School of Business and Economics

Assessing cassava marketing, policy frameworks and value chains in western kenya

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Assessing cassava marketing, policy frameworks and value chains in western kenya Chesang, Jacob; Aila, Fredrick; Mise, Jairo; Ondiwa, Simon; Wanyonyi, Renson; Dida, Mathew Cassava is a critical root crop in Kenya, contributing to food security and household income, yet its production, processing, and commercialization remain underdeveloped. This study assessed the potential of value-added cassava products to enhance food security and income generation in Migori and Siaya counties. Data were collected through key informant interviews and stakeholder consultations, focusing on cassava marketing, policy frameworks and value chains. Findings reveal that marketing of cassava products is predominantly informal, with small-scale traders and individual consumers dominating the value chain, while competition from substitute staples and minimal promotional strategies further limit sales. Value addition is minimal, primarily involving washing, peeling, chipping, and solar drying, with significant potential for mechanization and processing to enhance product quality and profitability. The policy environment is underdeveloped, with limited county-level regulations and insufficient stakeholder engagement in policy formulation. The study concludes that an integrated approach, including targeted policy development, institutional support, investment in processing technologies, market integration, and capacity building, is essential to strengthen the cassava value chain, improve productivity, and enhance household income and food security in Western Kenya. Vol. 14, Issue 2, Feb 2026

Entrepreneurial Fishmongers in Kenya

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Entrepreneurial Fishmongers in Kenya Onyango, A.Rael; Eijdenberg, L.Emiel; Obange, Nelson; Masurel, Enno In many emerging economies, the fishing industry is under pressure due to climatological changes as well as socio-economic developments. These changes and developments affect the entrepreneurial fishmongers who want to thrive their enterprises and contribute to their communities. In line with previous research on institutional environments, we explore the perceived institutional impediments that fishmongers face. In addition, we scope the perceived external facilitators and entrepreneurial reactions to fight these institutional impediments. Based on one focus group of experts and 21 individual interviews with fishmongers around Lake Victoria (Kenya), this chapter provides details of financial impediments, market impediments, rules and regulation impediments and spatial impediments. Conversely, as a way to fight these impediments, the fishmongers experience government support and economies of scale as external facilitators, and they react in an entrepreneurial and indigenous way by undertaking collaborations and alliances, engaging in cash flow management, and developing enterprising skills. The findings contribute to entrepreneurship and sustainable development research by exhibiting how external events are experienced by entrepreneurial fishmongers in poverty-stricken areas and how these individuals react to them, thereby aiming for the betterment of their lives and their indigenous community. Article found in the Book titled: Indigenous Entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa ,it can also be accessed via:https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-64924-0_6

Effect of perceived brand quality on performance of medium-sized restaurants in Kisumu City, Kenya

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Effect of perceived brand quality on performance of medium-sized restaurants in Kisumu City, Kenya Mise, Jairo Kirwa; Rangili, Elijah Alogo Perceived quality is how a customer evaluates the overall excellence or superiority of a product. Many companies nowadays place a high value on perceived brand quality, and actions taken to increase brand equity may be impacted by it. The majority of the reviewed studies did not look at non-financial performance aspects like customer satisfaction, acquisition, retention, sales growth, and effective and efficient marketing programs. Moreover, even the studies that looked at perceived brand quality, did not consider it in the context of restaurant industry. However, most of the reviewed studies demonstrated that perceived brand quality, has a considerable effect on organizational performance. The current study was anchored on Aaker brand equity theory. The correlation study design and the quantitative paradigm research philosophy helped the researcher in testing hypothesis. The study obtained a sample of 52 respondents, which comprises owners/managers of selected restaurants from a population of 60 registered restaurants using a saturated sampling technique. Results revealed that perceived brand quality (β=.114, p=0.000) has statistically and significant positive effect on non-financial performance of restaurant enterprises in Kisumu city. The study concluded that perceived brand quality, significant predictors of non-financial performance of restaurants; =0.672; F (2, 49) =20.170, p<0.000. The study recommended that firms should consistently improve perceived brand quality among restaurants customers to bring passionate attachment and lasting brand feelings among prospective customers. The academic community, businesses, government authorities, and the general public will find the study's findings useful.

Analysis of Influence of Total Quality Management on Performance of Parastatals in Kenya

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Analysis of Influence of Total Quality Management on Performance of Parastatals in Kenya Oduor, Juma Paul; Indiya, Donald Gulali; Mise, Jairo Kirwa From competitive and survival perspectives, the ability to identify dynamics in an environment and timely respond by choosing convenient management approaches, is vital in prosperity of parastatals. Universally, Total Quality Management is one of emerging management trends that ensure this. There is limited evidence linking these in Africa, and specifically in Kenya. From several performance reports including 2021/2022, performance of some parastatals in Kenya is below average (2.40). They register low performance regularly thus implying inadequate total quality management practices. Past studies investigated effect of individual constructs of total quality management leaving composite effect unattached. This study sought to analyze impact of total quality management on performance of parastatals and was guided by resource based View theory. Census approach was applied with 34 as target population, 102 respondents, out of which 12 respondents were for sampling after cluster technique and 86 for actual study. Questionnaires were administered for data harvesting and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Content analysis ensured validity while Cronbach’s alpha tested reliability. Reliability results shows coefficient of 0.818 implying that the instrument was reliable. The findings reveal that TQM had 71.7% significant effect on performance. The study concludes that total quality management has a significant and positive effect on the performance of parastatals in Kenya and recommends that parastatals in Kenya should embrace as a useful strategy for enhancing performance. https://doi.org/10.18535/sshj.v8i10.1396

The relationship between lean practices and performance of parastatals in kenya

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The relationship between lean practices and performance of parastatals in kenya Oduor, Juma Paul; Indiya, Donald Gulali; Mise, Jairo Kirwa The ability to identify changes in an environment and appropriately respond by choosing a convenient management approach is critical to the success of parastatals. Globally, lean is one of the management concepts that ensure this. There is limited evidence linking these in Africa, and particularly in Kenya. From several financial performance reports including 2021/2022, the performance of some parastatals in Kenya is below average (2.40). They register low performance yearly thus suggesting insufficient implementation of lean practices. Past studies investigated the effect of individual constructs of lean, leaving the composite effect unattended. This study sought to analyse impact of Lean Practices on performance of parastatals, and was guided by Institutional theory. A census approach was applied with a target population of 34, comprising 102 respondents, out of which 12 respondents were sampled using a cluster technique and 86 for the actual study. Questionnaires were administered to collect data and were analysed using descriptive statistics. Cronbach’s alpha tested reliability as content validity tested validity. Sample results show a coefficient of 0.818, implying that the instrument is reliable. The findings reveal that Lean had 71.7% significant effect on performance. The study concludes that lean has a significant and positive impact on the performance of parastatals in Kenya and recommends that parastatals in Kenya should continue to prioritize the implementation of lean practices as a key strategy for enhancing performance.

Does Planning Pay Off? Investigating Role of Procurement Planning in Fostering Organizational Performance: The Case of Kenyan Judiciary.

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Does Planning Pay Off? Investigating Role of Procurement Planning in Fostering Organizational Performance: The Case of Kenyan Judiciary. Wanyonyi, Renson; Oloo, Caroline With the ever increasing competitions, complexity of business systems and structures buoyed by government regulations and deregulations, business organizations and corporates are turning to strategic practices with the view of improving their performance. performance itself is not a new phenomenon, though achieving results in purchasing firms has become a bone of contention. The purpose of this article is to investigate effect of procurement planning on organizational performance basing on the judiciary of Kenya. We achieved this through a quantitative paradigm in a correlational survey design, with data being obtained from a sample of 50 respondents The results showed planning procurements pay off, procurement planning has a positive significant effect on organizational performance (R2=.647, β=.269) denoting that planning procurement explains 64.7% change in organizational performance with unit adoption of planning resulting into 0.269 units in organizational performance. Findings ground theoretical position in the institutions theory that firms can create a socially responsible environment and better their results through planning practices. Study concludes: it’s about planning to get best deals in procurement and wider firm performance

Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship: Unlocking Growth Potential in Rural Kenya and Urban Slums

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship: Unlocking Growth Potential in Rural Kenya and Urban Slums Oloo, Caroline This prospective publication aims to delve into the role of women in entrepreneurship within the unique contexts of rural Kenya and urban slums. It seeks to explore the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in these settings, while also identifying opportunities and strategies for fostering sustainable growth. The publication will provide an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic factors influencing women's entrepreneurial endeavours, including access to resources, education, cultural considerations, and the impact of urbanization. Additionally, it will showcase case studies and success stories of women who have demonstrated resilience and innovation in building and scaling their businesses in challenging environments. By examining the specific nuances of women's entrepreneurship in rural and urban underserved areas of Kenya, this publication aims to contribute valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working towards gender-inclusive economic development

Empirical Analysis of Macroeconomic Factors and Stock Return in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Empirical Analysis of Macroeconomic Factors and Stock Return in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya .Studies about macroeconomic factors and stock return have revealed varied results despite interest and importance in this area of study. Many studies reviewed focused on macro-economic factors and stock return at firm level; none of the studies reviewed however focused on macroeconomic factors and stock return at industry level, which this study sought to analyze. The study therefore analyzed the effect of macroeconomic factors on stock return of Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya. This study is anchored on stock return theories, Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). The study employed quantitative research paradigm a long side longitudinal time series analysis; quarterly secondary data spanning 2009 to 2018 was used. Data was sourced from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Results revealed that macroeconomic factors have a significant relationship with stock return (p=0.0035, R2= 31.85%); implying that trend of macroeconomic factors can assist in making investment decisions in Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya. This study is important to scholars, policy makers and investors.

Can Brand Awareness Influence co-operative performance? Evidence from Mwalimu National Sacco, Kenya.

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Can Brand Awareness Influence co-operative performance? Evidence from Mwalimu National Sacco, Kenya. Muma, Phebrone; Aila, Fredrick; . Mise, Jairo; Oloo, Caroline Cooperatives are present in all SDG goals and can be seen as an inherently sustainable business model, with their “triple bottom line” of social, economic and environmental sustainability. Savings and Credit CoOperatives (SACCO)promote thrift permitting achievement of SDG 17: partnerships for goals. Kenya’s SACCO Supervision Annual Reportshows a drop in the number of deposits taking SACCOs from 175 in 2015 to 168 in 2021 with decrease in membership from 3,145,565 in 2015 to 2,842,684 in 2021. These changes are attributed to the need for more efficient and cheap services. To effectively sustain and perform well, SACCOs need more members to purchase their products and remain loyal. Mwalimu National SACCO is not exceptional as it has to comply with the market demands. However, Mwalimu National SACCO has consistently gained poor reputation and therefore declined in terms of performance,something that is attributed to marketing and branding practices. Between the year 2019 and 2021 there were withdrawal of approximately 1,321 members and a decline in profit by 3.6 percent. Studies on brand awareness and performance have not considered financial institutions such as SACCO’s. This study aimed at establishing influence of brand awareness on SACCO performance. The study was guided by resource based view theory implemented using correlational research design on a population of 5,300 members and 12 staff located in Kisumu County. A total of 360 members and 12 staff summing to 372 constituted the sample. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and revealed that brand awareness (β=.271, p<.05) had a statistically positive significant effect on SACCO. The findings may inform managerial decision making at Mwalimu National SACCO and other related cooperatives. This can increase partnerships as members become more aware of the SACCOs offering.

Effect of Renewable Energy Consumption on Economic Growth in Kenya

Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Effect of Renewable Energy Consumption on Economic Growth in Kenya Situma, Masibayi Peter; Nyongesa, Destaings Nyenyi; Obange, Nelson Despite Kenya having a massive generating capacity of renewable energy, its consumption levels remain significantly low. The low supply levels have driven the costs of production upwards leading to high energy prices thereby slowing economic activity occasioned by inadequate investments in the energy sector. However, there are conflicting results on the existing link between economic growth and renewable energy consumption in the developing world. This study purposed to establish the effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth in Kenya. This study was anchored on the Neo-Classical Solow-Swan growth model. This study adopted the correlational research design and used time series data for the period 1980-2017 to determine the nature of the existing linkages. Capital and labour were incorporated as control variables. The granger causality results established the existence of a bidirectional and feedback relationship existing between renewable energy consumption and economic growth in Kenya. Vector Error Correction Model results showed that a unit increase in total renewable energy consumption led to a gross domestic product rise by 13,340 million dollars in the second year. Therefore, both the granger causality and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) tests advocate for investment in the consumption of renewable energy if desired levels of economic growth are to be attained. Therefore, investment in modern energy generation and supply technologies and demonopolisation of the generation and supply of renewable energies to encourage private investments are recommended as the necessary measures to increase the level of renewable energy consumption, which in turn accelerates the rate of economic growth. Interventions such as tax exemptions on renewable energy equipment may encourage more uptake and consumption of renewable energies. This study may assist the government in the formulation of sustainable energy policies. This study may assist the government in the formulation of sound and sustainable energy policies for industrial and economic growth.