School of Business and Economics

Economic factors determining poverty levels among women in Langas, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2026-06-12T06:54:38Z

Economic factors determining poverty levels among women in Langas, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Soy, Mary Jelangat Women’s role within society has a remarkable impact on poverty alleviation, though they are susceptible to gender-based inequalities, uncompensated caregiving, and domestic duties. This study examined the socio-economic factors influencing poverty among women in Langas, Uasin Gishu County. The specific objectives were: (i) to examine the socio-demographic factors affecting women in Langas, (ii) to determine the income levels and patterns that impact household poverty, (iii) to assess household expenditure levels and patterns that influence poverty, and (iv) to analyze women’s economic status in relation to household poverty. Guided by Sen’s Capability Approach, the study adopted a descriptive research design with a sample of 380 women selected through stratified and simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. The regression results revealed that several socio- demographic and economic factors significantly predict household poverty. Employment status was a significant determinant (β = -0.061, p = 0.048), suggesting that women engaged in stable employment face reduced poverty risk. Savings emerged as a protective factor (β = -0.385, p = 0.020), while reliance on credit increased vulnerability to poverty (β = 0.556, p = 0.013). Household expenditure adequacy strongly predicted poverty likelihood (β = 0.714, p = 0.001), as did disproportionate spending on food and beverages (β = 0.856, p = 0.045). Women’s economic empowerment reduced poverty risk (β = -0.537, p = 0.016), while the ability to earn income significantly lowered poverty incidence (β = 0.516, p = 0.031). Access to savings/loans for emergencies (β = -0.473, p = 0.043) and current economic knowledge/skills (β = -0.535, p = 0.027) were also protective. These findings underscore that wage stability, prudent income patterns, adequate household expenditure, and women’s empowerment collectively shape poverty outcomes. The study concludes that policy interventions should focus on enhancing women’s access to stable employment, savings opportunities, and financial literacy while reducing dependence on informal credit systems. Strengthening women’s empowerment programs can significantly reduce poverty vulnerability and improve household welfare.

Effect of buffer capital provision on the relationship between loan portfolio quality and financial performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

2026-06-12T06:49:49Z

Effect of buffer capital provision on the relationship between loan portfolio quality and financial performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya Mulei, Bedan Musyoka Financial performance and its sustainability in commercial banks and its relationship with loan portfolio quality has remained a subject of interest to most scholars. Though non-performing loans in relation to financial performance of commercial banks has been evaluated by a number of scholars, a long-lasting solution has not been identified yet. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of buffer capital provision on the relationship between loan portfolio quality and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The specific objectives included; establishing the effect of delinquency rate on financial performance; to determine the effect of leverage ratio on financial performance; to evaluate the influence of portfolio at risk ratio on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya and to evaluate the moderating effect of buffer capital provision on the relationship between loan portfolio quality and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. This study was guided by Portfolio theory, Information Asymmetry theory, and Financial Intermediation theory. The study employed explanatory research design and data was obtained from published financial reports. The population of this study was all 45 commercial banks operating in Nairobi City; and thus, the study adopted census. In regard to data, this study used secondary data from financial reports for period of five years. To prove that the practice of the concept of buffer capital and loan portfolio quality concepts, a cross-tabular analysis of certain questions was performed, where the coefficient of correlation, linear and hierarchical regression were calculated. The findings revealed that that delinquency rate negatively impacts RoA (β=-0.2134, p=0.000), leading to the rejection of H 01 . Leverage ratio positively affects RoA (β=0.0234, p=0.020), rejecting H 02 , while portfolio ratio improves RoA (β=0.1452, p=0.023), rejecting H 03 . Buffer capital moderates these relationships, mitigating risks from leverage (β=-0.034567, p=0.007, rejecting H 04 ), delinquency rate (β=0.045678, p=0.005, rejecting H 05 ), and portfolio ratio (β=- 0.056789, p=0.004, rejecting H 06 ). Based on these results, it can be concluded that delinquency rates negatively impact profitability, while leverage and portfolio ratios enhance performance. Firm size and buffer capital were crucial in stabilizing these relationships, underscoring the need for effective risk management and strategic planning. This study provides actionable recommendations for bank managers aimed at enhancing financial performance. By focusing on effective credit risk management, balanced leverage strategies, strategic portfolio management, and maintaining adequate buffer capital, managers can navigate the complexities of the banking sector and position their institutions for long-term success. The study offers practical insights for banking executives and policymakers on improving profitability and ensuring long- term stability in the competitive financial sector.

Influence of conflict management strategies on service delivery at public universities: a case of university of Eldoret, Kenya

2026-02-16T11:14:41Z

Influence of conflict management strategies on service delivery at public universities: a case of university of Eldoret, Kenya Mulwa, Christine Chemtai Service delivery in public universities is critical, however the frequent go-slows, strikes, and riots disrupt academic calendars and undermine teaching and learning. Management of conflict in organizations is one of the major tasks facing managers today in public universities. The study addresses the persistent problem of conflicts in public universities in Kenya, particularly at the University of Eldoret. The research problem, therefore, is to determine how different conflict management strategies (avoidance, collaboration, compromise) affect service delivery in public universities. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of conflict management strategies on service delivery at University of Eldoret. The objectives of the study were to establish the effect of avoidance strategy of conflict management on service delivery, explore the effect of collaborative conflict management strategy on service delivery, investigate the effect of compromise conflict management strategy on service delivery and assess the measures for enhancing conflict management and their likely influence on service delivery. The study is guided by contingency theory and Theory of Human Service Delivery, which holds that there is no one best way to manage an organization; rather, strategies should be contingent on situational factors. Methodologically, the use of an explanatory mixed-method approach reflects a pragmatist research philosophy, where both qualitative and quantitative data are combined to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The target population was 718 employees comprising of top management, a middle cadre and junior staff/ support staff from which a sample size of 256 respondents was selected using Yamane’s formula. The sample size was selected using purposive, stratified and random sampling procedures. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, with the results presented in figures and tables. The qualitative data collected was thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that avoidance, collaboration and compromise conflict management strategies account for 64.4% (R 2 =.644). The collaboration (β=0.568, p<0.05) and compromise strategy (β=0.684, p<0.05) conflict management strategy had the significant positive effect on service delivery. Moreover, avoiding strategy (β= -0.160, p<0.05) had the significant negative effect on service delivery. The study concludes that collaboration and compromise as conflict management strategies are essential for improving service delivery at the University of Eldoret. In contrast, the avoiding strategy was found to have a significant negative impact on service delivery. Consequently, the study emphasizes the need to focus on collaboration and compromise while recognizing the adverse effects of avoidance on organizational performance. It is recommended that the management of the University of Eldoret consistently adopt these conflict resolution approaches, as they are effective in managing disputes and enhancing employee productivity. Collaboration and compromise strategies positively and significantly improve service delivery while avoidance strategy negatively affects service delivery. A comparative study across different universities in Kenya to assess whether similar patterns hold in other contexts.

Effect of supply chain digitization, supply chain agility on firm performance in state corporations in Nairobi County, Kenya

2026-02-12T08:26:42Z

Effect of supply chain digitization, supply chain agility on firm performance in state corporations in Nairobi County, Kenya Mulwa, Linet Firm performance is a critical metric for businesses across industries, as it directly impacts efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Securing firm competitiveness and improved performance, supply chain digitalization are identified as strategic tools for firms to improve their operations. From the previous studies there has been inadequate linkage of supply chain digitalization with other themes. This study sought to establish the moderating effect of supply chain agility on the relationship between supply chain digitization and firm performance of government state corporations in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of electronic tendering, enterprise resource planning, cloud computing, artificial intelligence on firm performance, as well as the moderating effect of supply chain agility on each of the relationships. The study was informed by Resource-Based View Theory, Stakeholder Engagement Theory, and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Anchoring on explanatory research design, the study targeted 411 registered state corporations in Nairobi County under Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. A sample size of 203 firms were selected using stratified and simple random sampling approaches after subjecting the target population to Borg and Gall formula. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and items were anchored on a five-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis and Hayes process macro for moderation. The regression results indicated that electronic tendering (β=0.636, p<0.05) and enterprise resource planning (β=0.178, p<0.05) and cloud computing (β=0.157, p<0.05) and artificial intelligence (β=0.276, p<0.05) had a positive and significant effect on firm performance. Furthermore, the conditional effect results indicate that supply chain agility moderates the relationship between; electronic tendering (β=0.787, p<0.05, ΔR2=0.002), enterprise resource planning (β=0.247, p<0.05, ΔR2=0.004), cloud computing (β=0.317, p<0.05, ΔR2=0.018), artificial intelligence (β=0.213, p<0.05, ΔR2=0.075) and firm performance. Therefore, this study concludes that electronic tendering, enterprise resource planning, cloud computing and artificial intelligent effectively enhances firm performance. Thus, there is need for firm managers to understand and find ways to effectively manage these interactions between supply chain digitalization and supply chain agility in order to improve performance. Theoretically, the study supported the incorporation of different key dimensions of between supply chain digitalization and supply chain agility where the outcome of the results indicated the strong relationship in achieving superior performance. In addition, the study emphasizes the importance of promoting digital transformation and fostering supply chain agility to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness in state corporations. Therefore, there is need for building long-term relationships both upstream and downstream in the supply chain, enabling firms to learn, transform acquired knowledge, improve operational processes, and deliver high-quality services that meet customer expectations and satisfaction.