Firm characteristics and financial performance of selected teachers deposit taking savings and credit cooperative societies in Kenya
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Date
2025-10
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Savings and Credit Cooperative societies are essential organizations in the financial sector of countries as they perform important functions in the worldwide economy. The SACCO sector in Kenya is an essential player in achieving the Vision 2030 objectives of 10% annual economic growth. Despite the significant contribution, it was found that SACCO efficiency in Kenya was broadly declining. In 2017, it was reported that Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies incurred losses amounting to billions of Kenyan Shillings, with well-known Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies losing KSh1billion. Further losses were witnessed in 2019 and 2021 running into KSh1.2b and Ksh1.26 respectively. This research was done aiming to ascertain the effect of firm characteristics on financial performance of select Teachers DT-SACCOs in Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the influence of firm size, capital adequacy and asset quality on financial performance. The research was underpinned on Market Power Theory, Capital Buffer Theory and Stakeholder Theory which provided theoretical linkage between the research variables. The research was based on causal research and the target audience was 181 DT-Savings Credit and Cooperative Societies under SASRA, selecting the 40 of these which are teacher-based and a sample size of 18 of the teacher-based DT-SACCOs was studied. The research concluded that Asset Quality had a significant effect on financial performance. Capital Adequacy had a positive correlation with changes in financial performance. (ROA) at 95% confidence level (Sig=0.00). Moreover, firm's size was found to have a minimal effect on the financial health of Teachers DT-SACCOs at a 5% significance level. It was recommended that DT-SACCOs be encouraged to maintain an average low ratio between NPLs and total loans, based on the study's asset quality findings. To ensure that DTSACCOs consistently achieve capital adequacy ratios, thus protecting members' investments and promoting the growth of SACCOs, the research further recommends that: The board and management of DT-SACCOs should explore methods for issuing surplus capital to both prospective and current members. Furthermore, DT-SACCOs would significantly benefit from adjusting their dividend payout ratios. A one percentage decrease in dividend payout would markedly enhance the institutional capital of the SACCO. SASRA should establish vetting criteria for the recruitment of proficient managers capable of positively impacting the Society's strategy and direction towards augmented retained earnings. Additionally, SASRA can improve oversight of DT-SACCOs and escalate penalties for non-compliance with capital adequacy ratios. Institutional capital, a critical measure of financial health that determines a Sacco’s ability to absorb potential losses, has been hit hardest by the bank’s poor performance. As of September 2024, Mwalimu National Sacco, one of Kenya’s largest savings and credit cooperatives, has recorded a drop in its institutional capital ratio, which now stands at 7.7 percent. The regulator, SASRA, mandates that Saccos must maintain a minimum institutional capital ratio to safeguard members’ savings and ensure operational stability. In addition to institutional capital, other key financial ratios have also seen a sharp decline, signaling wider financial challenges for Sacco.
Description
A research project submitted to the School of Business, Economics and Tourism in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of masters degree of Business Administration (Finance) Kenyatta University, October 2024
Supervisor.
Dr. Charity Njoka