepreneurship management practices on youth empowerment programs in Mogadishu, Somalia. Precisely, the study examined the impact of resource orientation, entrepreneurship culture, growth orientation, and management structure on youth empowerment programs in Mogadishu, Somalia. The empowerment theory, stakeholder’s theory and dynamic capability theory anchored the study. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population included four hundred youth in youth empowerment programs in Mogadishu, Somalia. Proportional stratified and simple random sampling techniques determined a response size of two hundred participants. The study used structured questionnaires and Twenty respondents participated in a pilot exercise.The study used reliability and validity to test data collection instrument. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyse quantitative data. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The study established a positive and significant relationship between resource orientation, entrepreneurship culture, growth orientation, and management structure in youth empowerment programs in Mogadishu, Somalia. The study recommends that the policymakers, development partners, and community leaders prioritize the integration of entrepreneurship training and support systems within youth programs. The study recommended the establishment of innovation hubs, access to micro-finance, and business development services tailored to the needs of young entrepreneurs; and to integrate entrepreneurship education into school curricula and community outreach programs to foster entrepreneurial perspectives from a young age.
Balanced Scorecard Model: Issues to Resolve For Competitive Advantage among Saccos in Kajiado County
(International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, 2024-10-18) Kingwalor ,Kelvin Lillan; Muathe, Stephen Makau
This study aims to examine the correlation between the perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard and the competitiveness of Savings and Credit Cooperatives located in Kajiado County, Kenya. The specific aims of the study included assessing how the perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard, namely, financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business processes, and learning and growth perspective, affect the competitiveness. of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies within Kajiado County. This study was anchored on the theoretical frameworks of Balanced Score Card, Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities theory. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey research design, guided by objectivism as an ontological approach, a positivist epistemology, and a deductive approach for data collection and analysis. The study’s target population included the deposit taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kajiado County (N= 22). Purposive sampling was employed to identify 22 Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies and 32 personnel members from the 5 main sub counties. Data collection involved the utilization of a structured questionnaire self-administered by the respondents themselves. The relationship between distinct independent variables and company competitiveness was analyzed using multiple regression. The critical value for regression was 0.05, and the 95% confidence interval was used. The study found a strong, statistically significant positive correlation between SACCO competitiveness and customer perspective (r = .899, p = .000). Also, a strong, positive, and statistically significant correlation was found to exist between financial perspective and SACCO competitiveness (r = .841, p = .000). A similar strong positive correlation was observed between internal business processes and SACCO competitiveness (r = .805, p = .001). Similarly, learning and growth exhibited a strong, positive correlation with SACCO competitiveness (r = .817, p = .001). Some of the balanced score card perspectives, such as financial and customer perspectives, positively predict SACCO competitiveness. The relationships are also statistically significant. However, internal business process and learning and growth, negatively predict SACCO competitiveness. The relationships are not statistically significant. It was recommended that the management of SACCOs should enhance the customer perspective and the financial perspective to boost competitiveness, while strengthening the other perspectives.
Building Sustainable Performance for Small and Medium Enterprises in Bungoma County, Kenya: The Role of Technological Innovations Strategies
(The Asian Institute of Research Economics and Business Quarterly Reviews, 2024) Khadiakala, Brian Itolondo; Muathe, Stephen Makau
The global economy's changes have led to enterprises developing strategies to adapt, resulting in gradual market share reductions, sales volume decreases, and overall size reductions. Kenyan SMEs experienced a 58% decrease in sales revenue and 75% employee reductions from 2017-2018, followed by a 59% decline in sales and profit growth in 2022. Therefore, the current project investigated the effect of technological innovation strategies; which are product innovation, process innovation, marketing innovations and organization innovations on performance of SMEs in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study used resource-based view, dynamic capabilities theory, theory of innovation and technology organization environment framework. The study embraced descriptive research design. The target population was 4,264 SMEs in Bungoma County. Stratified and random sampling techniques were used as a sampling technique. A sample size of 366 was determined using Yamane formula of 1967. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The response rate was seventy six percent. The study established a positive and significant relationship between product innovations, process innovations, marketing innovations and organizational innovations on the firm performance of SMEs Bungoma County. The study recommends that the enterprises should developing products that address specific market gaps, prioritize adopting technology-driven solutions that streamline operations, reduce costs, increase productivity and leverage digital platforms to reach a broader customer base and empower employees through skill development and training, increases effectiveness. The study recommends further research on metrics beyond technological innovation strategies and firm performance, as well as exploring counties beyond Bungoma County
Employees’ Performance in Selected Public Universities in Kenya: The Paradoxical Effects of the Leadership Styles
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 2024) Muathe, Stephen Makau; Ngigi, Esther Wanjiku
public universities in Kenya face significant challenges in managing a diverse workforce. These challenges include aligning diversity practices with organizational goals, managing ethnic and cultural differences, and addressing generational and age differences. Understanding the impact of leadership styles on employee performance is crucial for improving organizational effectiveness. This research investigated the effect of various leadership styles on employee performance in selected public universities in Kenya, focusing on democratic, autocratic, transformational, and transactional leadership styles. The research was based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, human capital theory, and contingency theory. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting four public universities with a total workforce of 7027 non-academic staff. However, a sample of 378 non-academic staff was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using mean and standard deviation for descriptive statistics, and multiple regression and correlation analysis for inferential statistics. The findings indicated that all four leadership styles positively and significantly influenced employee performance in the selected public universities. Specifically, democratic leadership was found to foster a culture of creativity and flexibility, allowing for the adaptation of innovative ideas and changes. Autocratic leadership was effective in situations requiring high expertise and understanding. Transformational leadership improved employee engagement, productivity, and goal achievement. Transactional leadership promoted fairness, as feedback was based on objective measures rather than subjective judgments. The study concluded that different leadership styles have distinct impacts on employee performance. Democratic leaders should encourage active participation, ensuring all team members feel comfortable with the process. Caution is advised when using autocratic leadership to avoid diminishing worker well-being. Transformational leaders can motivate employees through both external incentives and
Financial Inclusion in Bujumbura- Burundi: Why Research on Women Entrepreneurs Need New Directions on Microfinance Services
(Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Studies, 2024-07) Kwitonda, Albert; Muathe, Stephen Makau; Obere, Eliud E.
Since the middle of the 1980s, microfinance for women has gained popularity among development organizations as a method of reducing poverty. Micro and small businesses owned by women have restricted access to microfinance services, limiting their revenues and adversely affecting their business performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of microfinance services on the performance of women-owned micro and small businesses in Bujumbura, Burundi. The specific objectives of the study are to examine how microcredit, savings mobilizations, and financial training services affect the performance of women owned small and microbusinesses in Bujumbura, moreover the study used government regulations as a moderating variable. The theories of this study were resource-based view, dynamic capability theory, contingency theory, and innovation theory. The researcher utilized an explanatory research design. The target population was 366 Women owned Micro and Small Enterprises in Bujumbura, however, a sample size of 191 respondents was selected using a proportionate stratified and random sampling techniques. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using a multiple linear regression model. The results indicated that micro and small businesses' performance was significantly and positively influenced by having access to microcredit. Additional findings demonstrated that the performance of micro and small businesses was positively and significantly influenced by savings mobilization. Furthermore, the findings indicated that financial education significantly affected performance of micro and small businesses. Plus, the relationship between microfinance services and the performance of micro and small firms was not significantly moderated by government regulations. To enhance financial inclusion for Women in Burundi, MFIs ought to open additional branches, and assign different agents in the various sub-districts. There is need for financial training through additional financial programs, seminars, and campaigns to improves the performance of women-owned micro and small businesses in Bujumbura, Burundi. Finally, the Republic of Burundi through the ministry of finance should women owned enterprise tax breaks and also reduce taxes, and license fees, this will not only enhance financial inclusion but also allow women to conserve more money for future investments, which will improve the business performance.
Firm Size, Operational Risk and Financial Performance: Evidence from Commercial and Services companies listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange
(IJCAB Publishing Group, 2019) Onsongo, Susan Kerubo; Mwangi, Lucy Wamugo; Muathe, Stephen Makau
The study sought to assess the financial performance of the companies listed in the commercial and services sector at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Kenya with an aim of determining the implications of firm size and operational risk on their performance. It was anchored on the agency theory. The study applied explanatory research design and the target population was the 14 companies listed under this sector. Secondary panel data contained in published annual reports for the year 2013 to 2017 was collected. A panel regression model was applied with the random effect model being used based on the Hausman specification test. Findings showed that operational risk had a positive insignificant effect on performance as proxied by return on assets (ROA). The findings further showed that firm size had a moderating effect on the relationship between operational risks and performance. It concluded that firm size played a role in the risk management of a company i.e. companies with higher total assets managed risk better than their counterpart. The study recommends that for companies to record improved financial performance, they needed to manage their operational risks by implementing risk management initiatives and increasing their total assets base.
Gen Z Technological Adeptness Revolution: Social Inclusion and the Future of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Kenya
(International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management (IJECM), 2025-09) Musau, Nelly Nthenya; Muathe, Stephen Makau
The technological proficiency of Generation Z (Gen Z) is rapidly transforming entrepreneurship, presenting both exceptional opportunities and emerging risks. This change occurs in a context of structural inequalities, digital divides, and socio-economic instability. While Gen Z’s skill with digital tools promotes innovation in business, it also creates vulnerabilities such as political unrest, investor uncertainty, and disruptions in business operations. This study examined how Gen Z’s digital skills affect the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kenya, guided by three objectives: to evaluate the contribution of the Gen Z-led revolution towards social inclusion among marginalised groups, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities; to examine the role of digital proficiency in fostering this revolution; and to assess its implications for the entrepreneurial environment. The study adopted a systematic desktop review methodology. Secondary data were sourced from scholarly databases, government reports and credible internet resources. The study found that while Gen Z’s digital competencies create new income opportunities and expand market access, ongoing inequalities, biases in algorithms, and issues with rural internet access limit fair participation. The mixed nature of Gen Z’s technological revolution is evident; it opens economic opportunities but also increases instability. The study recommends the enactment of inclusive digital policies to tap into Gen Z’s potential and build a sustainable, strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Leveraging Business Globalization to Accelerate Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
(The Asian Institute of Research, 2024) Wandia, Elizabeth; Muathe, Stephen Makau
Commercial banks are facing a decline in revenues, indicating a potential downward trend. Banks have experienced intensified competition leading them to tap into foreign capital and expand their market internationally. In Kenyan banks, there has been a decline in the ROE from 26.6% in 2014, 25.2% in 2015, 24.5% in 2016, 21.8% in 2019 and finally 13.9% in 2020. The study sought to establish the effect of business globalization on performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The objectives were to analyze the effects of market liberalization, technological advancements, competitive intensity, and global financial integration. Descriptive research design was employed. The target population was all 39 banks in Kenya. The units of observation were the 1226 staff. Multiple linear regression was used in analysis employed. The study found that monetary policy, interest rate liberalization, and financial system changes have significant impact on commercial banks' performance. Technological innovations, Research and development, innovation, spread of new ideas and number of patents granted contributes to the success of banks in the region. Intensity of competition, brand preferences, business aesthetics greatly and expansion of the economy greatly affect the performance banks. Banks need to establish robust liberalized markets that provide easier access to global markets. The banks management should focus on increasing investments in patenting, digital innovation, and research and development to connect with the unbanked segments of the global market.
Managing Change: A Strategic Approach to Sustainable Performance of Fund Management Companies in Kenya
(African Journal of Emerging Issues (AJOEI), 2025-03) Muli, Ruth Mwikali; Muathe, Stephen Makau
Statement of the Problem: Fund management companies in Nairobi City County primarily focus on traditional financial performance metrics while paying limited attention to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Purpose of the Study: This study aimed to assess the impact of strategic change management approaches on the sustainable performance of fund management firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Research Methodology: The study adopted an explanatory research design, targeting 42 fund management firms with a total workforce of 252 employees in key functional areas. A sample of 156 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression. Results: The findings indicated that training, stakeholder participation, and effective communication significantly and positively influenced the sustainable performance of fund management companies. However, rewarding change champions did not have a statistically significant effect. Among the key factors, effective communication emerged as the most influential, underscoring the importance of transparency, clear messaging, and collaboration in sustainability efforts. Conclusion: The study concludes that fund management companies seeking to enhance their longterm performance and competitiveness should prioritize structured change management strategies. Employee training, stakeholder engagement, and clear communication are crucial drivers of sustainable performance. Recommendations: The study recommends that fund management firms develop comprehensive training programs to equip employees with sustainability knowledge, establish participatory stakeholder frameworks to foster inclusivity, and adopt clear and transparent communication channels to enhance change implementation.
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.
Supply Chain Resilience: The Role of Total Quality Management on the Performance of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority
(ESJ Social Sciences, 2025-07) Ndungu, Wahome John; Muathe, Stephen Makau
Managers are empowered to improve the quality of services and products by incorporating key total quality management principles. However, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has faced scrutiny due to inefficiencies, which are hindering access to essential healthcare services. This aims to assess the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority's performance in the application of the four Total Quality Management principles. These are fact-based decisions, process-centric approaches, relationship management, and employee engagement. The study is grounded in four theoretical foundations: resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, stakeholder theories, and Deming’s theory of quality management. A descriptive research design was used. The target population was 330 employees; however, a sample of 181 respondents was selected using proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data, which was analyzed quantitatively using both descriptive and regression analysis, and SPSS version 25 was used to aid the data analysis. The findings indicate that the independent variables explain 58.5% of variables in the dependent variable, that is, the performance of KEMSA. Fact-based decisions had the highest impact and positive correlation with performance (B = 0.372, t = 5.239), followed by employee engagement (B = 0.348, t = 4.640), process-centric approach (B = 0.319, t = 4.691), and relationship management (B = 0.257, t = 3.134 all at p<0.01. The findings point to the importance of continuous staff training, participatory leadership, and integrated data systems to enhance performance. Additionally, the study recommends mentorship for junior staff, regular assessment of all resources, and a supportive organizational culture that sustains quality improvements.
Understanding the Effect of Organizational Change on Firm Performance: A Case of Unga Farm Care Limited in Kenya
(International Journal of Business Administration, 2025-09) Onyango, Irene Achieng; Muathe, Stephen Makau
In Kenya, Unga Farm Care Limited has been instrumental in shaping the livestock rearing sector, contributing significantly to the development of industry standards. The company operates in a highly competitive environment characterized by increased demand for affordable, high-quality, and accessible animal feeds, further intensified by cheaper imports from neighboring East African countries and global markets such as Europe and Asia. However, the firm has not sufficiently embraced organizational change strategies that are critical to maintaining competitiveness and enhancing performance. This gap has hindered its ability to optimize productivity, revenue growth, market expansion, and product quality. Addressing this challenge through effective change management is essential in enhancing performance and sustaining its leadership in the industry. This investigation thus aimed to examine the impact of organizational change on the performance of Unga Farm Care. Particularly, the research aimed to examine the effect of organizational culture, leadership style, technological advancement, employee attitude, and market conditions on the performance of Unga Farm Care. The research was grounded on the dynamic, resource-based, Kotter‘s 8-step model and the theory of organizational change. The study adopted a descriptive methodology. Target populace of 283 was used and a sample size of 165 staff was obtained utilizing stratified and random sampling techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data and content validity was utilized by the researcher to assess the instrument's accuracy. A pilot study was conducted and 8 respondents making up 5% of the sample size was used to verify reliability and suitability of the study‘s instrument. This study assessed the outcomes of the reliability coefficient using Cronbach's alpha of 0.7. The research found that organizational leadership style positively and significantly affects the performance of Unga Farm Care Limited. The study also found that organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on performance of Unga Farm Care Limited. Further, the research discovered that technological advancement has a positive and significant effect on performance of Unga Farm Care Limited. Moreover, the study discovered that employee attitude has a positive and substantial effect on performance of Unga Farm Care Limited Farm Care Limited. The study recommended that the firm strengthens its organizational leadership style by cultivating deeper empathy and improving responsiveness to employee needs. In addition, the study recommends that the firm continues to build a positive organizational culture by investing in employee empowerment initiatives. Further, the study recommends that Unga Farm Care Limited sustains and advances its technological capabilities by investing in system automation, ensuring regular updates and robust IT security.)
Upscaling Corporate Governance Principles for Performance of National Sports Federations in Kenya and Beyond
(2025-05) Mumani, Mical Oluteyo; Muathe, Stephen Makau
The sports industry in Kenya continues to grow swiftly and emerge as a vibrant and crowd-pulling phenomenon. However, few studies have been conducted on the critical topic of corporate governance principles and the performance of national sports federations. Thus, the research focused on determining the effect of corporate governance principles on National Sports Federations’ performance in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The objectives included evaluating the effects of transparency, accountability, sustainability, and integrity on National Sports Federations’ performance in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study variables were anchored in the Stewardship theory, Balanced Scorecard theory, and Stakeholder theory. The research utilized both secondary and primary data. The research utilized a descriptive research design to collect data from a sample of 145 federation members: Head of National Team Coaches, Assistant National Team Coaches, and Technical Directors. Semi-structured questionnaires were utilized for data collection. Self-administered Questionnaires were utilized, employing the drop-off and later pick-up approach. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Quantitative data collected was analyzed using multiple regression, descriptive analysis, and Correlation analysis. The study found that accountability, transparency, integrity, and sustainability have a significant positive relationship with the performance of national sports federations in Nairobi City County. Further findings reveal that increased service delivery, customer feedback, employee ESI Preprints May 2025 www.esipreprints.org 300 satisfaction, and financial performance of national sports federations indicate performance. This study recommends the formation of clear corporate governance policies that raise sustainable development in the Kenya sporting sector, federation members to adopt continuous training on best practices of corporate governance, utilize digital platforms for governance practices, national and county government to establish measurable performance indicators to be adopted by national sports federations, consistent monitoring, and evaluation of these performance indicators. These recommendations will help both the national sports federations and the government to increase transparency, accountability, sustainability, and integrity in the sports industry in Kenya.

Browsing by Author "Muathe, Stephen Makau"

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