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    IMPACT FINANCING STRATEGIES AND THE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF THE AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS SECTOR IN KENYA
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-09) ZIPPORAH NYAGUTHII GITONGA
    The agricultural sector in Kenya plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy, contributing 30% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite its great potential many agribusinesses struggle to obtain credit or investments due to lack of collateral, high interest rates and limited financial infrastructure. Various financial interventions by the government, commercial banks and microfinance institutions have not yielded substantial contribution. The agricultural sector value chain remains largely fragmented which reduces efficiency and hindering growth of the agricultural stakeholders while small-scale producers are often excluded from structured value chains due to scale and quality issues. This study focused on sustainable growth of the agricultural business sector as the dependent variable while the independent variables are capital raising strategies, social value strategies, environmental value strategy and financial literacy strategies. Finally, the last objective was to evaluate the mediating role of risk attitude on the relationship between these strategies and the growth of the agricultural business sector in Kenya using quantitative research method approach. The study was mainly anchored on resource-based theory (RBV), social entrepreneurship theory and financial intermediation theory. Primary data was collected through questionnaires. Furthermore, this research sought to establish the structural relationship between agricultural impact financing strategies and the sustainable growth of the agricultural business sector in Kenya using the Structural equation model (SEM). The study found out that capital raising strategies played a significant role in both risk attitudes and sustainable agriculture. Social value strategies did not significantly influence risk attitudes but had a statistically significant negative effect on sustainable agriculture. Financial literacy strategies were not found to significantly influence sustainable agriculture. Environmental value strategies were positively and significantly associated with risk attitudes and sustainable agricultural. Risk attitudes had a significant and negative effect on sustainable agriculture. The study established that by improving access to capital, enhancing financial literacy, improving social and environmental values and addressing risk related barriers are key to advancing sustainable agriculture in Kenya’s agribusiness sector. The findings of this study shall benefit policy makers to make appropriate policies to improve access to capital, improve financial literacy while addressing the social and environmental factor to spur agricultural business sector growth.
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    ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALLSCALE AGRIBUSINESS GRAIN FARMERS IN NORTH RIFT, KENYA
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-09) MICHAEL KIBET KEBENEI
    In North Rift Kenya, small-scale farmers are struggling to make ends meet despite contributing the largest percentage of maize production in the country. Many of these farmers still live in poverty within the region, facing challenges in meeting their basic needs and achieving financial stability. A question that arises then is what may be the challenges affecting the performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in the region? Can Entrepreneurial orientation be the solution to their Agribusiness performance? Therefore, this study sought to determine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation and performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. Further the study sought to determine the influence of entrepreneurial innovation, pro-activeness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy on the performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. The study further sought to establish the moderating effect of entrepreneur characteristic on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. The study was guided by the Economic Theory, Psychological Theory, Innovation theory, Opportunity-based theory and Uncertainty bearing theory. The study adopted the positivist research philosophy and descriptive survey research design was utilized. Target population included 497,737 small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. Yamane’s Formula of sample size determination was applied to derive a sample size of 400 respondents. Questionnaire was used for data collection. A Pilot test was conducted in Kakamega County to check the validity and reliability of the instruments of data collection. SPSS version 25 was applied in analyzing the data collected. Moreover, diagnostic tests such as normality test, multicollinearity test and Heteroscedasticity test were done. Quantitative techniques were utilized to analyze data. The quantitative data comprised of the descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics were summarized into percentages, mean and the standard deviation which was presented using figures, frequency tables and pie-charts. Inferential statistics were applied to test the hypothesis for the study. The findings showed that Innovation and performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers has a positive and significant relationship. Moreover, it was also established that pro-activeness, risk taking, competitive aggressiveness, and entrepreneurial autonomy significantly predicted the performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. Entrepreneurial characteristics had a statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. The study conclusion was that there is statistically significant relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. The study recommended , small-scale grain farmers to embrace entrepreneurial orientation, research institutions to contact regular market research, government institution to enact policies that support entrepreneurial orientation and training institutions to contact educational training, there is a need for educational institutions to integrate entrepreneurial innovativeness, risk management, pro-activeness, competitiveness, business autonomy and entrepreneurial characteristic into agricultural curricula to equip future farmers with the necessary skills.
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    EMPLOYEE RETENTION STRATEGIES AND TEACHER PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-09) AGNES SUPA WIRAKA
    Primary education institutions dictate the path of the work of education and retaining employees is important to avoid disrupting the learning experience of the pupils and also to improve performance. This study sought to establish the influence of employee retention strategies on teacher performance of private primary schools in Kajiado County, Kenya. The research also aimed to determine how organisational culture affected the link between teacher performance and personnel retention tactics at private primary schools in Kenya's Kajiado County. The study's particular goal was to ascertain how teacher performance at private primary schools in Kajiado County, Kenya, was impacted by leadership, work-life balance, employee engagement, and incentive systems. The theories of social exchange, work/family boundaries, employee engagement, equality, and organisational culture served as the foundation for this study. The study utilised a descriptive survey research design and the positivist research theory. 5937 workers of Kajiado County's registered private elementary schools made up the target population. Using stratified random selection procedures, a sample size of 217 workers was chosen using the Nassiuma (2000) methodology for determining sample size. While secondary data was gathered from the annual reports of private elementary schools during a five-year period, primary data was gathered from the respondents utilising a structured questionnaire. Validity and reliability tests were performed on the data gathering tools. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 29.0. Both descriptive and inferential analysis were used to examine the quantitative data. Figures and tables were used to display descriptive data that had been condensed into means, percentages, and standard deviations. Heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity, and normalcy were among the diagnostic tests conducted. The link between the research variables was evaluated using regression analysis and correlation for the inferential analysis. The study discovered that the teacher performance of private primary schools in Kajiado County was statistically significantly impacted by teamwork (R2=0.260, b=0.466, p<0.05), work-life balance (R2=0.188, b=0.321, p<0.05), employee engagement (R2=0.290, b=0.493, p<0.05), and reward systems (R2=0.163, b=0.309, p<0.05). Additionally, the association between teacher performance and staff retention methods in Kajiado County's private primary schools was statistically moderated by organisational culture (R2=0.356, F=14.353, p=0.00<0.05). The research found that teacher performance in private primary schools in Kenya's Kajiado County was favourably impacted by personnel retention tactics. It was also determined that the link between the teacher performance and staff retention strategies of private primary schools in Kajiado County was significantly impacted by the culture of the organisation. In order to enhance collaboration, the research suggested that schools conduct team-building exercises and enhance internal communication. Flexible scheduling is necessary, and work-life balance may be improved via health initiatives. For increased staff involvement, the school administration must regularly provide chances for empowerment, recognition, and feedback. Additionally, the management need to provide incentive programs that encourage equity, respect, and inclusivity. It was proposed that further research be done to look at the long-term effects of certain HR tactics, such incentive systems or staff engagement initiatives, on student achievement and teacher retention.
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    STOCK MARKET ANOMALIES AND VALUE INVESTING STRATEGIES OF FIRMS LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-10) WANJUKI ESTHER NJOKI
    The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between stock market anomalies and value investment strategies of publicly traded companies at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, and more specifically to investigate the relationship between firm size and value investing strategies, the influence of calendar effect anomalies on value investing strategies, the impact of event-related anomalies on the performance of value investing strategies, the relationship between accrual effect anomalies and value investing strategies, and the moderating role of stock price volatility in the relationship. The study exploited fundamental financial indicators to identify undervalued stocks, highlighting the exploitable opportunities presented by anomalies like the day-of-the-week effect, while Behavioral Finance Theory, Signaling Theory, and Resource Dependence Theory provided a theoretical framework for understanding investor behavior and market dynamics. The study adopted a positivist philosophy and applied panel data analysis with stock price volatility as a moderating variable. It examined stock return anomalies among 62 non-financial firms listed on the NSE as of December 31, 2024, of which 45 were analyzed due to data availability, while 17 were excluded following suspensions. The data was analyzed using E-Views 7, utilizing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Random Effects regression models. The study found that firm size anomalies, calendar anomalies, event-related anomalies, and accruals collectively explained 40.8% of the variation in value investing strategies. The remaining 59.2% of unexplained variation in the market is due to other factors beyond its scope, such as macroeconomic shocks, investor sentiment, regulatory changes, and firm-specific events. Firm size anomalies had significant negative effects, calendar anomalies had negative effects, and event-related anomalies had significant negative effects. Accruals had positive but insignificant effects, and stock price volatility had a negative and significant moderating effect. Consequently, the study suggests that investors should focus on value strategies, targeting smaller-cap firms, using calendar-based filters to address seasonal returns, and adopting event screens or timing models to minimize volatility. Accrual-based adjustments may not be necessary due to their insignificant influence. Stock price volatility should be integrated into valuation models for predictive power in unstable periods. Regulatory bodies should strengthen stability mechanisms and improve transparency during crises to safeguard investor confidence and ensure the effectiveness of valuation strategies.
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    MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS SYNERGETIC ADVANTAGES AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF LISTED FIRMS ON THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-08) AKIDIVA, HILDA MIDEVA
    This study examined the effect of synergetic advantages derived from mergers and acquisitions on the financial sustainability of firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, with firm size as a moderating variable. The study was motivated by the observation that despite an increase in Mergers and acquisitions activities, many listed firms continued to face financial sustainability challenges, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these strategic consolidations. The main objective was to assess how operational, financial; market and managerial synergies influence the financial sustainability of listed firms and whether firm size moderates these relationships. The study targeted all listed companies that engaged in significant mergers and acquisitions activities between 2003 and 2023. Using purposive sampling, 11 firms that met the criteria and had consistent post-merger data were selected. Secondary data was obtained from audited financial statements, corporate disclosures and annual reports. A structured data entry sheet was developed to guide data collection, focusing on relevant financial indicators such as asset turnover ratio, debt-to-equity ratio, Tobin’s Q and leadership turnover rate. Data was processed and analyzed using EViews statistical software. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize key features of the data, while inferential analysis was conducted using panel data regression models. Two regression models were estimated: one testing the direct effect of synergies on financial sustainability and another testing the moderating role of firm size through interaction terms. Diagnostic tests were carried out to validate the assumptions of panel regression and robust estimators were applied where necessary. The findings revealed that operational, financial and managerial synergies had a statistically significant positive effect on financial sustainability, whereas market synergy had no significant impact. The moderating effect of firm size was significant for operational and financial synergies, indicating that larger firms were better positioned to leverage these advantages. However, firm size did not significantly moderate the effects of market or managerial synergies. The study concluded that internal integration factors such as operational efficiency, capital structure optimization and leadership alignment are critical to realizing sustainable post-merger performance. It was further concluded that firm size enhances synergy realization, particularly in resource-dependent processes. The study recommends that firms engaging in mergers and acquisitions should prioritize structured post-merger integration planning, including leadership alignment and operational audits and tailor strategies according to firm size. It also recommends that policymakers and regulators enhance post-merger disclosure requirements and support sector-specific merger guidelines. The study recommends future research to explore the mediating role of Fintech digital technologies. This study adds to the growing literature on the effectiveness of mergers and acquisitions in emerging markets and offers practical guidance for business leaders, Investors and policymakers seeking enhanced post-merger outcomes.
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    TOTAL REWARDS AND NURSE RETENTION IN LEVEL FOUR FAITHBASED HOSPITALS IN NYANZA REGION, KENYA: THE MODERATING ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-08) MARGARET CHEPNG’ENO
    Poor retention among registered nurses is a global issue, with nursing experiencing higher turnover rate than that of other professions in the healthcare field. This study examined the relationship between total rewards and nurse retention in Level 4 faithbased hospitals in the Nyanza Region of Kenya. The study specifically investigated how compensation, learning and development, employee recognition, and work-life balance affect nurse retention, with organizational culture as a moderating variable. Anchored on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory and guided by other theories such as Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, and Work/family Border Theory, the research aimed to address empirical gaps, including contextual, conceptual, and methodological dimensions. The unit of analysis consisted of Level 4 faith-based hospitals in Nyanza region, while the unit of observation was nurses. Adopting a pragmatist philosophy, the study employed an explanatory research design which targeted 442 registered nurses in these hospitals. A sample of 210 nurses was selected using Yamane’s formula, stratified sampling with proportional allocation, and simple random sampling techniques. A pilot study which involved 21 nurses in Kericho County established the reliability and validity of the questionnaires. Data collection and analysis employed quantitative approach. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis and hypothesis testing using SmartPLS 4.0 software. The study revealed that total rewards alone accounted for 53.3% of the variance in nurse retention, while the inclusion of organizational culture increased the explained variance to 57%, indicating a modest additional contribution. Among the components of total rewards, compensation had a weak statistically significant effect on nurse retention (β = 0.128, p = 0.049). Learning and development as well as employee recognition demonstrated positive but non-significant effects. Work-life balance emerged as the most influential factor, showing a strong positive and significant effect (β = 0.575, p = 0.000) on retention. This underscores the critical importance of creating supportive work environments that enable nurses to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. While organizational culture exhibited some moderating effects on the relationship between total rewards and retention, these effects were minimal and statistically nonsignificant. The study recommends that hospitals prioritize work-life balance policies that support schedule flexibility, adequate leave days, and manageable workloads for nurses. These should be implemented alongside competitive compensation and continuous employee development. This study enhances knowledge on nurse retention by establishing work-life balance as the most significant factor, challenging conventional emphasis on compensation. It contributes to literature on organizational culture, revealing its limited moderating role, and questions the effectiveness of traditional recognition programs. Further research should focus on public and private hospitals with a broader scope beyond Nyanza region.
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    STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP DRIVERS, MANAGEMENT REMUNERATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF KENYA TEA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FACTORIES IN KENYA
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-10) CAROLYNE KIPTUM
    The tea sector in Kenya is facing substantial challenges, including declining profits, low farmer returns, reduced sales, shrinking market share, and escalating operational costs factors that threaten the industry’s viability. This study examined the effect of strategic leadership drivers on the organizational performance of Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) factories. Specifically, the study sought to assess the relationship between process reviews, human capital development, innovation, internal controls, and organizational performance, and to evaluate the moderating role of management remuneration on these relationships. The research was underpinned by Strategic Leadership Theory, Dynamic Capability Theory, Human Capital Theory, Innovation Diffusion Theory, Control Theory, and Efficiency Wage Theory. The study adopted the positivist research philosophy. A correlational survey research design was employed, targeting 1,817 management employees across 66 KTDA factories. A sample of 318 respondents was drawn using Cochran’s formula and multi-stage sampling to ensure representativeness. Primary data was collected using validated and pilot-tested questionnaires. Validity was assessed through expert review and Confirmatory Factor Analysis, while reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics (means, percentages, frequencies, standard deviations) and inferential techniques, including regression and hierarchical analysis, were applied. Hierarchical regression enabled examination of the relationships between independent, dependent, and moderating variables. Findings indicated that process review (β = 1.245, t = 15.481, p < 0.05), innovation (β = 3.933, t = 7.677, p < 0.05), and internal controls (β = 6.539, t = 9.648, p < 0.05) remain strong predictors. However, human capital development showed a negative effect (β = -8.414, t = -7.407, p < 0.05). Additionally, remuneration negatively moderates the relationship (β = -2.502, t = -9.025, p < 0.05). The study concluded that these drivers are critical to enhancing performance and competitiveness in KTDA factories. It further affirmed the vital role of effective leadership in sustaining organizational growth and efficiency. The study recommends the adoption of robust strategic leadership drivers and competitive remuneration frameworks to promote long-term tea sector sustainability
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    INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL FACTORS AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF MICROFINANCE BANKS IN KENYA
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-10) ESTHER WAMBUI GITEE
    The sustainability of microfinance banks is paramount for their functionality and long-term survival and cannot be overemphasized. The effectiveness of internal financial controls is crucial not only for the growth of microfinance banks (MFBs) but also for optimizing their internal operations, which are assessed through risk assessment strategies, control activities, monitoring practices, and the control environment. In recent years, MFBs in Kenya have faced considerable financial instability, highlighting concerns about their internal financial controls. Microfinance banks appear to be highly vulnerable to even minor economic disturbances, as seen in the Central Bank of Kenya's (2023) financial stability report. Their total assets decreased by 4.8 percent, amounting to Kshs. 70.4 billion in December 2022. This decline was mainly attributed to a 3.1 percent reduction in gross loans and advances, raising serious concerns about sustainability. The sector reported a collective pre-tax loss of Kshs. 980 million in 2022, with only a few MFBs maintaining financial stability, while others faced significant losses. This scenario underscores the urgent need to examine the internal financial control mechanisms that influence the sustainability of microfinance banks. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between internal financial control factors and the sustainability of MFBs in Kenya. The study was based on four theoretical foundations: resource-based view theory, management control theory, risk management theory, and institutional theory. The study methodology included a positivist research philosophy and a longitudinal panel research design covering 2016-2023. A census approach was employed, targeting all 14 microfinance banks regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. Secondary data collection methods were used, utilizing audited financial statements, annual supervision reports, and regulatory filings published by the Central Bank of Kenya and individual MFBs. Control activities were assessed through asset utilization ratio and staff costs; risk assessment strategies through the capital adequacy ratio and total insider loans; monitoring practices through the portfolio at risk and operating expense ratio; and control environment through management efficiency and borrower default risk. Firm size and leverage were considered as control variables. Sustainability was measured using the financial self-sufficiency ratio, while fintech adoption served as a moderator. Analysis was conducted using panel regression in EViews, supported by diagnostic tests which were carried out to ensure reliable statistical inferences. The findings showed that most internal financial control factors failed to significantly influence sustainability outcomes. Specifically, the study failed to reject the null hypotheses for control activities, risk assessment strategies, and control environment, indicating these traditional internal control mechanisms had no statistically significant impact on microfinance bank sustainability. However, the study rejected the null hypothesis for monitoring practices, revealing a significant negative relationship with sustainability, suggesting that intensive monitoring actually undermined rather than enhanced institutional sustainability. The study rejected null hypotheses for control variables, both firm size and leverage, demonstrating strong positive effects on sustainability, while fintech adoption failed to show any significant moderating effect, leading to failure to reject its null hypothesis and indicating that technology integration did not enhance the relationship between internal controls and sustainability outcomes. The study recommends that banks should restructure monitoring frameworks to enhance financial self-sufficiency, maintain conservative leverage strategies, prioritize institutional growth, and treat fintech adoption as a complementary enhancement rather than a primary sustainability strategy
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    EFFECTS OF CROSS-BORDER LISTING ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE : EVIDENCE FROM FIRMS LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-09) ZACCHEUS KIREMA KABERIA
    An organization's level of financial performance serves as the foundation for gaining people's commitment to help it achieve its objectives. The NSE gives businesses a place to develop and thrive, which promotes economic expansion and the development of jobs. Furthermore, the NSE contributes to the expansion of the national economy and plays a significant role in guiding share transactions for the listed businesses. Examining the impact of cross-border listing on the financial performance of firms at the NSE is the main aim of this research. The specific aims were to determine the impact of trading volume, investors’ base, liquidity, and market capitalization on the financial performance of firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The research also sought to evaluate the regulating impact of institutional size on the association between cross-border listing and the cross-listed companies’ financial performance. The study was informed by market segmentation theory, modern portfolio theory, liquidity preference hypothesis, and investor recognition hypothesis. Since the current study utilized quantitative data only, positivism was adopted. The research used an event study methodology. The researcher collected quantitative data using a secondary data collection sheet. Before being entered into the E-views (v-10) software program for analysis, the data was filtered and screened for accuracy, missing values, and outliers. Descriptive statistics have been used. Inferential analysis involved multiple regression analysis and a moderated multiple regression. The study found that trading volume had a favorable and significant effect on NSE companies performance after cross listing (β=0.812, p=0.000). Further results exhibited that investors base had a satisfactory and noteworthy impression on NSE companies performance after cross listing (β=0.330, p=0.000). Liquidity had a favorable and noteworthy impression on NSE companies performance after cross listing (β=0.057, p=0.001). Market capitalization had a favorable and substantial impact on NSE companies success after cross listing (β=0.313, p=0.023). In addition, firm size moderates the association amongst cross listing and success of all the cross listed firms in Kenya. The study concluded that Cross-listing is a good means for attracting additional investors from foreign stock markets. To increase trading volume for cross-listed firms, companies should consider reducing minimum trading units, expanding operations, and ensuring strong financial statements. The managers of cross listed firms should focus on leveraging the increased visibility. Strong financial statements that clearly reflect a company's performance and financial position can attract more investors, leading to increased trading. The managers of cross listed firms should focus on increasing the scale of operations and expanding into new markets can generate more positive news and attract investors, which can increase trading volume. To enhance market capitalization, the CMA could implement a multi-pronged approach focusing on promoting good corporate governance, fostering a robust regulatory framework, and encouraging a wider range of capital market products and services.
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    STRATEGIC CHANGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, ORGANIZATION CULTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-09) NJOKI KIBE
    Public hospitals in Nairobi County ought to operate under robust strategic change management practices. Strategic management practices should the enhanced performance variations in public hospitals. However, the current state of public hospitals in Nairobi County reveals significant operational and structural challenges that negatively affects performance. Finding out how strategic change management approaches affect the efficiency and effectiveness of public hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya, was the overarching goal of the research. The research was framed around five distinct goals. These aimed to analyze the relationship between strategic change management and performance in the public hospitals of Nairobi County, Kenya, taking into consideration the moderating effect of organizational culture as well as the effects of strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, organizational restructuring, and resource mobilization. Personnel from a few chosen public hospitals in Nairobi City County served as the study's unit of observation. The years 2019–2023, inclusive, were the subject of this research. This period corresponds with when the COVID-19 pandemic began, at which time several public hospitals in Nairobi County saw major operational adjustments. Complexity theory, the McKinsey 7-S Framework, Kurt Lewin's model, and Kotter's eight-step model served as the theoretical compass for the research. Pragmatism, which served as the overarching philosophical framework for the research, was the bedrock of the study. Public hospitals in Nairobi County were the settings for this study, which used a pragmatist mindset and a parallel convergent research method. The 7,197 staff members that made up the target population were selected from the following hospitals: Mathari National & Teaching Hospitals, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Mbagathi Hospital, and Kenyatta National Hospital. Using Yamane's method and the stratified random sampling approach, we were able to calculate a sample size of 379 staff members. A total of 384 respondents were included in the survey, with the directors being specifically chosen for the purpose of the research. For reliability, Cronbach's alpha was used, and for validity, content and face validity were used. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to gather primary data. In order to show quantitative descriptive data, figures and tables were created using SPSS version 29, which summarized the data into frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. The association between variables was determined using inferential statistics, which include correlation and multiple linear regressions. A narrative format was used to convey the results of the content analysis on qualitative data. The results showed that the public hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya, were significantly and positively impacted by strategic leadership. In Nairobi County, Kenya, public hospitals' performance was significantly correlated with stakeholder participation. The most strongly correlated factor with the efficiency of Nairobi County's public hospitals was organizational reform. In Nairobi County, Kenya, public hospitals' performance was significantly correlated with their ability to mobilize resources. When looking at the health sector in Nairobi County, Kenya, organizational culture acts as a moderator in the link between resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, organizational restructuring, strategic leadership, and performance. The study recommended that public hospitals in Nairobi County should adopt restructuring initiatives focused on process efficiency, technological integration, and streamlined management structures to enhance healthcare service delivery and operational performance.
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    INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF HUMANITARIAN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-04) ROTUNO KIPSANG
    This research explored the effect of information communication technology innovation practices on the performance of humanitarian NGOs in Kenya. The study focused on five specific objectives: assessing the influence of social media on the performance of these organizations; investigating the role of mobile applications in enhancing their performance; evaluating the impact of biometric identification systems; analysing how strategic investments in internet networks contribute to organizational success; and examining how cultural norms moderate the relationship between technological advancements and the performance of humanitarian NGOs in Kenya. The study tested five hypotheses: social media utilization positively influences NGO performance; mobile application adoption enhances organizational performance; biometric identification systems improve performance; strategic internet network investments strengthen performance; and cultural norms moderate the relationship between ICT adoption and NGO performance. Grounded in the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the Resource-Based View, and Technology Adoption Theory, the study adopted an empirical positivist approach. The methodology combined quantitative and qualitative methods within a cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected from 283 local and international NGOs operating in Kenya, complemented by interviews with 20 NGO managers. Instrument validity was ensured through expert reviews and pilot testing, while reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.7. Advanced statistical methods, including regression and correlation analyses, were employed to examine the relationships among ICT innovations, adoption, and NGO performance. The findings were significant. Social media utilization was shown to enhance organizational visibility and effectiveness (B = 0.161, p = 0.029). Mobile applications improved operational efficiency (B = 0.277, p = 0.05), while biometric identification systems strengthened security and accountability (B = 0.152, p = 0.032). Investments in internet networks emerged as a critical driver of informed decision-making and organizational success (B = 0.325, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the analysis revealed that cultural norms significantly moderated the relationship between ICT adoption and performance, highlighting the importance of aligning technological solutions with local contexts. The study concluded that ICT innovations, when effectively leveraged, have the potential to transform humanitarian NGOs in Kenya. Social media can amplify visibility, mobile apps can streamline operations, biometric systems can enhance security, and strategic internet investments can drive data-informed decision-making. However, cultural alignment remains crucial to ensure the relevance and sustainability of these technologies. To this end, the research recommends that NGOs prioritize comprehensive ICT strategies, allocate resources for capacity building, and conduct thorough cultural assessments before implementing new technologies. Engaging with local communities to adapt solutions to their specific needs and preferences is equally essential. By embracing these approaches, humanitarian NGOs can optimize ICT use, enhance accountability, and deliver impactful services to Kenya’s most vulnerable populations. Ultimately, aligning innovation with cultural contexts is vital for sustainable humanitarian success.
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    WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-06) GIMIKO TUNGUSE EMMANUEL
    Workforce diversity is crucial for improving university performance through employee experience and knowledge, addressing skill gaps, expanding the applicant pool, and boosting revenue by luring in students. The research presented the statement of the problem. This study sought to investigate the influence of workforce diversity on performance of private universities’ in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The study also sought to establish the mediating role of organizational culture on the relationship between workforce diversity and performance of private universities. The study specifically sought to investigate the influence of demographic diversity on the performance of private universities in Kinshasa; establish the influence of multiculturalism on the performance of private universities in Kinshasa; determine the influence of education diversity on the performance of private universities in Kinshasa; and establish the influence of work experience diversity on the performance of private universities in Kinshasa. This research was anchored on institutional theory of diversity management, similarity/attraction theory, social identity theory, cognitive diversity theory, schema theory, and justification-suppression model. The study was based on positivist research philosophy and used descriptive research design. The target population comprised of 2366 secretary generals, HR Managers, professors, associate professors and senior lecturers from the 29 approved private universities in Kinshasa, DRC. Sampling was done through stratified sampling and census sampling techniques. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire from the respondents. The study used multiple regression analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis. In addition, the study calculated the parsimony fit indices which examine the goodness fit of the model. The findings on demographic diversity revealed that age diversity (.006), gender diversity (.05) and disability diversity (.012) exhibited a positive influence on universities performance. The study also revealed that the multiculturalism dimensions of religion diversity (.05), ethnicity diversity (.05) and language diversity (.006) had a positive and significant influence on universities performance. This study also found that there was variation of the education diversity dimensions on universities performance with specialization diversity (.003) and tenure diversity (.05) having a positive effect while skills diversity (-.002) had a non-significant influence. The results also revealed that work experience diversity had varying influence on universities performance where geographic diversity (.05) had a significant influence, roles diversity (.069) had a marginally positive influence while industrial diversity (.767) had minimal non-significant influence. The study also established that organizational culture (.001) mediates the relationship between workforce diversity and universities performance. The study concluded that workforce diversity significantly influences private universities’ performance. The study recommended that managers have the role to promote the workforce diversity practices that enhance enrolment/exit rate, quality of research and universities’ growth. It is also recommended that managers should therefore ensure that they fully implement the various workforce diversity policies for enhanced universities’ performance.
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    GREEN HUMAN RESOURCE COMPETENCES AND EMPLOYEE ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOUR IN FIVE-STAR HOTELS IN NAIROBI METROPOLITAN, KENYA
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-07) PETRONILA IMERI IMO
    Employee environmental behaviour is an integral component in the hotel industry. Consequently, a major issue for hotels globally is identification of strategic approaches on how to foster employee’s environmental behaviour. The study investigated the influence of Green Human Resource competences on employee environmental behaviour in five-star hotels in Nairobi Metropolitan. The investigation considered the moderating influence of hotel environmental policy on the variables: Green Human Resource competences (being environmental Knowledge, attitude, and Skills) and employee environmental behaviour. The study was anchored on four theories: Ability Motivation Opportunity Theory, Theory of Planned Behaviour, Natural Resource Based View, and Conservation of Resource Theory. Post-positivism research philosophy, quantitative research paradigm, and cross-sectional descriptive research design were adopted. Stratified sampling was employed to select employees of the targeted hotels by departments followed by simple random sampling. The study sampled 312employees out of population of 1,069. The response rate was 270 participants who completed the structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. The study tested the hypotheses using Structural Equation Modelling with aid of Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS). The units of analysis were the five-star hotels while the units of observation were employees serving in the operational departments of the sampled hotels. The findings reveal that green human resource competences significantly influenced employee environmental behaviour. Environmental knowledge, attitude and skills positively and significantly influenced employee environmental behaviour showing a direct relationship. However, environmental knowledge had the greatest influence. The moderation results indicate the presence of hotel environmental policy weakens the relationship between environmental knowledge and employee environmental behaviour. However, this did not have significant impact, even though the moderator effect was medium. Hotel Environmental Policy strengthened the relationship between environmental attitude and employee environmental behaviour and moderator effect on environmental attitude was large. While the relationship between environmental skills and employee environmental behaviour was positively influenced and strengthened, the influence and the strength did not have significant impact. Moreover, the moderator effect was small and negligible. Overall, hotel environmental policy had moderate effect on the relationship between Green Human Resource competences and employee green behaviour. The study recommends that managers should promote green human resource competences that enhances employee environmental knowledge, attitude and skills. Employee environmental knowledge is inherently valuable for employee environmental behaviour and more specifically regarding ways on how to work sustainably, and to conserve resources such as energy and water. Managers should focus on training that seeks to develop the right skills that will enable employees to fully participate in waste management, as well as processes that seek to minimize and optimize resource utilization. Managers should pay close attention to employee environmental behaviour on working sustainably for instance being able to avoid processes that are energy inefficient and planning for virtual meetings as opposed to travels. Managers should ensure that adequate environmental policies, aimed at advancing employee’s knowledge, attitude and skills, are designed and implemented. The study concludes that Green iii Human Resource competences are inherently valuable for improving employee environmental behaviour.
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    IMPACT OF FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS ON THE MARKET VALUE OF LISTED COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2025-07) JOHN PAUL OKELLO
    The market value of listed commercial banks in Kenya has exhibited significant fluctuations in recent years, raising concerns among stakeholders about its stability and long-term sustainability. These fluctuations, alongside the rapid rise of financial technology (FinTech) innovations that have reshaped traditional banking operations, highlight the need to examine their impact on market valuation. The study's general objective was to determine the impact of financial technology innovations on the market value of listed commercial banks in Kenya. The specific objectives were to investigate the impact of FinTech innovations-namely payment solutions, financing mechanisms, and advisory services-on the market value of the ten commercial banks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) from 2013 to 2023, while also assessing the moderating role of bank size. Anchored in the Network Effect Theory, Financial Intermediation Theory, Disruptive Innovation Theory, the Resource-Based View, and the Efficient Market Hypothesis, the study adopted a positivist research philosophy and applied a longitudinal research design with a census approach. Quarterly panel data were sourced from the NSE, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and bank financial statements. To address endogeneity and establish causal relationships, the study employed a triangulated methodology comprising Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), Difference-in-Differences (DiD), and Granger Causality tests. The findings revealed that the adoption of FinTech innovations post-2016 significantly influenced market value. Digital wallets under payment solutions and crowdfunding under financing mechanisms emerged as key drivers of value creation. Conversely, advisory services such as robo-advisory and RegTech exhibited no statistically significant short-term effect, though they showed potential for long-term strategic relevance. Bank size exerted minimal moderating influence, with Tier II and III banks displaying superior FinTech agility—challenging the assumptions of the Resource-Based View. The study validated the explanatory power of the Network Effect Theory, Financial Intermediation Theory, and Efficient Market Hypothesis, and contributed to policy by introducing a RegTech Adoption Index. It also informed the development and launch of the Inuka Peer-to-Peer Lending Platform in 2025. These findings offer practical guidance for banks, regulators, and policymakers seeking to strengthen Kenya’s financial system. The study’s implications align with Kenya’s Vision 2030, SDG’s 8 and 9, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the EAC Vision 2050 in advancing inclusive, innovative, and resilient digital finance ecosystems.