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Project Risk Management Strategies and Project Performance in Kenya Power in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Kadala, Albert
Project performance is a prevalent concern, with quality failures leading to additional expenses ranging from 2 percent to 12 percent of project expenditures. Additionally, rectifying quality issues contributes to around 3.4 percent to 6.2 percent of project costs. The primary intent of the study is to ascertain the effect of project risk management practices on the performance of projects at Kenya Power and Lighting Company in Kenya. This research aimed to investigate the effect of risk avoidance strategy, risk reduction strategy, risk transfer, and risk retention strategy on project performance at Kenya Power and Lighting Company. The research was informed by the principles of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), the Theory of Constraints, and the Theory of Uncertainty. This inquiry used a descriptive research approach. The research population entailed project managers employed by Kenya Power in the Nairobi area. The research participants were selected utilizing a stratified random sampling procedure. Last-mile connection, smart metering, automated street lighting, and mwangaza mtaani projects made up the stratus. Subsequently, a total of 147 individuals were chosen by a random selection method. This study employed a semi-structured questionnaire. Every element of the study was customized to address a specific facet of the research. The survey's question selection was determined by using a 5-point Likert scale. A pilot test was done with a sample of workers from the Nairobi area of Kenya Power. A total of twelve individuals were selected, with three chosen from each of the four areas. The personnel that participated in the pilot testing did not partake in the real research. Data from demographics and objective one, two, three, and four were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Descriptive statistics included calculating the average (mean) and the measure of variability (standard deviation). The research utilized inferential statistics to ascertain the correlation between the independent factors and the dependent variable. The research outcomes were done using tables and figures. The study's findings suggest that implementing a risk avoidance approach has a beneficial and substantial effect on the execution of projects at Kenya Power and Lighting Company. Furthermore, the research establishes that using a risk reduction approach has a beneficial and substantial effect on the execution of projects at Kenya Power and Lighting Company. Additionally, the research determines that the transfer of risk has a favorable and substantial effect on the execution of projects at Kenya Power and Lighting Company. The research also determines that implementing a risk retention approach has a favorable and noteworthy effect on project performance at Kenya Power and Lighting Company. Based on the results, this research suggests that Kenya Power's management should consistently and comprehensively evaluate possible risks and uncertainties for all projects via complete and frequent risk assessments. This should include a comprehensive examination of both intrinsic and extrinsic elements that potentially influence project success.
Inclusive Governance in Conflict Management: A Case of Marsabit County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Abudho, James Ibrae
Inclusive constitution-building methods foster interaction between elites and constituents, ensuring both public and elite legitimacy for constitutional arrangements. Achieving a fair agreement often requires sacrifices from both parties, which highlights the essence of compromise. Over time, the roles and responsibilities of clan leaders have evolved significantly. Many clan chiefs have had to discover new ways to lead their communities while remaining true to their cultural roots. To effectively tackle the governance and development challenges facing our nation, it is crucial to actively involve clan leaders, and we urge the government and other development stakeholders to take action in this regard.
Aside from a small group of peace and security experts, most Kenyans are largely unaware of these international frameworks. More importantly, the government's reluctance to integrate these guidelines into law and ensure their full implementation is concerning. Factors such as differing viewpoints, limited financial resources, and cultural variations may hinder participation in these processes. The objectives of this study were as follows: to identify the representation of clans in conflict management in Marsabit County; to establish stakeholder decision-making processes in conflict management within the county; and to assess resource distribution in relation to conflict management in Marsabit County. The study utilized contemporary theory to frame its theoretical perspectives and was conducted in Marsabit County, employing a mixed research method with a case study design. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered, focusing on all citizens residing in Marsabit County as the target population. Purposive sampling was employed to select interviewees for the questionnaires and interview guides. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the data collected through the questionnaires, while content analysis was applied during the investigation. Secondary data for this study was sourced from publications, journals, and other publicly available documents. The findings were presented in the form of graphs, charts, and visual representations that illustrate clan leadership and conflict management in Marsabit County. To ensure the integrity of the research, the researcher assured respondents of complete confidentiality and the absence of any risk of victimization based on the information they provided. The study concluded that inadequate representation and participation of clan leaders contribute to poor inclusive governance; effective stakeholder decision-making processes are essential for promoting inclusive governance and robust conflict management; and unequal resource distribution serves as a catalyst for further conflicts in Marsabit County, ultimately hindering the potential for effective conflict management. The findings of this study are crucial for policymakers, local administration and security teams, the Government of Kenya, county governments, and other stakeholders involved in conflict management in arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) areas.
Internal Corporate Governance Mechanism and Firms Value of Selected Companies Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Abdullahi, Guhad Ibrahim
Corporate governance mechanisms can influence firm value. Larger boards are associated with inefficiencies in communication and moral hazard issues, ownership structure can result in excessive insider trading and board independence may not necessarily enhance firm value especially where the board members lack the necessary qualifications and experience. In Kenya, listed manufacturing and construction companies registered a significant decline in firm values which fell by an average of 29.9% from 2018 to 2023. The decline in firm value was registered in a period when the firms experienced significant changes in their corporate governance practices as CEO existed, new independent directors were appointed and the individual shareholders increased their ownership in the firm. Thus, the study's main objective was to ascertain how internal corporate governance practices affected the selected firm value in the NSE. The specific objectives included examining the effect of board size, ownership structure, and board independence on firm value, determining the mediating effect of profitability and the moderating effect of foreign capital flows on the relationship between internal corporate governance mechanisms and firm value. The study variables were anchored on Agency Theory, Transaction Cost Theory, Knight's Theory of Profit, and Efficient Market Theory. The research opted for the longitudinal design and collected panel data for 14 firms at the NSE covering the years 2014 to 2023. Data collection was from secondary sources, primarily annual financial reports. Data analysis encompassed both descriptive and inferential techniques, including means, standard deviations, and panel regression analysis using the STATA software. Diagnostic tests were conducted to validate the model and address potential issues such as multicollinearity, normality, stationarity, heteroscedasticity, and model specification. The study tested various hypotheses and found that board size positively affected firm value (p = 0.001 < 0.05, t = 3.41 > 6, β = 0.075), with the optimal size around nine members. Board independence was positively correlated with firm value (p = 0.006 < 0.05, t = 2.76 > 6, β = 0.008), emphasizing the importance of having independent directors. The study also found that ownership structure, while balanced, did not significantly influence firm value (p = 0.0287 > 0.05, t = 1.12 < 1.96, β = 0.065), indicating other governance mechanisms may be more critical. The mediating variable profitability significantly mediated corporate governance and firm value association with a β =0.344, (p = 0.025 < 0.05). The moderating variable foreign capital inflow was found to be a positive and significant determinant of foreign capital inflow. It explained 10.002% variance of firm value with a Beta of 1.85831. Recommendations for corporate managers include optimizing board size, increasing board independence, and enhancing profitability strategies. Policymakers are advised to promote balanced ownership structures and foreign investment. Stakeholders should advocate for governance practices that align with these findings to ensure sustainable firm value.
National Drought Management Authority Strategies in Drought Mitigation in Isiolo County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Huka, Abdulkarim
Isiolo County is one of the 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands(ASAL) counties in Kenya that face perennial droughts affecting both the human and livestock populations and translating to social, health, and economic negative consequences. The problems of drought have seen several stakeholders engage in drought mitigation in the county, among them is the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), a government parastatal covering ASAL counties. However, aside from their research and reports, specific studies seeking to establish the relationship between NDMA practices and their effect on mitigation of drought are minimal. The study’s objectives focused on investigating NDMA’s coordination, risk reduction, and early warning system practices and their effects on mitigating drought in Isiolo County. The study was anchored on The APFM model and Protection Motivation Theory. The targeted population was the NDMA technical team, composed of 11 members, 9 key informants from drought mitigation stakeholders, both local and international and 58,072 household heads. A census was done among the NDMA technical team and the stakeholders while simple random sampling was done to select 100 household heads determined using the Yamane Taro Formula (1967), using a precision level of +/-10%. A preliminary investigation was conducted in Marsabit County to assess the validity and reliability of the research tools. Semi-structured questionnaires were employed as a means of data collection from the participants. The study utilized a descriptive research methodology, in which quantitative data was subjected to analysis using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Additionally, qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. Tables and respondent voices were used to present the data. Ethical consideration was adhered to. First, research authorization was sought from graduate school, Kenyatta University, and then a research permit from NACOSTI. Confidentiality and anonymity were adhered to throughout the research process. The findings of the study indicated that about 63.0% of the variations in drought mitigation in Isiolo County can be accounted for by the entry criterion elements. The remaining 37.0% of the variance can be ascribed to additional factors that were not included in the study; therefore, the study recommends that there is a need to strengthen the formal structure in Isiolo County to allow all stakeholders to participate in drought Mitigation and ensure that coordination of the mitigation activities is effective. Additionally, the community should be allowed to participate in each of the drought management coordination efforts and ensure the use of implementation of drought responses that are informed by research findings as these types of responses are not only effective but are also efficient. Moreover, there is also a need for NDMA to rely on historical data in providing early warning information on agriculture, livestock among others, and include increased use of other data, get real-time updates on drought conditions, and the identification of the most appropriate channel to convey any message on early warning on possible drought.
Immunization Coverage among Children Aged Between 12-23 Months in West Pokot County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-08) Kirongo, David Kihara
Immunization coverage and healthcare utilization among children aged 12-23 months
significantly impact public health outcomes. However, in West Pokot County, Kenya, these
indicators remain suboptimal, posing challenges to achieving optimal child health. The
main aim of this research was to assess the vaccination rates among children in West Pokot
County, Kenya, between the ages of 12 and 23 months. The objectives of the study were
to (i) calculate the immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months in West
Pokot County, Kenya; (ii) analyze the factors influencing immunization coverage among
the same demographic; and (iii) assess the effects of healthcare utilization on immunization
coverage among children aged 12-23 months in West Pokot County, Kenya. A cross sectional study design was employed, involving a sample of 393 children aged 12-23
months and their caregivers in West Pokot County, Kenya. Data was collected through
structured interviews, questionnaire and focus group discussion. Descriptive and
inferential statistical analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between various
factors and immunization coverage, as well as healthcare utilization. The study revealed
that West Pokot County, 62.4% of mothers or guardians partially vaccinated their children,
while 36.6% completely immunized them, and only 1.1% did not vaccinate their children
at all. This indicates that only a third of children in the county have received all
recommended vaccinations, revealing a significant gap in achieving desired coverage. The
study identified parental age as a key determinant, with older caregivers more likely to
completely vaccinate their children. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found
between the number of children in a household and vaccination coverage. Teachers and
farmers were more likely to have their children completely vaccinated compared to those
in other occupations, highlighting the impact of parental occupation on vaccination rates.
Additionally, respondents who paid for vaccination services were more likely to fully
immunize their children. Healthcare utilization significantly influenced vaccination
coverage, as respondents who visited a healthcare facility during the previous year were
more likely to completely immunize their children. Hence the study concludes that findings
underscore the importance of addressing sociodemographic factors, such as parental age,
occupation, and financial capability, to enhance vaccination coverage among children aged
12-23 months in West Pokot County. Encouraging regular healthcare visits and promoting
healthcare-seeking behavior among parents and caregivers are crucial for improving
vaccination rates. This study recommended Conduct regular immunization coverage
surveys with local health facilities and community health workers for informed decision making. Analyze factors influencing immunization coverage and develop targeted
interventions. Assess healthcare utilization patterns among mothers and guardians and
implement measures to enhance healthcare service delivery