Theses & Dissertation

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.rongovarsity.ac.ke/handle/123456789/3

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 103

Head teachers’ socio-demographic factors influencing job performance in public primary schools in Suba south sub-county, Homabay County, Kenya.
(2003) Muo, Pamela Atieno
Attainment of organizational goals is a reflection of efficient performance of human resource. Administrators, including head teachers are expected to achieve organizational goals through efficient job performance. However, in Suba South Sub County, statistics has indicated that there have been cases of mixed results in job performance in terms of the state of physical infrastructure, financial management and curriculum supervision. For instance, the 2019 Quality Assurance and Standards report revealed that 59% of the schools had dilapidated classrooms and toilets, 10 schools had financial mismanagement, and general school grounds were in a state of disrepair. Therefore, this study sought to establish head teachers‘ socio-demographic factors influencing job performance in public primary schools in Suba South Sub-County. The objectives of the study were to: determine head teachers‘ personal factors influencing job performance, determine head teachers‘ professional factors influencing job performance, and establish head teachers‘ social factors influencing job performance. Attribution Theory of Motivation was used to guide this study. The study adopted a mixed method approach with a descriptive survey research design. The study population was 97 Head Teachers, 97 Deputy Head teachers, 4 Curriculum Support Officers and 1 Sub County Director of Education, giving a total of 199 respondents. This was a census study. Data collection was done using questionnaires administered to the Head Teachers (HTs) and Deputy Head teachers (DHTs) and an interview guide to obtain responses from the 4 Curriculum Support Officers and 1 Sub County Director of Education Piloting was done in Suba North sub-county. Validity was determined through assessment and modification of the instruments by supervisors and experts in the Department of Educational Foundations and Management at Rongo University. Test-retest method was employed to determine the reliability of the questionnaires at set-p value of .05 and reliability coefficient of .77 was obtained. Quantitative data was employed using descriptive statistics; frequency counts, percentage scores and mean ratings, and inferential statistics was analyzed using Independent Two sample t-test using SPSS (version 26). Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Personal factors of head teachers influencing head teachers job performance are: Level of education, gender and Age, respectively in the order of influence. Professional factors of head teachers influencing head teachers job performance are: Work experience, on job training, Leadership Style and Promotional prospects and remuneration, respectively in the order of influence. Social factors of head teachers influencing head teachers job performance are: Social status, Work family balance, Recognition and Marital Status, respectively in the order of influence. The following recommendations were then made: from the findings TSC Teachers Service Commission should consider level of educational attainment of a head teachers in considering promotion of primary teachers to headship; Consistent on job training and good remuneration package of head teachers should be considered by TSC to ensure sustained improved performance of head teachers and all the stakeholders of public primary schools (MoE, TSC & local community) should encourage and support the primary school head teachers to have family work balance and improved job performance. The study findings may be useful for better planning and practice through evaluation and training to MOE, TSC and other policy makers and contribute to body of knowledge on head teachers‘ socio-demographic factors influencing job performance
Bantu and Nilotic Children’s Singing Games: a Comparative Study of their Value Communication
(2009) Weche, Michael
This study is based on the premise that Luo and Luhya children’s singing games are creative works that subtly reflect the aesthetics of the two communities. The aim is to critically examine how the performance of the singing games and their texts reflect the aspirations, norms and values of the macro cultures of the two Nilotic and Bantu communities respectively. The sampled singing games include those done in the traditional setting, sung in vernacular and those that are taken from the urban or cosmopolitan settings. Our findings reveal that Luo and Luhya children’s singing games are a significant resource in communicating the values of the two communities. Luo and Luhya children imitate their physical and social environments and dramatize about the aesthetics of the communities. This dramatization reflects both traditional values and the new emerging values that have been necessitated by the introduction of western values, formal education, Christianity and others. In these singing games Luo and Luhya children are able to socialize, learn and also uphold the values of unity and respect for one another. The singing games are significant in the learning process and character development of the children involved in the performance. University of Cape Town vi Luo and Luhya children’s singing games play a significant role in socializing the children in their different societies. The socialization makes the child to be rooted in the aesthetics and aspirations of his/her society. Urban children’s singing games that are sung by Luhya and Luo children reflect the child’s creativity, improvisation and the ability to borrow from various sources. The singing games utilize various sources, including the electronic media, print media and also rhymes from other cultures. Children’s singing games are repertoires of a people’s aesthetics. Apart from directly teaching the participants cultural issues and requirements, the singing games are crucial to the articipants’ social and moral development. Luo and Luhya children’s singing games reflect the macro culture of the Luo and Luhya communities respectively and to a great extent the changing values in the Kenyan society. The study also gives some insights arising from the findings that can be of benefit to future researchers. There is need for researchers to focus on children’s singing games as creative works and discover their role in the social and moral development of the child and also find out how these creative works can be used in an educational set up.
Effects of Safaricom M-Pesa system on efficiency of customer bill payment in Kisii County
(2014-12-01) Okenyuri, Nyakeyo, Lucy
M-banking, have been available in developing as well as developed countries for several years, but it is not until recently that new modalities of applying M-banking have started to diffuse rapidly to previously unbanked people. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of M-Pesa bill payment transaction costs, accessibility, security and convenience of the bill payment system on efficiency of Safaricon customers in paying bills. The study covered Safaricom subscribers in Kisii County, Kenya, due to the fact that the county has a high population and adopted a quantitative research design. Data was collected by use of a well structured and pre-tested questionnaire from a sample of 235 respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected from the field. Multiple Regression Analysis to show the cause effect relationship among variables. This study established that M-pesa bill payment transaction cost has an effect on customer’s efficiency in payment of bills, accessibility of payment points was likely to result to an increase in customers’ efficiency, while security and convenience of the system has an effect on efficiency of bill payment. The study recommends that transaction costs should regularly be revised with a view to maintaining them at affordable levels so that customers can continue enjoying the M-pesa payment system which is affordable for them, financial incentives be used by the service provider so as to encourage more vendors to provide the service and hence continue making the service accessible to as many customers as is possible. Further, security of the service should be paramount so as to lock out con men that tend to target illiterate and old customers and several service providers should adopt the Mpesa bill payment system so that customers can have the convenience of paying all their bills using this system
An m- shopping adoption model for developing economies. A study of Kisii town retail shops
(2016) Onunga, Jeremiah
Mobile shopping has been growing at a very fast pace in the developed world, but the trend has not quite picked up in the developing nations, including Kenya. It is still a relatively new trend. This study examined factors influencing m-shopping adoption and critical success factors that influence the adoption of m-shopping using extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study used descriptive survey research design as it was helpful in indicating trends in attitudes and behaviors and enabled generalization of the findings of the research study. This design was considered appropriate for this study because the quality information yielded was valid, while interviewer bias was reduced because participants completed identically worded self-reported measures. The population that was selected for the research was from Kisii Town, and a minimum sample of 384 respondents was selected to take part. The data was collected using questionnaires. An intercept personal interview approach was used to collect the data for the research. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The advancement in this research area is as a result of increased use of mobile computing technology to support new data analysis techniques and remote discovery of knowledge. The quantitative data about perceived risks, convenience, commodity prices and product variety were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data presentation was done using frequency distribution tables. The findings of the study revealed that m-shopping was a new trend in the Kisii Town and was taking root. Some of the reasons cited for adoption of m-shopping included; time saving, easy comparison of alternative products, fairer prices of online goods, expert/user review of products and access to a market without borders. Some challenges of m-shopping adoption that needs to be addressed were perceived risks, negatively influences consumers’ intentions and actual use of m-shopping. Online stores ought to introduce security mechanisms to reduce associated risks. The findings further indicated that this model can predict consumer intention to use m-shopping. Specifically, perceived usefulness, perceived credibility and awareness about m-shopping have significant effect on user’s attitude thus influence the intention toward m-shopping. The study provides relevant business advantage in terms of providing insights on how m-shopping is being embraced the challenges, and how to improve it.
Effects of contract farming on the financial performance of sugarcane farmers in Migori county: a case study of south Nyanza sugar company, Kenya.
(2016) Onyango, Kennedy Odhiambo
In the last five years, the performance of the sugar industry has continued to face several challenges some of which include; high cost of production characterized by operational inefficiencies. Previous studies have expressed diverse views on whether there is correlations between contract farming and financial performance, with some researches arguing that contract farming affects financial performance of sugarcane farmers while others researches oppose this argument. The main objective of this study was to examine effects of contract farming on financial performance of sugarcane farmers in Migori County, with the focus on contracted cane farmers of South Nyanza Sugar Company limited, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study was to determine the effects of cane pricing method on sugarcane productivity, examine effect of cost of extension services on financial performance of cane growers, examine effects of delay in payment of cane proceeds on sugarcane profitability, and determine effect of delay in harvesting on profitability of sugarcane in Migori County. A stratified sampling technique was used to divide contract farmers according to the five sectors i.e Sector I, II, III, IV and V. Simple random sampling was used to select farmers from each strata. Slovins’s formula was used to calculate an appropriate sample size from a population (n= n/1+n (e 2 )). Data was collected using a structured questionnaires, consisting mainly with closed ended questions. Quantitative data was analysed through percentages and mean and multiple regression using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and presented in tables and figures. The study was motivated by the conflicting views of the previous researchers on the effect of contract farming on the financial performance, with others researchers citing strong positive relationship between contract farming and the financial performance while others oppose the argument. The study concluded that contract farming is having a negative effect on financial performance of sugarcane farmers in Migori County. The study recommended the need to re-examine cane pricing based on tonnage, a rethink of cost of extension services on offer and an enhancement of supervision of the same, and a need to sensitize farmers to develop earlier maturity cane variety so that the turnaround time is reduced.
Influence of egesa fm’s programs on value addition practices of farmers in nyaribari chache sub-county, Kenya.
(2017) Marube, Martha Kerubo
Cost of extension services and its effect on profitability of sugar millers: a case of south nyanza sugar company, Kenya.
(2017) Odhiambo, Elly Omondi
The performance of most companies in the sugar industry in Kenya over the years has been an issue of great concern to the management, stakeholders and the Government. The main objective of this case study was to examine the cost of extension services and its effect on profitability of Sonysugar Co. Ltd, and the Kenya sugar sub-sector as a whole. The specific objectives was to investigate how land preparation costs, seed cane supply costs, cane maintenance costs, cane harvesting and transport costs affects the profitability of Sonysugar Co. Ltd. These extension services include land preparation, seed cane supply, cane maintenance, cane harvesting and transport. The study was occasioned by the persistent decline in profitability of most millers and their constrained cash flows despite concerted efforts to reverse the situation. The study area for this research was Sonysugar Co. Ltd, the target population was 491 employees from Finance and Agriculture departments, the population was stratified according to the departments and a purposive sampling technique was used to pick the respondents from each strata, sample size of 150 employees was used for this study. The study used both primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and interview schedules while secondary data was collected through document analysis. The collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics .The study findings revealed that land preparation costs, seed cane supply costs, harvesting and transport costs affects negatively the profitability of Sonysugar Co. Ltd, on the contrary the study also revealed that cane maintenance costs positively affects profitability of the company, the results of this research can be used to give more insights into the perceived cost implications on the profitability of millers. Emphasis should be made to review extension services so that while farmers continue to get the best out of these services, the company is also able to operate profitably. The study recommends that emphasis should be made to review land preparation activities, seed cane supply services, harvesting and transport activities as the study found that they indeed reduces profitability of Sonysugar Co. ltd, this could possibly be achieved through outsourcing, focus of the company should not be much on extension services but rather on the company’s core function of improving the milling capacity, the company’s working capital should not be constrained by subsidiary activities such as extension services, besides, there is need for the company to identify new ways that can be used to claim money owed to it by cane farmers so as to eliminate the issue of bad debts. The financial performance of the millers is likely to improve and thus be more attractive to prospective investors if these recommendations are considered for implementation.
Indicators of mental status of university students at the onset of unrest: a case of kisii university, Kenya
(2017) Oyoo, Eliud Oure
Several research findings show that University students’ unrest is a common phenomenon all over the world but more prevalent in the developing countries. Most Universities are focused on management of the aftermath of students’ unrest. However, studies have not been done on detecting the onset of students’ unrest and then implementing appropriate preventive measures to forestall the unrest. The purpose of the study was to determine indicators of mental status that can be used to detect the onset of students’ unrest in universities. The objectives of the study were to identify the main;verbal indicators, physical indicators and social indicators of mental status of University students at the onset of unrest; to compare the perceptions of security officers with that of secretaries on the indicators of mental status of University students at the onset of unrest and to determine the appropriate preventive measures to be used to forestall unrest.The study is significant in providing mental status examination tool that will be used to detect onset of unrest and then forestalling it. It was a survey research design which used mixed research methods. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used for data collection. The research population included; Security officers, secretaries, the personnel working under Dean of students’ department and the students’ leaders at Kisii University in the year 2016. From the four strata, simple random sampling was used which gave a total sample size of 183 which was obtained from a target population of 220. Quantitative data collected was analyzed descriptively into frequency counts, percentages, means and inferentially into independent sample t-test analysis and rank order correlation. Qualitative data collected was coded, categorized, sorted and classified into themes and sub-themes. The main verbal indictors of mental status of university students at onset of unrest are: The word ‘comrade’ being common in their speech, speech full of threats, word ‘power’ common especially in group speech and increased talkativeness of students, in that order. The main physical indicators of mental status of unrest are: Yelling emotional expressions, violent tendencies, hostile attitude manifestations and anger gestures, in that order. The main social indicators of mental status of unrest are: Stressful conditions, arrogant conducts, WhatsApp postings and cummulated grievances, in that order. The findings show that there is significant difference in influence of perceptions of security officers and secretaries on indicators of mental status of University students’ at onset of unrest. The preventive measures of University students’ unrest range from short term preventive measures, effective management strategies, to reduction of poverty disparities among University students. The research recommendation is that all the public universities should adopt the use of the invented mental status examination tool to detect the onset of unrest with the aim of forestalling the unrest.
Secondary school principals’ motivational rewards on retention: case of secondary school teachers in Homa bay county, Kenya
(2017) Okello, Lazarus Millan
Reward systems have become an important integral part of curbing teachers‟ attrition from one school to the other through transfer requests in Kenya. Teachers can choose schools that provide inducements and retention benefits; in return, they will continue to impart knowledge and be dedicated to their work. The purpose of this study was to examine secondary school principals‟ motivational rewards on retention: case of secondary school teachers in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study was premised on the investment of Adams Equity Theory; Expectancy Theory and Hertzberg Two Factor Theory. The objectives of the study were: to establish the influence of school environmental characteristics on retention of secondary school teachers; to determine the impact of principals‟ recognition on retention of secondary school teachers; to examine the role of staff promotional opportunities by the principals on retention of secondary school teachers, to establish the influence of leadership behaviour of principals on retention of secondary school teachers and to establish the school measures used to enhance teachers retention in Homa Bay County. The study adopted a mixed research method with a survey research design. The target population comprised of two thousand and ninety-six (2,096) secondary school principals and teachers. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table of specification was used to determine the study sample. A random sampling technique was used to select 169 school principals and 320 teachers yielding a total sample size of 489 respondents. Data was collected using a set of questionnaires with each sub section catering for each objective. An interview schedule was used to collect data from 18 selected principals. Validity of the research instrument was assured through expert judgement by the University lecturers. The reliability of the research instruments was determined using Cronbach‟s Alpha and a coefficient of r>.6 was reported in all the six subscales in the questionnaire. A questionnaire piloted prior to data collection to determine the validity and reliability was used as the main research instrument. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) windows version 22 computer programme. Pearson‟s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, ANOVA, t-test and regression analysis were used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Participants‟ confidentiality was promised and adhered to by the researcher. The study established that all the independent variables were positively associated to teacher retention in secondary schools in Homa Bay County, they all achieved statistically significant positive correlation at ɑ= .05 significant level. Regression Model was highly significant [F (4, 417) = 69.7, p<.05] and proved adequate to explain the variance in the dependent variable, teacher retention. The model explained about 40.1% (R2 =.401) of the variability in teacher retention. The teacher recognition variable alone uniquely accounted for the highest (Beta=.470) influence in the model, while leadership behaviour of principal did not have significant [Beta=.003, p=.942(ns)] impact on teacher retention. It is hoped that the findings of this study may help the Principals and other education stakeholders find better ways of rewarding teachers to curb their attrition through transfers to other secondary schools. The study recommends that Guidance and Counselling departments be strengthened to reduce cases of insecurity through students strikes, school principals should introduce motivational bonuses and involve teachers in decision making process at all school levels. Principals should assure teachers upward mobility at their work place as this increases teachers‟ confidence at work place. School principals should embrace relationship-oriented leadership behaviour to promote teachers‟ retention and mentoring program should be offered to newly appointed teachers to enhance positive motive on teaching at schools.
Effects of informal alternative family care on children wellbeing in Migori county, Kenya
(2017) Onyango, Erick Ater
Informal alternative family care is found every society in the world taking various forms of dimensions. In Kenya, it is more prevalent when families fail to embrace alternative family care for adoption, guardianship and foster care. Kenya conforms to legal frameworks allowing utilization of both human and financial resources safeguarding children wellbeing. Despite legislative arrangements, documentation on alternative family care at the Department of Children Services reveals very low intake of adoption, foster care and guardianship in Migori County. The study sought to examine the effects of informal alternative family care on children wellbeing in Migori County. Specifically, the study determined knowledge of alternative family care, examined the nature of informal alternative family care arrangements, established determinants of informal alternative family care and examined challenges of this care arrangement in Migori County. The study was guided by the social theory of action systems by Talcott Parsons and theory of structuration by Antony Giddens premised on the fact that actions of individuals regulate social order. The study was conducted in Migori County, one of the 47 counties in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive and cross sectional survey design. The target population was households from the entire County and household was the unit of analysis with household heads constituting respondents in the survey. The county has a population of 917,170 people and 180,211 households. A sample of 399 respondents was selected using Glenn Israel’s formula from the entire number of households in the County. Further, 14 respondents were selected for focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Cluster, multistage, purposive and simple random sampling methods were used and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from household survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observation using questionnaires, interview guides, guiding questions and observation checklist. Cronbach’s coefficient alpha and content validity index were used to test instruments validity and reliability respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics such as mean, chi-square and Karl Parson correlations statistics with the help of SPSS version 23. Content and framework techniques were used for analysis of qualitative data and emerging themes were identified and concepts generated. Research study revealed that, majority 56.2% of care givers was aware of the formal alternative care arrangements. Care givers were more acquainted with institutional care 37%, more than, guardianship 28%, adoption 19% and foster 15% arrangements. There was mixed reaction on these arrangements with the majority 58%, considering them best for child care while 11% noted they were complicated, 8% not practicable and 4% not important for taking care of children. Kinship support to child headed household was the most practiced 36.4% and 2.5% practiced familial informal care arrangement. Further, the study revealed determinants for informal alternative family care where 87% of care givers noted the influences of alternative family care arrangements on improving child wellbeing. Finally the study revealed that both care givers and children face challenges in alternative family care for children. The study contributes to the academic body of knowledge and provides the basis for policy formulation. The study concludes that informal alternative family care arrangements contribute to children wellbeing. The study recommends to the Ministry through the Department of children services to sensitize the public on best alternative care practices, formalize all alternative family care, provide universal social security and tailor a training program for care givers on positive parenting for children in informal alternative family care.
Social determinants of maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour in the informal settlements of Nairobi city, Kenya
(2017-07) Shivachi, Taji Isindu
Despite the fact that the government of Kenya has taken several steps to make it easier for all women to access maternal healthcare services (MHS), studies show that utilization of these services continues to be poor in the informal settlements of Nairobi, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. In view of the aforementioned, this study sought to investigate the social determinants of maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour (MHsB) in informal settlements. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the level of MHsB among women in the study area; examine the effects of availability of MHS on MHsB; determine the influence of socio-demographic factors on MHsB; and evaluate the relationship between women’s status and their MHsB. The hypotheses of the study were that maternal MHsB is low in the study area; availability of maternal healthcare services does not influence maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour; there is a positive and strong association between socio-demographic factors and MHsB; and that women of a higher status are more likely to have better MHsB than their counterparts of a lower status. A thematic literature review was conducted based on the objectives of the study. The three delays model was applied as the theoretical framework for this study. The study was conducted in Korogocho slums, Nairobi, due to evidence that among all informal settlements of Nairobi, Korogocho has persistently recorded the worst pregnancy outcomes despite apparent availability of healthcare facilities. The study adopted a mixed method approach, which involved a survey and analysis of secondary data. The survey had 512 main respondents, who were drawn from among women who delivered in the 12 months preceding data collection and 46 key informants drawn from healthcare practitioners. Respondents were selected through cluster and systematic random sampling technique, while Key informants were selected through purposive sampling method. Data was collected from main respondents using questionnaires and focus group discussions, and from key informants through in-depth interviews. Qualitative data was summarized into themes and analyzed through content analysis. Descriptive statistics were applied to present the characteristics of the respondents, which have been displayed in frequency tables and charts. Inferential statistics were used to determine the association between socio-demographic determinants and status of women and MHsB. The study established that 39%, 33%, and 28% of the respondents had high, mediumand lowMHsB respectively. The study found that there is a statistically significant relationship between MHsB and indicators of availability of MHS, like perceived quality of MHS, perceptions about the cost of services, and perceived availability of medical personnel and equipment. The study also revealed that demographic factors such as age, marriage, ethnicity and religious affiliation have a weak association with MHsB. Other socio-demographic factors like previous pregnancy outcomes and maternal knowledge were also found to influence MHsB. The study established that there is a strong and positive association between MHsB and indicators of socio-economic status (Gamma = 0.5872, 0.7494, 0.5928, and 0.5283 for level of education, income, occupation, and autonomy respectively). The study recommends that the Kenyan national and Nairobi County governments put in place measures to improve and monitor quality, and conduct awareness campaigns with targeted messages to improve maternal knowledge, with a view to improving MHsB in informal settlements
Effect of Public Procurement Principles on procurement in Government Secondary Schools in Kisumu East sub-county, Kenya
(2017-11) Tindi, Peter Otieno
Public procurement has been evolving for all 21st century firms, a trend that became more rapid at the turn of 1990s as the Government of Kenya (GoK) adopted new regulations in majority of the sectors and departments within firms came under increasing pressures to deliver much better results at optimum levels of funding. Yet, despite the evolution witnessed in public increase in Kenya the effect of public procurement in government schools in Kenya studies targeting procurement in Public secondary schools are scant. Data in Kenya, however, reveal that there are fundamental problems in procurement in Kenyan secondary schools on the matter of procurement, especially inflation of tenders, use of relatives, bribery and non-delivery of goods to the institutions. The few studies that have explored this relationship have majored on government institutions procurement on general basis, in addition to past studies to develop relationships for policy in Kenya. This study sought to bridge this apparent gap by investigating the effect of public procurement in government schools in Kisumu East County using a sample of 240 respondents attained using simple random sampling from the accessible population. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that transparency, competitiveness, accountability and ethics positively influence procurement in government secondary schools in Kenya. Inferential statistics results, nonetheless, revealed that competitiveness significantly influences procurement in government secondary schools in Kenya. Based on these findings, therefore, the study recommends that despite enhancing transparency, competitiveness, accountability, and ethics in procurement in government secondary schools, much more emphasis should be placed on competitiveness to achieve the best results in the course of government school procurement.
Effects of dividend payout on financial performance of listed agricultural firms in Kenya
(2017-11) Seda, Jessica Oyweka
Several Theories have been documented on the relevance and irrelevance of dividend policy. An interesting issue, not yet explored, is the empirical evidence of effects of dividend payout on financial performance. Financial performance has always been considered as a primary indicator of dividend payout ratio. There are various other factors other than financial performance that may also affect dividend decisions of an organization namely growth opportunity, Liquidity, Leverage and Firm Size. Available literature suggests that dividend payout is positively related to profits, liquidity and it has inverse relationship with Firm size, growth and Leverage. This research is an attempt to analyze the effects of dividend payout on financial performance on Kenya Agricultural sector, it focused on identifying effect of dividend payout variables as per literature on financial performance of Agricultural sector in Kenya in existing scenario or not. Statistical techniques of correlation and regression were used to explore the relationship between key variables. Thus, the main theme of the study was to identify the various variables of dividend payout and how they affect financial performance of Agricultural firms in Kenya listed on Nairobi Securities exchange. The study covered the period from 2008-2012. The objective of the study was achieved by trend analysis of dividend payout variables and using multiple regressions because it is the best method to use when dealing with micro-units in the economy. Panel data, cross-sectional time series data from financial reports in NSE libraries and CMA libraries was collected and stored in Microsoft Excel 2007, data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 17.0. The results show positive relationships between dividend payout and financial performance. The results also show negative associations between dividend payout and firm’s growth, Firm size and leverage. The study further recommends studies on major causes of instability of dividend payout in agricultural firms listed in NSE and contribution of dividend payout to delisting of firms from NSE though it’s a requirement for firm’s to be listed.
The effect of tax compliance strategies expenditure on government tax revenue in Kenya
(2018) Nyakundi, James Barare
This study endeavored to establish the effects of tax compliance strategies expenditure on government tax revenue. The specific objectives of the study were to: establish the effect of tax payer education expenditure on tax revenue, determine the effect of improved tax payer services expenditure on tax revenue, and assess the effect of law enforcement expenditure on tax revenue as well as determine the effect of technology adoption expenditure on tax revenue. The study was pegged on three theories namely; the economic deterrence theory, fiscal exchange theory and the regulatory compliance theory. Revenue data between 1980 and 2015 was used in the study. Ordinary Least Squares technique (OLS) was employed to establish the long run relationship between expenditure on taxpayer education, tax payer services, expenditure on law enforcement and adoption of technology on government tax revenues. Breusch-pagan test was used to test for heteroscedasticity and multi-collinearity, Variance Inflation Factor method was used. The study tested for serial autocorrelation since the data was of time series nature. The Jarque-Bera test was also conducted to test normality for the error term. Impulse response and variance decomposition were used to test the relation between tax compliance strategies expenditure and tax revenue. Further, the relationship between variables was established through correlation analysis. The results of the study show that the expenditures by the tax authority on the use of technology, law enforcement and the tax payer education were statistically significant in explaining the variations in tax revenue. The relationship between the three expenditures and revenue is positive, which implies that as the tax authority increases its expenditure on law enforcement, technology or on tax payer education, it is expected that tax revenue will grow. Contrary to these findings is the fact that the expenditure of the tax authority on improved tax payer services is not significant in explaining the variations in tax revenue.
Influence of human resource practices on performance of part time lecturers in public universities in Kenya: a survey of rongo and kisii universities
(2018) Bett, Julie Chepkoech
In Kenya, public universities employ a large number of part-time lectures due to shortage of full time lectures. However studies have shown that part-timing can be counterproductive. Factors that have led to increased usage of part time lecturers are that they less costly and flexible. According to the Commission for University Education, the universities should adopt and practice prudent human resource practices. Previous studies in Kenya have not explored the issue of part time lecturers. This study aimed at investigating the influence of human resource practices on the performance of part-timers in Rongo and Kisii Universities. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of recruitment and selection, training and development and employee compensation of part time lecturers. This study was guided Goal-setting theory, Expectancy theory, and Human Capital theory. Empirical review was done in line with the study objectives. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population comprised of 740 part-time lecturers across all schools at Rongo and Kisii Universities. Using Taro Yamane statistical formulae for determining sample size, the tabulated sample comprised of 260 respondents who were proportionately allocated based on the schools in the respective universities. The study collected primary data using a closed ended questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. The validity and internal consistency of the questionnaire was ascertained by Cronbach Alpha method which ascertained 0.7. The data collected was analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were analyzed by using regression, correlation and anova, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics were analyzed thematically. Regression analysis was undertaken to determine the influence of each variable and their combined influence on performance of part time lecturers. The results were presented on pie chart, bar chart, percentage and tables. The study established that compensation (r = 0.444) and recruitment and selection (r = 0.318) positively influenced performance of part-time lecturers. Further, it was established that employee training and development of lecturers (r = 0.070) had insignificant influence on performance of part-time lecturers. The R2 value of 0.63362 implied that 63.36% of the variations in performance of part-time lecturers could be explained by the variations in independent variables. The study concluded that the influence of recruitment and selection on performance of part time lecturers in Rongo and Kisii Universities had positive influence; the influence of training and development on performance of part-time lecturers had the least positive influence on performance of part timers; influence of employee compensation on performance of part time lecturers had positive influence. While training and development had the least positive influence on performance of part-time lecturers. The study recommends that on recruitment and selection on performance of part time lecturers in Rongo and Kisii Universities the universities should establish effective and structured recruitment and selection processes. On the influence of training and development the study recommended induction programs for part-time lecturers to align skills and experiences with university routines objectives. On employee compensation on performance of part time lecturers in Rongo and Kisii Universities the study recommended development and implementation of competitive compensation packages.
Determinants of government consumption expenditure in Kenya
(2018) Majoge, Peter Odira
Government expenditure is a very instrumental demand tool in achieving economic stability and policy makers frequently use it to influence certain economic outcomes. Government expenditure majorly consists of two components: investment and consumption components. Many researchers concede that higher level of government consumption expenditure is growth retarding and therefore undesirable. The aim of the study was establish the economic, structural and political and institutional determinants of government consumption expenditure in Kenya. Government consumption expenditure in Kenya has grown relatively faster from Ksh 31.2732 billion in 1963 to Ksh 2107.2 billion in 2018. There is still scanty literature on this topic and yet consumption expenditure accounts for more than 55% of Kenya’s total public spending every year. Because Shonchoy (2010) panel analysis suffers from cross-sectional heterogeneity and fails to be informative about Kenya’s consumption spending, it became a motivation to examine the causes for the rise in Kenya’s government consumption expenditure. Studies done by Kanano (2006) explained the reasons behind growth in gross expenditure, while Maingi (2010) and Abwoga (2013) focused on the effects of public consumption expenditure on economic growth in Kenya. However, their studies did not attempt to explain the causes of its growth. Oketch, T. O. and Linge, T. (2018) examined the determinants of recurrent public expenditure in Kenya but, however, reduced their scope and narrowed on salaries/wages, social contribution and non-wage related variables such as rent & utilities, travelling expenses, hospitality and other consumables and that focus makes this study deviate from their study. In light of this arguement, this study followed quantitative and correlational studies design to establish the reasons for rise in consumption expenditure in Kenya and drawing from the public choice approach, three models were used:(i) Economic model; consisted of gross domestic product, foreign aid, inflation rate, foreign direct investment, interest rate, trade openness and external debt stock (ii) Structural model; consisted of urbanization rate, young population (below 15 years) and old population (above 64 years) (iii) Politico-institutional model; comprised of market liberalization, political liberty, political cohesion, corruption and elections. Published data obtained from World Bank, Country Data Portal (2018) were used. Following cointegration test results on the time series data for the period 1963-2017, VECM, VAR and OLS estimations techniques were adopted. The results were that in the long-run, while 1USD increase in GDP causes USD1.3 increase in government consumption expenditure, a unit increase in inflation rate would cause USD1.8 increase in consumption expenditure. However, 1USD increase in foreign direct investment and external debt stock causes, respectively, USD 0.07 and USD 2.6 drop in government consumption expenditure. Corruption, democracy and political instability have positive effects on government consumption expenditure in Kenya. Urbanization and population dynamics jointly affect the variable in the short-run. This study recommends that the government should strengthen its institutions that are mandated to deal with graft cases, create peaceful political setting at all times and ensure a friendly environment to foreign investors
Patterns of utilization of hiv preventive services by boda-boda operators in homabay town, kenya
(2018) Omolo, Winnie Akinyi
The mobility of the transport sector makes it difficult to access health information and treatment and/or maintain a drug regimen. There is high HIV prevalence rate in Homa-Bay County with a prevalence of 25.7% compared to 5.6% nationally. The purpose of the study was to determine patterns of utilization of HIV preventive services which specifically sought to find out awareness of HIV status, to determine the HIV prevention strategies employed by the boda-boda, to investigate the driversaffecting the uptake of HIV preventive services and finally to explore the health seeking behavior patterns among boda-boda operators in Homa-Bay town. The study adopted three theories key among them was cognitive theory. This was a mixed methods study. The study population was 1120 and it targeted male boda-boda operators who were aged between 20-40 years. The sample size for the study was 119. The main respondents were boda-boda operators while key respondents were their group leaders. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the drivers affecting the uptake of HIV preventive services among the study population. Results from this study show that a majority of the operators (89.3%) reported having been tested for HIV. Relatively low HIV prevention service uptake with condom being the most used service at 68.9%. In the multivariate analysis, occupation of the respondent, marital status and highest level of education attained were significantly associated with HIV prevention services uptake. Participants who reported owning a business, either (Duka, Kiosk or Juakali) were about 38% less likely to utilize any of the services compared to those who reported farming as their other source of income occupation (PR=0.62, 95% CI 0.62-0.96); whereas in terms of marital status, divorced/separated were two-fold likely to use any of the two services compared to the married in a monogamous family (PR=2.13, 95% CI 1.36-3.33). Those respondents reporting having attained primary level of education as the highest were 1.3 more likely to utilize any of the services compared to those reporting secondary as the highest level of education (PR=1.33, 95% CI 1.00-1.78). Finally, medical pluralism was noted among boda-boda operators who sought health services. The study concludes that, HIV testing services in Homa-Bay are effective since many respondents reported having had an HIV test. However, utilization of HIV preventive services are relatively low as compared to the high awareness of HIV preventive services. Occupation, marital status and level of education were found to be the drivers affecting uptake of HIV preventive services. Finally, medical pluralism was noted among the operators who sought health services. The study recommends to the ministry through NACC to create flexible HIV testing hours in order to reach all the operators with testing services, put emphasis to increase the utilization of HIV prevention methods through education, there is also a need to target operators with higher educational levels, those that own business and married monogamous to increase their ability to effectively utilize HIV preventive methods. Finally, education on the importance of seeking medical services from health facilities should be stressed.
Effects of social media use in participatory budgeting in county governance: a case study of kisii county, kenya
(2018) Nyamari, Amos Nyankanga
In an effort to curb fiscal stress, governments across the globe are increasingly pursuing participatory budgeting. However, public apathy, due to communication break down between the public and the governments is the major hindrance to the process globally. For instance, in Kenya, inadequate public debates on county budget priorities and choices, due to communication break down between the public and the county governments, has led to poor transparency and weak accountability. This has greatly undermined the spirit of devolution. Empirical studies indicates that, social media can be an effective platform for participatory budgeting. This study therefore set out to examine the effects of social media use in participatory budgeting in Kenya`s County governance, with a special focus on Kisii County. The specific objectives of the study were to; examine the influence of social media on public participation in Kisii County Government`s budget preparation process; identify the most effective social media platforms for public participation in kisii County Government`s budget preparation process; examine how the public uses social media as a participatory platform in Kisii County Government`s budget preparation process and explore how social media is used by Kisii County government as a platform for public participation in the budget preparation process. Bonchari Sub- County, which is one of the 9 administrative Sub-Counties constituting the Kisii County was purposively selected as the sampling area for the study that is anchored on the Uses and Gratifications Theory. Descriptive design was adopted and both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed to ensure methodological triangulation .The sample size was 399 residents. 4 key informants were also interviewed. Both Simple random and Purposive sampling techniques were employed. Data collection was via questionnaires and individual interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS, in which data tabulation, descriptive and disaggregation procedures of statistical analysis were employed. Thematic Content Analysis was further used to analyse the qualitative data. Among the study findings is that social media platforms, especially Facebook and WhatsApp are popular among the citizens and thus effective for participatory budgeting. Unfortunately, their use by Kisii County government as participatory platforms in the budget preparation process is limited and sporadic. The results of the study will be significant to Governments and their budgeting stakeholders in determining the best ways of social media use for participatory budgeting. The study finally recommends that Kisii County government should be proactive in the use of social media technologies for effective e-participatory budgeting.
Effect of lean manufactiring on organizational performance: a case of South Nyanza Sugar Company, Awendo Kenya
(2018) Kunyoria, Joseph Ogora
Due to the present business landscape that is characterized by global competition and high cost pressures, both of which have motivated companies to take a global approach to their supply markets, lean manufacturing has become a common practice among organizations worldwide. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of lean manufacturing on organizational performance in Sony Sugar Company, Awendo, Kenya. The study objectives were to establish the effect of elimination of waste on organizational performance, to examine the effect of intellectual knowledge on organizational performance, to determine the effect of an Andon on organizational performance, to establish the effect of technology adoption on organizational performance in Sony Sugar Company, Awendo, Kenya and to establish the moderating influence of organizational culture on the relationship between lean manufacturing and organizational performance. The study population was 371 who were HoDs, Divisional HoDs and Supervisors of Sony Sugar Company in nine departments with a sample size 79 out of 371 targeted population. The study used correlation research design and questionnaires were used as tools for data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using percentage, frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Inferentially, Pearson Correlation coefficient and use multiple regression analysis were used as analysis tools to test for significance among various hypotheses. Quantitative techniques were used to analyze the data with the assistance of SPSS software program version 22. Five hypotheses were formulated and subsequently tested to establish the influence organizational culture. It was therefore concluded that there is a regression relationship between lean manufacturing combined with organizational culture and organizational performance implementation. The study found that elimination of waste; intellectual knowledge; andon and technology adoption were individually predictors of organizational performance with andon being the most significant predictor. The study established that organizational culture was a moderating factor in the study. The results support the current theories related to the study. Consequently, this study provides manufacturing organizations with insights of how they can develop a competitive edge through the implementation of lean manufacturing. This study therefore, recommends that factors associated with lean manufacturing need to be considered by firms in their performance strategic plans as they have significant impact on performance. Both the government, private sector should design a way of empowering the employees on the need to be equipped with lean manufacturing practices so as not to affect its implementation since the finding indicated that the strength of relationship of lean manufacturing and organizational performance depended on organizational culture. Quarterly production and customer satisfaction reports should be filed in order to track the quality of products and services delivered and the extent of customer satisfaction with a view of increasing profit and market share through the application of lean manufacturing practices. Suggestions for further research. A study can be replicated in a larger number of sugar companies and in more counties. This may account for any environmental factors that may exist in any one county and improve the generalization of the results. A study can be carried out to investigate the influence of other factors like “pull” production and lean manufacturing, just-in-time, total quality management and production smoothing on organizational performance
Strategic determinants of destination competitiveness: a case of western tourist circuit, Kenya
(2018) Owiyo, Viola
Kenya’s western tourist circuit is undoubtedly the country’s best kept secret. However, in spite of this, the circuit is one of the least competitive as most tourists prefer coastal beaches and selected protected areas. The purpose of this research was to establish the strategic determinants of tourism destination competitiveness in Kenya’s Western Tourist Circuit. This study was grounded on and guided by Ritchie and Crouch (2003) model of destination competitiveness. The variables under study were: destination attractors, support resources, destination management and safety and security. The objectives of the study were: to examine the effect of destination attractors on destination competitiveness, to establish the effect of support resources on destination competitiveness, to determine the effect of destination management on destination competitiveness and to examine the effect of safety and security on the relationship between destination competitiveness determinants and destination competitiveness. Explanatory research design was used to gather information while convenience sampling technique was used to arrive at a sample size of 102. Closed-ended questionnaires were used to collect data with key respondents being tourists. Multiple regression analysis was used to test hypothesis and deduced models that explained the strategic determinants of tourism destination competitiveness. Destination attractors were found to positively and significantly affect destination competitiveness whereas destination management and support resources had a negative though insignificant effect on destination competitiveness. Safety and security had a negative moderation on relationship between destination management and destination competitiveness and a positive moderation effect on the relationship between destination attractors and destination competitiveness, with effects being significant. However, Safety and security did not significantly moderate the relationship between support resources and destination competitiveness. The study recommends the following: a strong spirit of partnership and collaboration between all stakeholders to realize the potential of the destination inorder to maximize available resources. There’s need to upgrade the competitive position of the circuit by improving its image and creating awareness both at local and international levels. There’s also need for destinations to manage and organize their resources efficiently inorder to provide a unique tourist experience that outperforms alternative destination experiences. The study also serves the purposes of providing updated knowledge on theories, concepts, ideas and empirical studies on competitiveness in the context of tourism destination competitiveness. Further research can be carried on critical issues in the competitive process, competitive forces at the at the destination level. Future studies can also broaden the geographical scope by sampling the remaining seven circuits and within those circuits, sample many destinations. This would help understand tourists’ choice and loyalty for particular destinations. Finally future studies can try and identify the strengths and weaknesses in the destinations within the seven circuits which in turn will help develop correct positioning strategies.

Browse

Browsing Theses & Dissertation by Issue Date