MST-Department of Business Administration

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Strategic responses of kcb Nyeri county branches in the face of changing environment.
(2002-05) Njiru, Pamela Murugi
With the increasing competition that companies are facing today, rewards will accrue to those who can read precisely what consumers want by continuously scanning the environment and delivering the greatest value to customers. Therefore, developing strategies for responding to changes that face the organization is vital to the adaptation of the changing business environment. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the strategic responses being used in Kenya Commercial bank to cope with the changing environment. Specifically, the study was conducted in Nyeri county branches. The variables for the study were research and development, restructuring, marketing mix and customer service. The target population was seventy employees in the Nyeri County branches. A census study was conducted. As at March 2012, there were four KCB branches in Nyeri County. For the purpose of collecting primary data the researcher used questionnaire. Data collected from respondents was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and mean scores. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The basis of using descriptive approach was to give a basis for determining the weights of the variables under the study. The findings were then presented using tables, pie charts, and bar graphs for easier interpretation. The study established that KCB had embraced a number of strategic responses in the face of changing external environment. The study found that majority of the respondents agreed that development of new products and expanding into new markets were some of the strategies the bank was using. The study further found that restructuring has been ongoing for the last three years with a view of enhancing service delivery, lower costs and increase customers' satisfaction levels. By effecting changes in the marketing mix elements the study found out that the bank was able to respond to emerging changes in the market. Giving excellent customer service is one key area the study found out the bank is very keen in implementing. This is enhanced by continuous staff training and taking customer satisfaction surveys and acting upon them. The study recommends that customer focus should be implemented more and incorporated in the organization's culture. It further recommends that the mandate of research and development section be expanded to cover marketing intelligence to unearth the strategies used by the competitors. The bank needs to establish more strategies and keep reviewing them often to have a sustained competitive advantage. The study recommends that further research may be done in other counties and even regions in which the banks operates to establish the strategic responses being employed by the bank in these areas.
An Impact of Tripartite Arrangement: a Kenyan Case
(Kenyatta University, 2003) Onyango, Peter Ogola
Tripartite arrangement in Kenya functions largely around the government, workers and employers and their associations or unions. This study reviews this relationship with a particular emphasis on how it has impacted on industrial relations in the country. National tripartite co-operation has been a key element of industrial relations in Kenya. Tripartite co-operation has emerged and developed as an indispensable part of the economic, social and political process. Indeed, tripartism if well utilized can be a suitable instrument to manage the profound economic changes successfully, while ensuring an unexpectedly peaceful return to market rules. This is not the case in Kenya, since it has been a remarkably differing phenomenon, especially as regards its actual impact. Kenya has established a wide range of formal tripartite bodies dealing with broad economic and social policies or with more circumscribed issues such as occupational health and safety, vocational training and other work related issues. This research will, nevertheless, narrow its focus on tripartite bodies involved in labour policy formulation. This research paper presents a critical analysis of the goings in the industrial relations sphere and provides solutions that make the system mJe useful and formidable especially in the wake of unrest and industrial disturbances in terms of strikes. The involvement of other extra tripartite arrangement bodies in industrial relations is also critically expounded on.
Impact of agricultural finance in Kenya. case of Agricutural Finance Corporation.
(2004-10) Amimo, C.M.
The Agricultural Finance Corporation was established in 1963 and reconstructed on 21st March 1969 by an Act of Parliament Cap.323. The main function of the Corporation was to assist in the development of Agriculture and Agricultural Industries. This it would achieve by making loans to farmers, Cooperative Societies, Public bodies, Local Authorities and other Persons engaging in agriculture or agricultural industries. The Corporation was empowered by the act as a body Corporation with perpetual succession and a common seal. It was granted authority and power to acquire, own, possess and dispose of property and to contract and sue and be sued in its own name. The Corporation was exempted from the Companies and Banking Acts. Agricultural Finance Corporation offers different loan products key amongst them are, seasonal crop credit open line, other seasonal crop production loans, mechanization loans, livestock development loans, loans for plantation crops and loans for legal entities. During the year 1998, Kshs 172.98 million was lent to farmers, which was a decline from Kshs 249 million lent in 1997. Due to the reduced lending the principal loan portfolio fell by Kshs 55 million from Kshs 2,253 million in 1997 to Kshs 2,198 million in 1998. The total loan portfolio however increased by Kshs 149 million from Kshs 3,561 million in 1997 to Kshs 3,710 million in 1998. This increase of 4.2% is a result of poor loan repayments. In the same year (1998) Kshs 425.3 million collected in 1997. The story of ever decreasing repayments became a constant feature in the history of Agricultural Finance Corporation. (A.F.C annual report 1998). In the similar manner, Kenya Rural Enterprise Program (KREP) was established as a non Governmental Organization in early eighties. Its main task was to provide financial services to other institutions for on lending to small-scale entrepreneurs. This method did not work satisfactorily. KREP transformed itself into a big institution offering services to entrepreneurs directly. Its main products are Chikola (Group Loans) and Juhudi (targeting individuals). Through continuous researches KREP today have the small holder agriculture credit project. This facility is being implemented in Kibwezi, Taita Taveta and Migori. It is an initiative aimed to access small holder farmers in the rural areas with credit for agricultural development. Its popularity with the farmers is because apart from the group guarantee, no other tangible collateral is required. The research therefore delved in assessing the impact of the loans extended by the Agricultural Finance Corporation both on the recipient farmers the appropriateness of the disbursement methodology. A comparison made with other institutions mostly Non Governmental Organizations extending credit to Agriculture. It will be of significance and interest to look at a facility like the small holder Agricultural Credit, currently offered by the Kenya Rural Enterprise Programme (KREP).
An Investigation into Factors Influencing Occupational Safety and Health Intervention Programmes in Selected Manufacturing Firms in Thika Municipality
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Majda, Adhiambo
The current global labour force stands at about 2600 million and is growing continuously. Each year, another 40 million people join the labour force, most of them in developing countries (lLO 2000). Other than the home environment, the workplace is the setting in which many 'people spend the largest proportion of their time. Indeed, for many people, particularly in developing countries, the boundary between their home and workplace environment is blurred. Growth of the industrial activities has often been spurred by population growth and rapid urbanization, in combination with economic development and in parallel with larger, more conspicuous industrial development....
Factors Hindering Access to Credit Facilities among Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya Case of SMEs in Kitengela, Kajiado District
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Obonyo, Bonareri Margaret
This project discusses the factors that hinder the access to credit facilities among Small and Medium Enterprises in Kitcngela. Kajiado District with the main focus on the lending policies of both the informal and the formal financial institutions in Kenya. Chapter one highlights the role of SMEs in economic mobility of countries and underscores the value of accessing credit in facilitating and enabling the SMEs meet their core economic and social roles. The background information of the subject under study is highlighted Chapter two discusses and reviews relevant literature that micro-finance authorities and academics have recorded with regard to credit access by SMEs in Kenya and the world over. It also gives the conceptual framework for the study. Chapter three covers the research methodology that was used in executing the project. The survey design was used in executing the study. Stratified sampling was utilized in selecting the samples from which data was collected. Interviews and questionnaires were the main data collection instruments for the research. Regression modelling was utilized in the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) programme to identify the factors that determine access to credit facilities Chapter four covers data analysis and presentation of the results. Chapter five covers the conclusion and recommendation from the research finding.
An Evaluation of Financial Management Practices in Kenyatta University, Nairobi. Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Wandabwa, Henry M.W.; Ngaba; Ngene
In many countries of the world there have been major changes in the financial operations of public universities. In KU, the changes have occurred within the context of diminishing public resources and this has translated in most instances into financial constraints. The situation has led to pressure from government and from within the university itself in some cases for a diversification in the sources of financial support for the university. It is clear that KU can no longer rely solely on government funding if it is to remain financially healthy. New procedures and criteria for the allocation of resources and the evaluation of the uses made of increasingly scarce resources are essential. In some institutions Financial management has become much more akin to business management, involvi.ng decisions on financing sources (IGA), savings and investments and budgeting and management of short-term assets. This study therefore intended to evaluate these financial management practices in KU. The research used secondary data to evaluate these financial management practices. The results were analysed using tables and charts. This study found out that the major challenges facing KU is the sourcing of funds and the adoption of proper budgeting systems. From the study it was noted that KU had highly benefited a lot from alternative financing by paying salaries on time. Budgeting system needed to be addressed as it's facing a lot of problems.
An Evaluation of Financial Management Practices in Kenyatta University, Nairobi. Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Wandabwa, Henry M. W.; Ngaba; Ngene
In many countries of the world there have been major changes in the financial operations of public universities. In KU, the changes have occurred within the context of diminishing public resources and this has translated in most instances into financial constraints. The situation has led to pressure from government and from within the university itself in some cases for a diversification in the sources of financial support for the university. It is clear that KU can no longer rely solely on government funding if it is to remain financially healthy. New procedures and criteria for the allocation of resources and the evaluation of the uses made of increasingly scarce resources are essential. In some institutions Financial management has become much more akin to business management, involving decisions on financing sources (lOA), savings and investments and budgeting and management of short-term assets. This study therefore intended to evaluate these financial management practices in KU. The research used secondary data to evaluate these financial management practices. The results were analysed using tables and charts. This study found out that the major challenges facing KU is the sourcing of funds and the adoption of proper budgeting systems. From the study it was noted that KU had highly benefited a lot from alternative financing by paying salaries on time. Budgeting system needed to be addressed as it's facing a lot of problems.
Determinants of Effective Performance of Chief Executives in Public Organizations in Kenya. A Case of Selected State Corporations
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Kamaliki, Tom Ukiru
Demographic and Socio-Economic Factors Encouraging On-The-Job Training at the Murang'a Jua Kali Sheds
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Githinji, Dan Ngure
The purpose of th is study was to investigate the factors that encourage on-the-job training in micro and small-scale enterprises within Murang'a Jua Kali sheds. Two questionnaires were used, one for the employees and the other for the employer. These instruments were used to gather data. The employees' demographic variables of gender, age, academic qualifications, technical training and number of years of service were considered. Social and econom ic factors were also considered. A total of twenty five (25) trainees and sixteen (16) trainers were sampled. The relevant literature was reviewed highlighting academic and research works undertaken there before on training and in particular on-the-job training. The data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics, through frequency distributions. This helped to address the research questions and the objectives of the study. I'The results of the study revealed that the jua kali enterprises within the sheds were dominated by men of ages between 41-45 years with primary school education. Lack of fees to further education through formal channels was cited as the most common reason why trainees opted to train on the job. This study concluded that on-the-job training is necessary for the growth and industrialization of Kenya but there is need for government incentives to improve the quality of training. It was . recommended that more women be encouraged to open businesses in the jua kali sheds to offset the dominance of men in this sub sector.
Factors Affecting Performance of Tourism Sector in Kenya (Case of Kenya Tourism Board, Bomas of Kenya, Kenya Utalii College and Kenya Wildlife Service)
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Ogwoka, Okemwa
The main objective of this study was to look into the factors that affect performance of the tourism sector in Kenya. A sample of 27 respondents was drawn from Kenya Tourism Board. Bomas of Kenya Ltd., Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Utalii College, which was used for this research. The data was collected from the respondents, by use of interviews and questionnaires. The data was obtained from the field was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics. Tables. charts, frequencies and percentages were used to define the extent to which the factors affect performance. from the findings of the study, it can be concluded that insecurity has the highest effect on performance, followed by infrastructure. Marketing strategies. competition and legal framework followed respectively. It is recommended that the organizations use a reasonable amount of the generated revenue for improvement of security and infrastructure. On other factors proper planning and team work with all other stakeholders was recommended. Further research can be conducted to establish how competitor countries like South Africa and Egypt manage their infrastructure and security Issues.
Constraints Facing the Micro and Small Enterprises: a Case Study of Selected Small Enterprises in Mwiki, Kasarani
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Bitutu, Sophia Obwocha
The essence of this research was to determine the major constraints that influence the development of Micro and Small Enterprises in MwikiKasara i. During the past two decades a lot of attention has been drawn to the important role that MSEs play in employment creation. The government and other key players have taken positive steps to create an enabling environment to support the creation and existence of MSEs. However the growth and development of this sector has stagnated. Many e itrepreneurs fail for reasons unrelated to the underlying viability of the business, but instead for reasons such as the inability to manage cash fl wand lack of skills. The purpose of this study was to determine the constraints facing the micro and small enterprises in Mwiki. The literatur ~ review looked at the existing constraints, which inhibit the operations of MSEs and some of the positive measures that have been institute by key players. The study used descriptive survey and simple random sampling to create an appropriate sample. Data was collected using c uestionnaires, interviews and through observation and then analysed using descriptive statistics. The stu y found out that the major constraints and the causes of the constrai 11sfacing MSEs in Mwiki were due to lack of training in basicbusiness skills, inaccessibility to information and appropriate technology, cumbersome compliance procedures and regulations, hightaxation, insecurity, unwillingness to take financial risk and inacces ibility to credit facilities, high cost of electricity and frequent blackouts. The study concluded that the MSEs in Mwiki require support services as identified by the study to overcome these constraints. Therefore a concerted effort between the local community of entrepreneurs, policy makers and NGOs is recommended to facilitate growth and better business performance.
An Investigation into Staff Performance Appraisal Tools Used For Middle and Junior Staff in Non-Governmental Organizations in the Health Sector in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Cheche, Stephen Gikonyo
Over the past sixty years performance appraisal has become such commonplace in organizational life that virtually every company has an appraisal system (Grote, 1996). Research shows there are many approaches to evaluating employee behaviours and performance relative to job tasks and/or organizational culture. As a result, various applications of performance appraisals have left managers in a state of confusion and frustration with the employee evaluation process. In fact, no one seems satisfied with the system they have or content with the results it produces. " Performance appraisal systems are a lot like seat belts, most people believe they are necessary, but they don't like to use them"...
Analysis of Gender Difference on Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy in Kenya: Case of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in Githurai Trading Center, Nairobi
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Nanjala, Mola B.
Proceeding on the basis of performance differences between male and female owned enterprises, the research analyzed the gender difference on entrepreueurial self-efficacy among Small and Medium Entrepreneurs at Githurai Trading Center, Nairobi Kenya. Descriptive survey design was adopted using structured questionnaires that were administered to a sample size of 150 respondents. Descriptive statistics and chi-square statistical analysis methods used . Data from research indicate that men report significantly higher levels of entrepreneurial self-efficacy than women. The factors that determine gender differences on entrepreneurial self-efficacy among Small and Medium Entrepreneurs included believe in accomplishing difficult tasks; believe in obtaining important outcomes; believe in success, overcoming of challenges and confidence in effective performance in different tasks. Findings show that variances in entrepreneur's competences reflect on gender differences in entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Findings also imply that that entrepreneurial self-efficacy explain the performance differences between male and female-owned firms as males who believe they can obtain important business outcomes also recorded higher growth margin than their female counterparts. Since self-efficacy is closely related to self-beliefs about personal capabilities and the to be motivated to act, entrepreneurs must perceive themselves as capable and have the positive attitude to succeed, female entrepreneurs are recommended to focus on improving their self-belief; belief in ability to influence achievement of goals, which are important achievement of enhanced entrepreneurship actions. Variations in marketing and management competences between males and females calls for the female entrepreneurs to ado~ strategic business skills improvement programs
Career Planning, Training and Development for Middle Level Manarges: A Case Study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
(Kenyatta University, 2005) Liyokho, Scholastica Khakayi; Wanjere, M.D; Gongera,
Middle level managers consist of a very important sector of the administrative workforce of the university and any other organization. This group of workforce is faced with problems in their daily duties which will be addressed in this study. There is need for organized laid down procedures for them to follow as they execute their daily duties. Lack of job descriptions, elaborate career paths, upward mobility in time cause worry to this cadre of employees. This study is therefore geared towards establishing the extend to which the university has tried to develop careers of middle level managers and how career planning has been effected. The researcher used questionnaire to gather information for this study .During the administration of the questionnaire, the researcher interacted with the respondents to gather more information from them and how their problems could be solved. The questionnaire was administered to the forty-five middle level managers of which majority concurred that further training was required. Most middle level managers experienced support from their immediate supervisors. They also expressed the need for rewards to be linked to performance to heighten motivation towards working environment. Indeed, the" results of the findings indicate that the middle level managers should be exposed to : job rotation, seminars and workshops, further training both on- job and offjob training. The researcher concluded that the managers should be exposed to further training, semmars, job-rotation within a span of five years and gets the next promotion .
Factors Limiting the Effective Performance of E-Banking: A Study of Assorted Commercial Banks in Nairobi, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2006-12) Ngethe, Kamakya J.
E-banking is a relatively new concept in Kenyan banking sector. The introduction of this concept by commercial banks was aimed at .improving efficiency and speed, in provision of financial services to their clients/customers. Efficiency and speed in service provision is cost-effective and saves time for both the commercial banks and the customers. The purpose of this ~tudy was to establish how readily the concept of e-banking has been embraced by the public, the limiting factors to the usage of e-banking and whether the encountered problems were by ·the clients themselves, the bank management, cost or the government legislation/control. This was a descriptive survey. Both primary and secondary data was collected from the banks. The raw data was subjected to SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) for analysis. The expected outcome of this study was to document the limiting factors for effective performance of e-banking in Kenyan banks and possible strategies to counter the Iimitations. The study findings suggest that effective performance of e-banking was due to lack or information by the customers, the management's unwillingness to effect changes, regulatory mechanisms and the tariffs which were high. The study further suggests that the cost of Installing and operating e-banking facility is high hence leading to low performance.
Effects of Downsizing on Organizational Performance: A Case of the Kenyan Civil Service
(Kenyatta University, 2007) Omolo, Grace Aoko
Downsizing has been widely used by many organizations as an effective method of reducing employment cost and improving efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. The Civil Service in Kenya is no exception. This study, therefore, attempts to assess the effects of downsizing on organizational performance of the Civil Service in Kenya. Between 1963 and 1991, the Kenya Civil Service expanded both in functions and staff strength. This rapid civil service growth, which reduced the civil servants' population's ratio from 1: 133 in 1963 to 1:85 in 1992 coupled with low economic growth and high population growth rate has had a negative impact on service delivery and overall government ability in provision of improved standards of living to its citizens. This became a concern to the government and led to the launching of the Civil Service Reform Programme (CSRP) phase 1 in August 1993. The focus of this programme was cost containment through staff downsizing measure as one of the strategies for improving efficiency and productivity in the Civil Service. In 1998, the phase II of the programme was launched. The overall goal of the phase 11of the CSRP was. to improve the performance of the civil service through downsizing. By the year 2000, quite a number of the civil servants had left the civil service through CRSP. ,., The general objective of this study was to assess the effects of downsizing on Civil Service performance. The specific objectives of the study were fivefold. These were ((a) to find out the extent to which downsizing has affected efficiency and effectiveness in the civil service; (b) to assess the degree of performance in the service; (c) to find out the extent to which working conditions in the Civil Service have improved; (d) to find out the problems caused by downsizing in the Civil Service; and (e) to find out the benefits of downsizing to the Civil Service...
A Survey of Factors Influencing Performance of Security Guards in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2007) Oriama, Bernard A.; Shadrack Bett; Domnic Ngaba
This study was a survey or the factors that influence the performance or security guards in Kenya. The principle objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the performance of security guards in Kenya. The study specifically sought to establish if remuneration, working environment, client characteristics, training and faci lities influence the performance of security guards. The importance of this study rested on the fact that its findings would be useful In the security firms in Kenya, and even in other parts of Africa in identifying the key factors that affect the performance of security guards, as well as aid them in making informed decisions that affect employee performance. The study findings could be useful to the government of Kenya in developing relevant policies and regulations concerning the security sector. The study availed an opportunity for the guards tCl sugges: appropriate changes in the areas they thought required to be improved for them to perform better. To achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive survey (J!' the target papulation of KK Security guards in Nairobi was conducted. The totut population or interest was 1,180 but a sample or 118 (10%) was drawn. Primary datu \\'iI::; collected by use of' questionnaires and interview schedule. Secondary ... data was (1150 sought to provide further information . . "n1e raw datu collected was edited, coded ilfld tabulated. Descriptive statistics such as tables, frequency distribution, percentages and charts were used to summarize, organize and simplify the findings in a systematic way. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The major findings of the study indicated that remuneration greatly influenced the performance of the security guards. Training and facility. working environment and client characteristics also influenced the performance of the guards to a greater extent. From the foregoing, it was thus concluded that the- tour factors. remuneration, working environment. client characteristics. training. and facilities affect the performance (If' security guards, and evidently KK security had not addressed the same adequately. It is therefore recommended that in order to enhance performance of security guards, the company as well as others in the security industry must improve on tht: four factors if' they arc to offer effective security services.
Factors Affecting Performance of Kenyan Youth Polytechnics (A Case of Embu District)
(Kenyatta University, 2007) Nderi, Elijah Mwaniki
An investigation of the impact of employee training on job satisfaction and retention: a case study of Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
(Kenyatta University, 2007) Mulwa, Redempta Serah; Ngaba, D. K.
The study focused on assessing the impact of employee training on their job satisfaction and retention at the Kenya Medical Research Institute. The target population was the employees who had completed training in the past 4 years. The study was carried out within three KEMRI collaborating centres namely; Walter Reed Project, Centre for Disease Control and KEMRI-Kenya Department of Defense. These collaborating centres operate entirely under KEMRI policies and mandate. The study sought to find out why despite the fact that training of employees is expected to yield to increased job satisfaction and retention, the rate of staff turnover after acquiring the required training is still high within the centres. The study sought to unearth the reasons behind the staff leaving and therefore identify what the institute is currently not fulfilling within the expectations of the staff after the training compelling them to exit. To effectively address the issue, the researcher came up with the following objectives: - 1. To determine how training relates to employee job satisfaction and retention 2. To establish the factors contributing to staff retention or turnover after acquiring training inKEMRI 3. To explore the possible solutions that KEMRI could adopt to minimize or eradicate employee exit after training. The researcher administered questionnaires with both open-ended and closed-ended questions as an avenue of data collection. After data collection analysis was done using frequency distribution tables, charts and graphs.
Determinants of women's participation in corporate governance in Kenya
(2007-02) Kimani, Wanja Anne
Corporate scandals in recent times provide evidence that all is not well at the top of corporate entities. In seeking solutions to the current sense of crisis in corporate governance, there is a risk that regulation, policies and procedures are emphasized, and a checklist compliance approach prevails when the real issue is creating governance effective leadership that will build and maximize shareholder wealth. Board configuration should be discussed in the context of the percei -ed needs of the board as a strategic resource of the organization and that in bringing partic.ilar perspectives resulting from their professional, ethnic or gender backgrounds, directors contribute to board effectiveness. The gendered dimensions or current governance reforms have not been given appropriate consideration; yet there are gender specific capacity failures in most institutions (United Nations, 2005). The general objective of this study was to analyze the determinants of women's participation in corporate governance. The study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, and the study considered all the 52 publicly listed companies in Kenya at the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The target population was all women directors in companies listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange.

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