Research Journal of Business and Finance
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Influence of Organisational Culture on Performance of Professional Regulatory Bodies in Kenya
Professional regulatory bodies in Kenya operate under statutory mandates and are expected to deliver timely services, enforce professional standards and maintain public confidence. Concerns about operational inefficiency, inconsistent compliance enforcement and weak stakeholder confidence make it necessary to examine the internal cultural conditions associated with their performance. This study examined the influence of organisational culture on the performance of professional regulatory bodies headquartered in Nairobi, focusing on core values and behaviours, shared commitment, and creativity and innovation. Performance was understood in terms of service delivery efficiency, stakeholder satisfaction, learning and growth, and internal processes rather than commercial profitability. The study was guided by Strategic Leadership Theory as a background explanation of how leaders may sustain culture. The target population comprised representatives from 28 regulatory bodies that were members of APSEA as of December 2025. A purposive role-based sample of 140 respondents was selected, with five representatives drawn from each body. Composite scores were computed for organisational culture and organisational performance and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and simple linear regression. Organisational culture was positively and significantly associated with performance (r = .694, p < .001) and explained 48.1% of the variance in performance (R² = .481). The findings indicate that organisational culture is an important institutional foundation for performance, highlighting the need to strengthen shared values, employee commitment and innovation-supportive practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Research Journal of Business and Finance https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Investigating the Relationship between Audit Quality Metrics and Market Value of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria
Manufacturing firms are front sector of developing a nation but facing continuous experience of stock price volatility and loss of investors’ confidence due to perceived audit failures within Nigerian context. The study adopts Signalling theory because it provides value relevance of stock market information to the investors. The study sources secondary data from the annual reports and accounts of twenty-six (26) firms out of thirty-two (32) firms in the manufacturing sector quoted on the Nigerian Exchange Group. The study adopts ex – post facto research design and multi-stage sampling techniques with e-view as a statistical tool. The findings reveal that audit firm size showed a negative significant relationship with market value (p = 0.98, β = -0.15), audit tenure showed a positive but insignificant relationship with market value (p = 0.68, β = 0.09) while audit fees has a positive significant effect on market value (p = 0.01, β = 0.68). The combined effect of audit quality metrics signifies joint positive significant effect on the market value (F value is 26.80; P (F-statistic) is 0.00). In conclusion, manufacturing firms may place less emphasis on the reputational signals of Big 4 but more attention on audit fees whenever engaging an audit firm. Recommendations are directed to the attention of the regulators in ensuring transparency in reporting audit fees and professional accounting bodies in Nigeria to ensure strict compliance with audit quality metrics particularly Audit fees.
Relationship between Total Deposits and Market Concentration among Commercial Banks in Kenya
Market concentration is a key concern in banking, given its implications for competition and financial stability. In Kenya, a small number of banks hold a substantial share of industry assets, deposits, and loans; this study examined whether total deposits explain market concentration among Kenyan banks. Market concentration was measured via a composite bank-level index of each bank’s annual share of industry assets, deposits, and loans, complemented by the industry-level Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). Anchored on Market Power Theory, the study used a descriptive correlational design with panel data from all 38 CBK-licensed banks (2019–2023), from audited financial statements and CBK Annual Bank Supervision Reports. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression, controlling for net assets, equity, EBIT, and the regulatory capital ratio. The HHI analysis showed the sector remained highly concentrated, with modest annual variation. Total deposits showed a weak but significant positive bivariate association with market concentration (r = 0.178, p = 0.016), which became non-significant after controlling for bank-specific characteristics (B = −5.985 × 10⁻¹¹, p = 0.211), while net assets and the regulatory capital ratio remained significant. High collinearity among the monetary predictors (VIF > 100) means these coefficients, including the deposits estimate, warrant cautious interpretation. The study concludes that total deposits alone do not independently explain market concentration; broader indicators of financial strength and institutional capacity appear more influential. It recommends that policymakers combine industry-level measures like the HHI with bank-specific indicators, while banks continue strengthening deposit mobilisation to enhance resilience and competitiveness.
Digital Infrastructure Development, Organisational Agility, and Perceived Competitive Advantage: Evidence from Telecommunication Firms in South Sudan
The study sought to examine the effect of digital infrastructure development and organisational agility on the perceived competitive advantage of telecommunication firms in South Sudan. The study was based on positivist philosophy that informed the adoption of a cross-sectional research design. The study targeted 148 employees drawn from management, and technical levels of each of the 11 telecommunication firms operating in South Sudan. Thereafter, a sample of 108 respondents was determined using Yamane’s 1967 formula before proportionate stratified sampling was adopted to ensure each staff category was represented in line with its population share. The achieved response rate was 85.2% (n= 92). Structured questionnaires were adopted in sourcing data before analysis was undertaken with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The regression analysis revealed that digital infrastructure development was significantly associated with perceived competitive advantage of firms. However, the effect of organisational agility and interaction between digital infrastructure development and organisational agility were not significant. The study thus concluded that digital infrastructure development was positively associated with the perceived competitive advantage of telecommunication firms in South Sudan. These findings underscore the importance of digital infrastructure development as a strategic pathway toward competitiveness in telecommunication firms in South Sudan.
Inter-organisational Governance Mechanisms and Healthcare Supply Chain Resilience in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The call for Universal Health Coverage under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has increased focus on the performance of healthcare service delivery systems. While operational improvements have been widely suggested to boost resilience, the role of inter-organizational governance (IOG) remains underexplored. This study examines how contractual, institutional, and relational mechanisms within the IOG associate with healthcare supply chain resilience (HSCR). A mixed-method approach was used, combining survey data from 365 healthcare supply chain personnel from public healthcare facilities with (n=12) key informant interviews from the Medical Stores Department and Accredited Prime Vendors in Dar es Salaam. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS4, and qualitative interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results show that all governance mechanisms are significantly associated with resilience, explaining 47.8% of the variance in HSCR. Contractual governance has the strongest positive association (β = 0.361, p < 0.001), followed by institutional (β = 0.245, p < 0.001) and relational governance (β = 0.212, p = 0.005). This study demonstrates that contractual, institutional, and relational governance mechanisms independently show significant positive associations with healthcare supply chain resilience, with contractual governance mechanisms exhibiting the strongest association. Policy makers and healthcare practitioners should strengthen enforcement of contractual mechanisms, review and streamline institutional procedures to enhance responsiveness, and improve communication and collaborative relationships to support resilience.
Value Proposition Practices and Growth of Retail Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the global economies as they are the backbone driving employment, innovation, and sustainable growth. Despite playing a critical and unique role, their growth remains a significant challenge, since the majority of them fail within their first few years of operation. This study examined the influence of value proposition practices on the growth of retail SMEs in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and a descriptive correlational design. The study population included 199,600 registered retail SMEs in Nairobi County. Using Yamane’s (1967) formula with a 5% margin of error and a 10% adjustment for non-response, a sample size of 439 SMEs was determined. Stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents across the ten sub-counties of Nairobi County. Data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to owners, directors, and senior managers between July and September 2025, with 341questionnaires being fully completed and returned, yielding a response rate of 77.7%. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics including frequency, mean, and standard deviation, and inferential statistics including Pearson correlation, ANOVA, simple linear regression, and regression coefficient analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS Version 30. Value proposition practices, particularly customer perceived value and customer satisfaction, showed a significant impact (r = 0.666), contributing to 44.3% growth variance (R² = 0.443). The study concludes that by creating and delivering value that aligns with customer needs and expectations, SMEs are able to strengthen their market position, attract and retain customers, and enhance overall business performance. The study recommends continuous refinement of value propositions, alignment with customer needs, innovation, and digital adoption by SMEs, alongside improved customer experience, satisfaction, and loyalty strategies. Policymakers should support SMEs through capacity-building in branding, digital marketing, and customer engagement to enhance competitiveness and sustain long-term retail SME growth in Nairobi.
Spatial Market Expansion and Real Estate Investment Performance in Nairobi County, Kenya
Nairobi County’s real estate sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by urbanisation within a highly transitional metropolitan environment characterised by core congestion, escalating land prices in areas such as Kilimani and Upper Hill, and increasing reliance on diaspora remittances and external capital inflows. This expansion reflects a shift in spatial development patterns, where infrastructural decentralisation toward satellite towns, diversification of property products, and intensified investor entry are reshaping investment dynamics. This study sought to find out the influence of market expansion on real estate investment performance in Nairobi County, Kenya. This study adopted an embedded mixed-methods research design. The target population comprised 129 real estate investment firms in Nairobi County, from which 247 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling, alongside 30 purposively selected key informants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. . The study findings reveal that property market expansion has a significant positive influence on real estate investment performance in Nairobi County (R² = 0.553; B = 1.158; p < 0.01). Descriptive results further show strong agreement among respondents that key dimensions of market expansion, including investor participation, increased real estate supply, economic growth, and population dynamics, are actively driving the property market. These forces manifest physically through spatial outward growth into peri-urban zones, densification of the urban core, infrastructure-driven connectivity improvements, and product diversification into affordable housing, gated communities, and mixed-use developments. The study concludes that property market expansion significantly enhances real estate investment performance in Nairobi County. Increased investor participation, expanding property supply, and strong economic and population growth contribute to rising property values and greater investment activity. The study recommends that effective planning, regulatory oversight, and balanced housing supply are necessary to ensure sustainable real estate investment performance in Nairobi County.
Interest Rate Risk and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of interest rate risk on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy. An explanatory research design was applied. Secondary data was collected from 38 commercial banks. Primary data was also collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 386 senior bank managers selected through stratified and simple random sampling methods. The findings of the study regarding interest rate risk showed moderate agreement among respondents (mean scores 3.48), with regression analysis indicating a significant negative association with the financial performance of commercial banks (β=-0.297; p<0.05 for primary data; β=-0.326 p<0.05 for secondary data), leading to rejection of the null hypothesis. It was concluded that interest rate risk is significantly associated with the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The results underscore the significance of robust interest rate risk management practices to enhance financial resilience and optimising performance in a dynamic economic environment. Commercial banks need to continuously monitor the interest-earnings ratio and diversification of their income sources to minimise exposure to interest rate risk in case of fluctuations and or market distortion. The financial performance was measured primarily using Return on Assets, which may not comprehensively capture the overall performance of commercial banks. Other indicators, such as Return on Equity, Net Interest Margin, and earnings per share measures, could provide additional insights into profitability and shareholder value. Similarly, interest rate risk was operationalised using interest income sensitivity/volatility, yet interest rate risk is multidimensional and may also be reflected through repricing gaps, duration gaps, maturity mismatches, and interest rate spreads.
Business Process Automation and Firm Performance: Evidence from Container Freight Stations in Kenya
The study evaluated the effect of business process automation on the performance of Container Freight Stations (CFSs) in Kenya. Positivism and interpretivism philosophies guided the adoption of an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. The target population was 38 Container freight Stations in Kenya. The study adopted a census of all 38 licensed CFSs operating in Kenya, with 136 respondents participating in the survey, while 13 respondents participated in the interview. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were administered. The quantitative data were analysed based on a multiple linear regression model with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. The qualitative data were analysed based on content analysis with the assistance of ATLAS.ti, software. Business process automation sub-constructs: cargo handling automation and the track appointment system significantly affected the performance indicators of CFSs in Kenya. The study concluded that business process automation was significantly associated with revenue growth, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The management of CFSs in Kenya should scale up business process automation via an interoperable cargo clearance system, streamlined cargo handling automation, and track appointment system to improve service efficiency.
Association between Supporting Style of Situational Leadership and Employee Performance in Public Universities in Kenya
The study examined the association between the supporting style of situational leadership and employee performance in public universities in Kenya. Guided by Situational Leadership Theory, the study adopted a positivist philosophy and descriptive correlational research design. The target population comprised 1,688 heads of departments and office administrators from 27 public universities in Kenya, from which a sample of 323 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling and simple random sampling. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analysed using descriptive (means and standard deviations) and inferential (correlation analysis, chi-square tests, One-Way ANOVA, and ordinal logistic regression) statistics, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 30. Correlation and Chi-square analyses were significant (p < .001), while regression analysis confirmed a good model fit, χ² (32) = 245.467, p < .001< .05. The model fit yielded a strong Nagelkerke R² value of 0.696, denoting that supporting style of situational leadership had a modestly significant positive relationship with employee performance. This led to rejection of the null hypothesis (Supporting leadership style of situational leadership is not significantly associated with employee performance in public universities in Kenya). The study recommends institutionalising supportive leadership practices to improve employee performance in public universities in Kenya.
Going Back to the Basics: A Practical Approach to Strategy Implementation in Corporate Environments
Although several ambitious strategy plans are being developed in many organisations in Kenya, they consistently fail to achieve their desired goals because of weak strategy implementation. An ongoing disconnect between formulation and execution continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to organisational performance in the public and private sectors. The researcher discussed the factors that affect the successful implementation of strategies in Kenyan organisations. The researcher specifically examined the classical management functions, the 5Ws and 1H model, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems from the perspective of the Resource-Based View (RBV) of the firm, and the resources and capabilities of the firm. The researcher employed a qualitative research design with a secondary data approach. A systematic literature search was done on Google Scholar on the Kenyan studies published from 2000 to 2025. Thematic analysis was used to analyse 18 relevant sources. Three key themes were developed, which were closely interconnected: (a) Leadership and management functions (planning, organising, leading, controlling), (b) Resource allocation and internal capabilities (valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable; VRIN) as highlighted by RBV, and (c) Continuous M&E facilitated by the 5Ws and 1H framework for adaptive execution. These factors emerged in the reviewed literature as commonly associated with implementation success. Effective implementation of strategies requires not only individual application of these frameworks but also their use in an integrated way. The management functions should be strengthened in organisations, and the internal capacities of organisations should be systematically mobilised. The three factors identified in this review may collectively account for observed variance in implementation outcomes; empirical testing is required to establish effect sizes.
Risk Management Practices and Resource Mobilisation Among Non-Governmental Organisations in Kenya
This study examined the relationship between risk management practices and resource mobilisation among non-governmental organisations in Kenya. The study focused on financial risk assessment, risk mitigation strategies, and crisis management planning as key dimensions of risk management. The study was guided by a positivist research philosophy and adopted an explanatory cross-sectional survey design. The target population comprised 1,188 active NGOs in Kenya, from which 299 NGOs were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling across eight administrative regions. Data was collected from senior staff involved in financial oversight and resource mobilisation using structured questionnaires. Of the 598 targeted respondents, 511 valid responses were obtained, representing a response rate of 85.45%. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression in IBM SPSS Statistics version 28. The findings showed that all three risk management dimensions were positively associated with resource mobilisation. Crisis management planning had the strongest relationship with resource mobilisation (r = 0.537, p < 0.001), followed by risk mitigation strategies (r = 0.465, p < 0.001), while financial risk assessment had a weak but statistically significant bivariate relationship (r = 0.102, p = 0.022). Regression results showed that crisis management planning (β = 0.403, p < 0.001) and risk mitigation strategies (β = 0.240, p < 0.001) were significant predictors, whereas financial risk assessment was not statistically significant (β = 0.016, p = 0.671). The study concludes that resource mobilisation is more strongly associated with actionable risk response and crisis preparedness than with risk identification alone.
The Influence of Auditee Training and Experience on the Usefulness of External Auditors’ Recommendations: Evidence from Tanzanian Local Government Authorities
This study examines the influence of auditee training and experience on the perceived usefulness of external auditors’ recommendations within Tanzanian Local Government Authorities (LGAs). Employing a descriptive explanatory design, data were collected from 313 respondents across 126 LGAs that were selected using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula. Using validated and reliable quantitative measures, multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between the independent variables, training and experience, and the dependent variable, usefulness of audit recommendations. Findings reveal that experience in dealing with audits has a statistically significant and stronger positive impact on the perceived usefulness of audit recommendations (β = 0.297, p < .001), Conversely, training showed a marginal but positive effect (β = 0.090, p = 0.086). The study highlights the need for continued engagement by management members with audit teams rather than theoretical training.
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Green Purchasing Management and Competitive Advantage of Alcoholic Beverages Manufacturing Companies in Kenya
Global alcoholic firms gain a competitive advantage through innovation and green purchasing, while Kenyan manufacturers face rising costs and disruptions, with limited local evidence on the effect of green purchasing management on competitive advantage. This research sought to examine the influence of green purchasing management on the competitive advantage of alcoholic beverage manufacturing companies in Kenya. This study adopted a positivist research philosophy and employed descriptive and explanatory research designs. The target population comprised 394 respondents from 41 alcoholic beverage manufacturing companies in Kenya, including CEOs and heads of supply chain, corporate relations, human resources, finance, production, sales and marketing, quality control, logistics, and warehousing. A sample size of 198 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula, and stratified random sampling was used, achieving a 95% response rate. Both primary and secondary data were utilised. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using thematic analysis for qualitative data, and descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data. Green purchasing management explained 76.2% of the variation in competitive advantage and significantly predicted it (β = 0.336, p < 0.05). Descriptive and qualitative findings showed that firms implement green purchasing through supplier environmental audits, eco-friendly sourcing, eco-labelling, sustainable packaging, and supply chain waste reduction. The study provides empirical evidence that green purchasing management enhances competitive advantage in Kenyan alcoholic beverage manufacturing firms. Managers should adopt green purchasing practices to enhance competitive advantage, while NEMA and KRA enforce regulations and support sustainability compliance capacity building.
Exploring the Implication of Entrepreneurship Experience on Timely Loan Repayment among Disabled Borrowers in Chamwino District Council, Dodoma, Tanzania
The growth of loan defaults is alarming and critical in undermining the sustainability of the disabled loan programmes in Tanzania. This study investigates the implications of entrepreneurial experience on timely loan repayment among disabled loan borrowers in Chamwino District. The study specifically looks at the understanding of entrepreneurship on timely loan repayment and the impact of the loan process on timely loan repayment among disabled borrowers. The study uses an exploratory qualitative study guided by the empowerment theory. It employed in-depth unstructured interviews with 19 disabled people, where data saturation directed the qualitative sample size. Data from the interviews found that disabled loan borrowers have minimal entrepreneurship experience, which causes lender delays in loan repayment. In addition, the results also indicate a slow loan processing speed and minimal document verification speed, with both causing delays in loan repayment. The study is designed as an explorative qualitative study, thus limiting the generalisation of findings. The study recommends empowering disabled borrowers through education to improve loan repayment efficiency and overall financial well-being among them. It also suggests streamlined loan processing procedures integrated with information technology and simplified loan document requirements while ensuring prompt disbursement. The findings contribute to improving entrepreneurship knowledge for loan repayment practices among the disabled borrowers’ category in promoting their participation in economic activities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030.
State-Led Destination Branding and Post-Pandemic Recovery: Evidence from Tanzania's 2022 Royal Tour Campaign
This paper assesses the Royal Tour campaign of 2022 in Tanzania as a destination branding intervention by a state in the context of tourism recovery after the pandemic. The research is based on the concept of destination image theory, which was developed by Crouch and Ritchie and furthered by Pike and Page. The theory of tourism-led growth, presented by Balaguer and Cantavella-Jorda and expanded by Seetanah, and also the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), which discusses the effect of persuasive communication on attitude change via central and peripheral processing pathways, was developed by Petty and Cacioppo. These frameworks will inform the discussion of the branding message effects on destination perception, travel decision-making, and tourism performance. The study blends survey studies on 40 international visitors, interviews with 17 tourism stakeholders, and national tourism statistics in a mixed-method design to determine the role of the campaign in destination image-building, visitor demand, and economic impacts. Findings show that 67.5% of the surveyed visitors were familiar with the documentary and 55% of them said that the documentary had a bearing or strengthened their travel decision. The national data indicate that international arrivals have increased by 58 percent in 2021-2022 and further by 24.3 percent in 2023, with the tourism revenue also increasing to US$3.4 billion. These results put the leadership-based destination branding as a catalytic tool that acts as a part of a larger tourism ecosystem and adds to the theoretical synthesis of persuasion process, destination image development, and tourism-based growth in new tourism settings.
Influence of Empowerment Attributes on Organisational Performance in Kenya’s Energy Parastatals
The main aim of this study was to determine the influence of empowerment attributes on organisational performance of Kenya’s energy parastatals. Positivism research philosophy and descriptive design were adopted. A total of 16996 employees in the ten organisations that are in the energy sector were targeted for the study. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 384 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for primary data collection. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used in analysing quantitative data. Descriptive statistics included percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations while inferential statistics included correlation and regression analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. The findings were presented using tables and figures. Regression analysis yielded R² = .553, F (1,302) = 373.332, p < .05, and a beta coefficient of β = 0.744, t = 19.322, p < .05, indicating that the empowerment attributes significantly influenced organisational performance of Kenya’s energy parastatals. The study concludes that empowerment attributes significantly influence organisational performance in Kenya’s energy parastatals. The study recommends that management of Kenya’s energy parastatals should focus on increasing delegation, encouraging employee participation, and granting autonomy. For future research, the study recommends exploration on how empowerment attributes affect organisational performance in other sectors and industries, particularly those with different regulatory environments. Future studies should also examine other potential moderators and mediators, such as employee engagement and corporate social responsibility, to gain a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing organisational performance.
Effect of Employee Commitment on Performance of County Government Organisations in Kenya
Employee commitment has increasingly been recognised as a fundamental determinant of organisational performance, including public sector institutions. This study examined the effect of employee commitment on the performance of county government organisations in Kenya. The study adopted pragmatic philosophy and a mixed research design with a target population comprising 1,190 County Executive Committee Members and County Chief Officers across 34 counties, from which a sample of 299 respondents was selected using multistage sampling (stratified random and purposive sampling). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and interview guide and analysed using SPSS to obtain both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show a significant and positive relationship between employee commitment and organisational performance (R = 0.514). This shows that committed employees ensure effectiveness in service delivery, efficiency in resource utilisation, and meeting the needs of those they serve. Results thus demonstrate that timely feedback, transparent communication, opportunities for career growth, employee engagement in decision-making, and recognition of contributions are necessary practises that strengthen commitment. These practises could be argued to cultivate a sense of belonging and motivation among employees, which in turn enhances service delivery, efficiency, and accountability at the county level. Thus, fostering employee commitment through inclusive leadership, transparent communication, recognition, and capacity building is essential for enhancing the performance of county governments and strengthening the success of Kenya’s devolved governance framework.
Influence of Regulatory Framework on Franchise Management Capabilities and Operational Performance of Healthcare Entrepreneurship in Kenya
This study examined the moderating influence of the regulatory framework on the relationship between franchise management capabilities and operational performance of healthcare entrepreneurship in Kenya. The study adopted pragmatist philosophy and a sequential mixed-methods design with a target population comprising 11,150 health entrepreneurs, from which a sample of 386 respondents was selected using multistage sampling (stratified random and purposive sampling). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and interview guide and analysed using SPSS and NVIVO to obtain both descriptive and inferential statistics, thematic results, respectively. Results show regulatory framework significantly moderated the relationship between management capabilities and operational performance of health care entrepreneurs. The implication is that the regulatory framework strengthens franchise management capabilities in the operational performance of healthcare entrepreneurship. The regulatory framework provides clarity, legal protection, and enforcement mechanisms that strengthen compliance, ensuring franchisees and franchisors operate within defined standards. While the existing legal framework offers clear guidelines on rights, obligations, and intellectual property protection, concerns about enforcement and compliance complexity are critical. Thus, the study recommends the strengthening and enforcement of the regulatory framework to ensure compliance and adherence, and that franchise businesses need to invest in continuous training programmes to ensure that staff are updated on regulatory changes and best practices. Finally, strategic partnership and collaboration between regulatory agencies and franchise operators is recommended, aimed at promoting compliance, efficiency, and business growth of the parties involved.
Investigating Social Sustainability Factors Influencing the Performance of Firms Listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
Social sustainability factors are recognised as critical drivers of firm performance in Kenya. However, most studies focus on specific industries, limiting a broader understanding of social sustainability factors on performance. Therefore, this study sought to investigate social sustainability factors influencing the performance of firms listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. This study adopted a positivist research philosophy, descriptive and explanatory research design. The target population was 350 heads of selected departments in the firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange from which a sample size of 187 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling. The study utilised both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected by use of a questionnaire, while secondary data was collected using a checklist. Drop-off and pick-up-later method was used in the collection of data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. An average mean score of 3.75 (SD = 1.01) indicates that firms practice labour standards, diversity and inclusion, human rights, community engagement, and employee health and safety. Nagelkerke Pseudo R² revealed that social factors explained 58.3% of the variance in firm performance (R² = .583). The parameter estimates further showed that social sustainability factors significantly predicted firm performance (β = 2.290, p ≤ .05). The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the relationship between social sustainability and firm performance in Kenya. Managers of NSE-listed firms should prioritise social sustainability initiatives as strategic drivers of organisational performance and competitive advantage.
Factors Influencing Capital Structure: Insights from Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) Non-Financial Companies
This study examined the factors influencing the capital structure of non-financial companies listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE). Using the pecking order theory and the trade-off theory, it specifically examined how firms' liquidity, tangible assets, and profitability affect leverage. Using a cross-sectional research approach, data from 11 purposefully chosen DSE-listed non-financial companies over a 20-year period (2000–2020) were analysed using a fixed-effect panel data regression model. The findings show that leverage is significantly impacted negatively by profitability (-0.049, p <0.01). Leverage is also observed to be negatively impacted by liquidity (-0.15, P<0.05). Conversely, leverage is strongly and favourably impacted by asset tangibility (coefficient = 0.116, p<0.01). These findings indicate that the non-financial companies listed in DSE mainly use internal financing, as it fits the pecking order theory, and tangible assets allow the companies to take on more debt, as it fits the theory of trade-offs. The paper concludes that profitability is an important determinant of leverage, which contributes to firms giving preference to internal funds. Managers have been encouraged to concentrate on generating profits and to manage concrete resources strategically to maximise their capital structure.
Building a Supportive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for Street Vending: Key Requirements for Growth and Sustainability in Dodoma, Tanzania
Street vending is one of the oldest forms of informal business and plays a critical role in poverty reduction by creating employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth who are excluded from the formal sector due to limited education, capital constraints, and socio-economic barriers. Despite its importance, the entrepreneurial ecosystem supporting street vendors is often overlooked by governments and formal business actors. This study aims to examine and understand the essential entrepreneurial ecosystem required to support street traders in Tanzania. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data from street vendors, municipal officers, and business experts to assess the current entrepreneurial environment and identify areas requiring improvement. The findings indicate that street vendors operating in the informal sector require significantly more support than has been highlighted in previous studies, which largely focus on formal businesses. Key needs identified include designated business locations, access to municipal services, formal recognition, business permits, protection from harassment, access to financial services such as loans, and entrepreneurial training. The study focuses on street vendors in Tanzania, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other countries with different regulatory and socio-economic contexts. Policymakers and municipal authorities should adopt a more positive and inclusive approach toward street vendors by fostering a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Although developing such an ecosystem may require initial public investment, the long-term benefits—such as enhanced livelihoods and increased contributions to national development—are likely to outweigh the associated costs.
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Implementation of Advanced Medical Devices on the Performance of Healthcare Facilities in Kenya
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of implementing advanced medical devices (AMDs) on the performance of healthcare facilities in Kenya. Specifically, the research focused on understanding the effects of planning and resourcing, installation and maintenance, and utilisation of AMDs on healthcare facility performance. The target population was Level 6 hospitals in Nairobi with a sample size of 337 composed of hospital management, biomedical engineers, and medical staff, and 83% response rate. Pearson Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between planning and resourcing of AMDs and healthcare facility performance (r = 0.785, p < 0.05), installation and maintenance of AMDs (r = 0.746, p < 0.05), and AMDs utilisation (r = 0.781, p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed a significant positive effect of planning and resourcing on performance (β = 0.304, p < 0.05), installation and maintenance (β = 0.299, p < 0.05), and AMDs utilisation (β = 0.354, p < 0.05). The study concluded that the implementation of AMDs significantly enhances healthcare performance. To maximise the benefits of AMDs, the study recommends that healthcare facilities improve resource allocation, secure adequate funding for AMDs initiatives, and provide regular training. Additionally, establishing clear utilisation protocols, streamlined maintenance processes, and engaging biomedical engineers should be prioritised.
Organisational Culture and Strategic Agility in Child Protection Non-Governmental Organisations in Nairobi County, Kenya
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of organisational culture on strategic agility in Child Protection NGOs in Kenya, specifically focusing on shared values, shared beliefs, and artefacts. A descriptive correlational research design was employed in this study, and a total of 180 staff in the top and middle management levels from 36 Child Protection NGOs formed the target population. Correlation analysis showed medium and positive correlation for shared values (r=0.571, p<0.05) and artefacts (r=0.556, p<0.05), and weak and positive correlation for shared beliefs (r=0.371, p<0.05). Further, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that shared values were responsible for 22% of strategic agility (R²=0.220), shared beliefs were responsible for 13.8% of strategic agility (R²=0.138), while artefacts were responsible for 30.9% of NGOs’ strategic agility (R²=0.309). Hence, culture is crucial in enhancing organisational agility and supporting organisation responsiveness in strategy orientation in Child Protection NGOs in Kenya. As a result, organisational leaders need to exhibit emotional moral intelligence and integrate spiritual beliefs while ensuring a physical workspace that supports agility by fostering flexibility, collaboration, and efficient communication.
Challenges Facing Youth in Leveraging Social Media Platforms for Economic Transformation: Evidence from Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
The emergence of social media has transformed how youth communicate, interact, and participate in socio-economic activities. Beyond serving as a tool for social interaction, social media presents immense potential for youth empowerment and economic transformation, particularly in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 8, which focus on eradicating poverty and promoting decent employment. This study assessed the challenges facing youth in leveraging social media platforms for economic transformation in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach employing a descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews from 196 respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS software, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. The findings revealed four key challenges constraining youth from fully exploiting social media for economic gains. Unstable internet connectivity emerged as the most critical barrier (32%), followed by the high cost of internet services (17%), lack of knowledge and skills in using social media for economic purposes (20%), and difficulty in owning essential digital devices such as smartphones and computers (31%). These limitations collectively hinder the capacity of youth to engage productively in the digital economy. The study concludes that while social media holds substantial potential for fostering youth economic empowerment, its effective utilisation is constrained by infrastructural, financial, and knowledge-based challenges. It recommends that the government and stakeholders strengthen digital infrastructure, introduce subsidised data packages, enhance digital literacy through targeted training programmes, and facilitate access to affordable devices. Additionally, integrating social media entrepreneurship education into formal curricula and establishing mentorship networks could significantly enhance youth participation in the digital economy and contribute to Tanzania’s inclusive socio-economic transformation.
Influence of Welfare programmes on Employee Commitment among County Administrators in Western Region, Kenya
This study investigated the influence of welfare programmes on employee commitment, with organisational culture as a moderating factor, among county administrators in the Western Region of Kenya. Specifically, the study examined the effects of welfare programmes on employee commitment. Additionally, it assessed the moderating role of organisational culture in these relationships. Guided by Spillover Theory, Enrichment Theory, Segmentation Theory, and Facilitation Theory, the study adopted both descriptive and correlational survey designs. Data were collected from county administrators in selected counties, e.g., Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma, using semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. The study used a census to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient used to assess the relationships between variables. Simple and multiple linear regressions tested the significance of individual work-life balance practices, while hierarchical regression evaluated the moderating effect of organisational culture. The findings revealed that welfare programmes (B= 0.655) all had significant positive effects on employee commitment. However, when organisational culture was introduced as a moderating factor, none of these practices showed a statistically significant effect, indicating that organisation culture did not moderate the relationship between work-life balance practices and employee commitment. These results suggested that work-life balance practices were key drivers of employee commitment, but enhancing organisational culture alone was not sufficient to improve this relationship.
Effect of Capital Flight on Real GDP Growth in the East African Countries (2000-2022)
Countries in the East African region have had high capital flight both in its absolute value and relative to the GDP. The extent to which this increased volume of capital flight in the region has impacted economic growth is not well established. This study, therefore, sought to determine the effect of capital flight on real GDP growth in the EAC countries over the period 2000-2022. The study used fixed fixed-effect estimation method to examine the determinants of study variables. The Levin-Lin-Chu (LLC) panel unit root test was applied to examine the order of integration, where all variables were found to be stationary at the level. The Hausman test preferred fixed effects over random effects. The results showed that the capital flight, external debt, terms of trade, and investment had a significant (at 5% level) effect on real GDP growth with coefficients of -0.37, -0.18, 0.29, and 0.56. Capital flight and external debt had a negative influence, while terms of trade and investment had a positive effect. It is therefore recommended that the East African countries should, on the one hand, enhance policies that would reduce capital flight and external debt, and, on the other hand, improve the countries’ terms of trade and investment levels so as to realize real GDP growth. Future studies should consider causality tests to establish the causal direction of the relationship between economic growth and capital flight.
The Dual Role of Microcredit: Extent, Drivers, and Livelihood Implications of Loan Diversion Among Smallholder Farmers in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
Microcredit serves as a vital financial instrument for promoting smallholder agricultural development across sub-Saharan Africa. However, the frequent diversion of loans from their intended agricultural purposes to non-farm uses, commonly referred to as microcredit diversion, raises critical questions about its effectiveness. This study investigates the extent, patterns, and behavioural drivers of microcredit diversion among smallholder farmers in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania. Using a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design, primary data were collected from 240 randomly selected smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics, microcredit diversion metrics, and thematic analysis of qualitative responses were employed to examine utilisation patterns and the motivations underlying loan diversion. The results indicate that while microcredit remains a crucial source of financing for farm investment, covering 49.72% of average farm expenditures, an average of 35.36% of borrowed funds was diverted to non-agricultural purposes, including household consumption, education, and healthcare. This dual role of microcredit highlights its function as both a productive investment and a consumption-smoothing mechanism within resource-constrained households. Through the Rational Choice Theory, our study interprets microcredit diversion as a rational strategy by smallholder farmers to optimise overall household welfare under scarcity and competing priorities. Thus, policy implications include the need to align microcredit disbursement with agricultural cycles, integrate financial literacy and extension services, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to minimise diversion and maximise agricultural productivity. These findings contribute to the literature on rural finance and provide actionable insights for designing microcredit programmes that better support agricultural development in Tanzania.
Customer Adoption of Islamic Banking in Tanzania’s Dual Banking System: The Role of Subjective Norms Under Demographic Control
The co-existence of Islamic and conventional banking in Tanzania offers customers diverse financial services under a shared regulatory framework, yet the adoption of Islamic banking remains low. This study examines the influence of subjective norms on adoption, controlling for demographic characteristics. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour, a mixed-methods convergent design was employed, using a convergent design, where quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously using a survey questionnaire containing both closed-ended and semi-structured questions. The datasets were analysed separately and integrated at the interpretation stage to complement the quantitative findings. Quantitative analysis in R included descriptive statistics, reliability checks, correlations, and hierarchical regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically in ATLAS.ti. A total of 375 completed questionnaires were obtained from bank customers in Dar es Salaam. Findings show that subjective norms significantly explain 18.8% of variance beyond demographics. Religiosity emerged as the strongest motivator, followed by cultural support, while family and peer effects were moderate, and social position and networks were weak. Overall, subjective norms exert a moderate but significant influence, with adoption shaped by a balance between social expectations and individual autonomy. These insights underscore the importance of leveraging religiosity and Shariah compliance for Muslim customers while highlighting practical financial benefits to attract broader segments.
Influence of Empathy on Organisational Performance in Public Universities, Western Region, Kenya: The Moderating Role of Organisational Justice
This study sought to determine the influence of empathy on organisational performance and to establish the moderating influence of organisational justice on leadership emotional intelligence and organisational performance in public universities western region, Kenya. The research philosophy for this study was positivism, while a descriptive explanatory research design was adopted. 794 faculty members from four public institutions were the intended subjects, of which 266 participated in the survey by means of a stratified random sample procedure. Primary data was gathered using questionnaires and interview schedules. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used with the aid of SPSS 27. The results showed a significant influence of empathy on organisational performance (R2=0.464, P=0.000). The interaction term has a positive effect on performance, indicating that organisational justice helps improve empathy, which in turn boosts organisational performance (R2=0.707, P=0.000). The study concluded that empathy and organisational justice jointly enhance performance in public universities, with justice amplifying empathy’s influence. Universities should embed empathy in leadership training, enforce fair policies, assess staff perceptions, and develop feedback systems; the Ministry of Education should also formalise emotional intelligence and fairness standards in the university governance framework.