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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.)