Financial Management Practices and Financial Performance of Microfinance Banks in Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Nyawira, Gichobi Christine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The financial management of microfinance banks in Kenya remains one of the critical issues in the sector, considering its contribution to the economy. Thus, financial management practices are essential in shaping the financial23 performance23of the microfinance banks. In the recent past, the microfinance banks have continued registering an unstable financial23 performance, evidenced in their annual audited reports even when they have been practicing several financial management practices. Empirical evidence on financial23 performance23and financial management practices of microfinance banks have documented mixed results. This study sought to determine the effect of board characteristics, financing mix, credit default management, and assets and liabilities management practices on financial performance of microfinance banks in Kenya. The study tested hypotheses at 0.05 significance level. The theories and models adopted were: agency theory, pecking order theory, credit default model, shift-ability theory, and financial outcome model. The study employed explanatory research design. The target population was 13 microfinance banks in Kenya, hence a census survey. The study collected secondary data using a document review guide. The data sources were: published financial statements of each microfinance bank and bank supervision reports from Central Bank of Kenya. The time scope was five years from year 2015 to year 2019. Diagnostic testing to ensure data was valid included multicollinearity, normality and heteroscedasticity tests. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and panel regression analysis. The data was presented using tables, graphs and figures. Adherence to ethical standards and requirements was observed. The results showed that board characteristics had a negative and significant54 effect on financial performance (β = -0.827. p = 0.012); financing mix had a12 positive12 and12 significant12 result on financial performance (β = 0.516. p = 0.014); credit default management had a positive but insignificant effect on financial performance (β = 0.066. p = 0.009); while asset and liability management had2 a12 positive12 and12 significant12 influence on financial performance (β = 0.216, p = 0.004). The study recommends that firms must form a management team with gender diversity features and they should strive to fund their investment operations using retained profits first, with debt as a last resort, since this is compatible with the pecking order principle, which asserts that funding sources are prioritized. To boost their performance, banks’ management must maintain high levels of net income, thus, aim at increasing earnings before taxes and interests while keeping their loan interest rates on check to ensure that credit default risk is minimized. The microfinance banks are also recommended to come up with relevant applicable policies governing their managerial boards, financial issues, credit and asset and liabilities for efficiency and effectiveness in their running.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Master of Business Administration (Finance Option), Kenyatta University, September, 2021
Keywords
Financial Management Practices, Financial Performance, Microfinance Banks, Kenya