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The banking industry in Kenya must adopt digital transformation to sustain competitiveness and improve customer experience in the context of rapidly evolving digital technologies. Despite the increasing focus on digitisation in the sector, the particular initiatives undertaken by commercial banks and their resulting impact on competitive advantage are not sufficiently comprehended. This study analysed the impact of digital transformation strategies on competitive advantage within commercial banks in Kenya. The primary aim was to evaluate the impact of service automation, data analytics, mobile banking applications, employee upskilling, and digital payment solutions on the competitiveness of banks. The study employed a descriptive design, focussing on 39 commercial banks categorised by tiers, which included 412 functional heads. A multi-stage sampling method integrating proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques was utilised to guarantee equitable representation. Employing Yamane’s formula, a sample of 203 respondents was determined. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires that were pretested with 15 participants and validated by subject experts to ensure content relevance and clarity. Reliability testing employing Cronbach’s Alpha produced satisfactory results (? ? 0.7), signifying robust internal consistency. The analysis of data encompassed both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results were presented visually through charts, graphs, and tables to facilitate interpretation. The findings indicated that all five digital transformation strategies impacted competitive advantage, although their contributions differed in magnitude. The findings indicate that commercial banks must move beyond the simple implementation of digital technologies and prioritise strategic integration to improve customer experience and value creation. Banks ought to implement targeted automation that preserves human engagement for intricate services while improving feedback systems. Banks must enhance data governance and invest in sophisticated, customer-centric analytical tools. Ongoing innovation in mobile banking is advisable, encompassing feature enhancements and improved interoperability, underpinned by robust cybersecurity standards. Prioritising employee upskilling is essential through structured training, digital leadership development, and industry-wide certification. Finally, banks must reassess their digital payment strategies to prioritise user experience, fraud prevention, and differentiated services, while regulators encourage secure and innovation-friendly environments.

Management by Objectives (MBO) is a performance management approach where employees and managers collaborate to set individual goals aligned with broader organizational objectives. While MBO's potential benefits are recognized, its effectiveness particularly in the context of varying organizational cultures and appraisal purposes, remains unclear. The general objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between MBO and employee performance within Isiolo County Government. The study specifically examined the influence of evaluation on employees’ performance in Isiolo County. The study was grounded on image theory. The population of study was 260 employees across seven county ministries. Data was collected using a questionnaire subjected to pilot study. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study showed that overall evaluation (with a p-value of 0.897) does not significantly contribute to employee performance within the County Government of Isiolo. Therefore, the null hypothesis for evaluation was accepted. Because the study found no significant influence of evaluation on employee performance, there is a critical need for organization to refine their evaluation systems. To gain a deeper understanding of the long-term impact of evaluation on employee performance in Kenyan county governments, longitudinal research is warranted. The study recommends need for Isiolo County Government to improve its evaluation processes. Evaluators should provide valuable input to aid in performance improvement in employees of Isiolo county government.

This study analyses the impact of external debt on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya for the period 2008-2022. Employing descriptive, correlational, and inferential research designs, the study reviewed data from the Central Bank of Kenya, the World Bank, KNBS, and IMF on a quarterly basis. By employing the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, ROE and external debt were further qualified to be stationary at first difference. The results highlighted by the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) analysis indicated a statistically significant negative relationship between external debt and financial performance; the coefficients (-0.8998) confirmed that for every unit of increase in external debt, there would be a decline in ROE by 0.8998 units. The study establishes that external debt has been detrimental to the financial health of Kenyan banks due to the economic pressure it brings to the sector. For this purpose, it suggests that the government should avoid borrowing from external sources, and it has advised the development of measures that encourage overseas investors to invest in the country's banking sector. The policy of attracting FDI can enhance capital availability and alleviate the financial load on banking institutions. Relaxing regulations that restrict foreign investors would pave the way for this and help increase the bank’s performance, thus enhancing long-term economic growth.

Commercial banks in Kenya operate in quite dynamic financial market environment and continue to experience stiff competition in the provision of financial services. The liberation of the financial markets has resulted into an upsurge in the number of institutions providing financial products and services, threatening the future of Kenyan commercial banks. This study aimed at determining the effect of strategic alliances on competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya. The objectives were to determine effect of joint ventures, equity alliances, and joint research and development on the competitiveness of Kenyan banks. The following theories informed this research; Resource Based View theory, competitive theory, and resource dependence theory. Causal research design was adopted where all the 42 Kenyan commercial banks formed the target population. Census survey sampling design was applied and semi-structured questionnaire used. Reliability and validity results were used to improve the research instrument prior to the actual data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Study found that joint venture (?=0.435, p=0.000) equity alliances (?=0.227, p=0.018), and joint research and development (?=0.0.612, p=0.000) had positive significant effects on competitive advantage. With a coefficient of determination (R-square) of 68.9% and overall p-value of 0.000, the study concluded strategic alliances have a statistical significant effect on competitive advantage. The study recommends that managements of commercial banks should fast-truck implementation of such alliances to for improved competitiveness.

Kenya has seen a boom in road building during the last couple of years as a result of the government's significant investments in the construction industry to upgrade infrastructure, such as road networks. Road network construction is one of the key pillar of the country long term vision 2030. However, the performance of the road projects has experienced various challenges leaving some roads uncompleted, others poorly done after huge investment of public resources. This study sought to evaluate the influence of financial resources scheduling on the performance of road construction projects in Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya. The research was based on resource dependence theory. A descriptive design as well as the cross-sectional survey was used. The population of interest for this study consisted of 39 road construction projects being implemented by Kenya Urban Roads Authority and Kenya National Highway Authority within the Nairobi metropolitan area. A semi structured questionnaire was utilized to collect primary data. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study results revealed projects resource scheduling had a positive and significant effect on project performance of road construction projects in Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya. The study concludes that effective financial resource scheduling enables that organization to manage risk that may occur from changes in the project’s outcome. Financial resource scheduling starts from developing the project budget which is a process for allocating administered and departmental funds necessary to build a financial foundation for producing stated project deliverables.

The performance of the healthcare sector is crucial for delivering optimal patients care and creating efficient healthcare systems. However, Kajiado County in Kenya faces various challenges that obstruct effective performance. This paper aims to assess the impact of operational strategies on performances of public hospitals in Kajiado County, Kenya. Specifically, it aimed to investigate the effect of information management strategy, continuous quality improvement strategy, innovation strategy, and resources management strategy on hospital performance. This study was anchored on balanced scorecard model, resource-based theory, quality improvement theory, and technology acceptance model, and employed a descriptive research design. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires distributed to full-time healthcare workers, following a successful pilot study in Narok County. Data collection utilized the drop-and-pick later method. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software was used to analyze the data, involving descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations while multiple regression model was used to test the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable. Main findings of the study revealed that there exists a statistically significant relation between information management strategy and hospital performance, as well as continuous quality improvement strategy, innovation strategy, and resource management strategy, respectively. Consequently, the study recommended that the County Health Department should initiate a comprehensive training program for healthcare professionals, collaborate with hospital management to adopt innovative technologies, and identify and address skill gaps while promoting a positive work environment within public hospitals in Kajiado County. These actions aim to enhance hospital performance and ultimately improve patient care in the region.

Firms are driven to maximize profits, requiring specialized techniques to improve performance. Firms can handle chaotic conditions by acting strategically. Global studies show high early-stage SME death rates. Hospitality studies have not examined how lean-green methods boost performance and competitiveness. Lean-green methods affect the entrepreneurial spirit and performance of medium-sized hotels in Kenyan cities. The paper relies on discovery and dynamic capability theory. The article used mixed-methods, concurrent triangulation, and pragmatic philosophy. 534 medium hotel managers in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kisumu were studied, and 229 were sampled using stratified random sampling. Data was collected by questionnaire and saved in MS Excel for case-variable screening and cleaning. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. Pearson's correlation and regression models analyzed quantitative data. In Kenyan cities, entrepreneurial attitude positively affects medium hotel performance (=.775, t = 17.499, p.05). Lean-green synergy positively impacted performance (? =.527, t = 12.497, p ?.05) and moderated the connection between entrepreneurial mentality and business performance. The study found that lean-green techniques boost performance. Lean-green production strategies are recommended by the study. These findings benefit hotel entrepreneurs, managers, academia, and legislators. The study proposes studying other industries besides hospitality to see whether comparable findings are found.

Despite the effort to increase financial inclusion, women-owned Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) continue to face challenges in the uptake of financial services. Low financial uptake is strongly associated with business failure leading to low income and living standards among women entrepreneurs in marginalized areas. Market system strategies are crucial in determining businesses' level of financial uptake. The study investigated the effect of market system strategies on the financial uptake of women-owned MSMEs in the informal settlement of Nyeri County. Specifically, it investigated the effect of business readiness, financial literacy, investor relationships, and investment impact on financial uptake among women-owned MSMEs. The study variables were anchored on Ricky Griffin's model, Theory of Change, and Refinancing theory. The study used a descriptive research design, specifically a cross-sectional design. The target population was 890 women-owned MSMEs in the informal settlements of Nyeri county. Proportionate stratified and random sampling were used to obtain a sample of 275 businesses representing approximately 30% of the study population. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. A pilot test was conducted using ten individuals to test and improve the study questionnaire Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha, where an alpha of 0.7 was the acceptable threshold. Regression analyses indicated that the market system strategies, business readiness, financial literacy, impact investment, and investor relationship positively and significantly affected financial uptake, with p-values lower than 0.05 alpha. The study found that businesses with better market system strategies have a higher financial uptake. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that policies and interventions aimed at improving financial uptake among women-owned MSMEs should focus on enhancing business readiness and financial literacy and building strong impact investment and investor relationships. The county government, NGOs, and others interested stakeholders should encourage women entrepreneurs in informal settlements of Nyeri county to seek training and support to develop their business skills and increase their understanding of financial uptake. Furthermore, the county and national governments should connect women-owned MSMEs with impact investors and establish relationships to provide funding, support, and mentorship. Finally, policymakers and stakeholders in the financial sector should consider creating an enabling environment that supports and incentivizes impact investment in MSMEs, especially those owned by women, to increase their financial uptake.

This paper aims to examine the effect of strategic leadership, resource allocation, information technology, customer focus, and differentiation on the performance of microfinance institutions in Nairobi City County. The study was founded on a resource-based view, dynamic capability and life-cycle theories. A target of 300 employees was targeted from which a sample of 172 research participants was recruited. The sample was selected through a combination of both stratified and sampling techniques. Questionnaires were used for primary data collection. Analysis used both descriptive and multiple regression analyses. The findings of the study indicated the urgency for microfinance organizations to adopt growth strategies that encompass innovative digital advancements, the introduction of novel products, innovation-focused strategies, and the digitization of services. The findings further highlighted the pivotal roles played by strategic positioning, strategic leadership, information technology integration, and differentiation in significantly shaping microfinance institutions’ performance. The findings also indicated that a unit enhancement of strategic positioning indicator had a significant enhancement on their individual performance. However, the effect of customer focus and resource allocation did not exhibit the same level of significance. The study recommended the reinforcement of strategic positioning, optimized resource allocation, embracing technological integration, and an unwavering focus on customer needs. The study recommended the exploration of diverse leadership styles, resource allocation strategies, and the undertaking of comparative analyses to draw insights into the effects of these factors on microfinance institutions.

Worldwide, startup businesses are essential for any country's economic development. Despite the rapid growth of start-ups, their likelihood of success and viability remain low. This trend is more observed in developing countries due to the low uptake of business incubation services such as Kenya. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of networking services, physical incubation, and management mentoring on the growth of start-ups in Kenya. The study was based on the social network theory, the theory of the firm, the stochastic theory and the trait theory of entrepreneurship. A cross-sectional research design was used. A sample size of 227 respondents was selected from a total population of 567 respondents using proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed with multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS. The finding of the study indicated that there was a positive and significant effect between networking services, physical incubation infrastructure and management mentoring and growth of startups. The study suggests that startups should join associations like the Associations of Startups and SME Enablers of Kenya and the Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs to access incubation infrastructure. This will allow access to investor networks, civil society programs, and government agencies, accelerating business growth. Additionally, business incubators can partner with universities for specialized research in areas like health, agriculture, and climate change through the triple helix model.

The study explores the impact of entrepreneurial passion on process innovation and firm performance, based on self-efficacy theory. Relevant hypotheses were proposed, and the promotion mechanism of entrepreneurial passion on process innovation and enterprise performance was analyzed. A survey of 150 Kenyan firm owners/managers was conducted, and the results showed that process innovation has a significant positive effect on performance. Entrepreneurial passion is a significant moderator of the relationship between process innovation and performance, with firms with higher levels of passion achieving greater performance from implementing process innovation. This suggests that entrepreneurial passion can guide entrepreneurial persistence and promote enterprise performance by stimulating positive emotions and creativity. The study suggests that effective management of process innovation can enhance performance and encourage more entrepreneurial behavior in competitive business environments.

This paper aims to examine the effect of selected factors that link to completion of NSSF construction projects and how they are influenced by the various critical factors. The main objective was to establish the critical success factors and their effects on performance of construction projects. Four theories namely Game theory, Principal-Agent theory, Construction Management, and Soft Value Management (SVM) theory served as the foundation for this research.  Descriptive research design was employed for data collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation.The target population was 512 stakeholders from six complete commercial and residential projects. Purposive sampling was used to select 84 participants for the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were used in the study to collect data. The data was analyzed using SPSS whereby descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The results show that the R-square value was 0.282 and R was 0.531. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was significant at p=0.001 with an F statistic of 9.961 indicating that the model used was fit for the data. The data also revealed that client variations (p= 0.05), financial availability (p = 0.047), and construction disputes (p = 0.001) are statistically significant determinants affecting the performance of NSSF construction projects. The main findings of the study demonstrate that the key critical success factors used in this study affected the performance of NSSF-completed construction projects either positively or negatively. The study recommends that companies should adhere to the principles that safeguard project management to adequately manage the critical factors and ultimately minimize project delays.

The use of motorcycles has increased dramatically in Africa in recent years. Motorcycles (boda boda) are often used as taxis, with riders charging a fare to carry passengers or goods by wholesalers and retailers. Motorcycle transport is certainly not without risk, including the risk of being injured in a crash. Attempts by governments to regulate the use of motorcycle taxis for safety and other reasons have largely failed, with authorities often unable to keep pace with the rapid influx of motorcycles into the continent and the high demand for their services by local populations. This study sought to establish the moderating effect of road safety and compliance training on the relationship between the motorcycle accessibility market and the performance of wholesale retail businesses in Kenya. This study was anchored on system theory. The research philosophy adopted for the study was descriptive using a quantitative approach was used. The study targeted all wholesale and retail shops in 47 counties and systematic sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select a sample size of 383 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential analysis was undertaken using SPSS software Version 28. On average, the findings noted that motorcycle accessibility to the markets had enhanced the growth of wholesaler and retailer businesses in Kenya with a score of 4.03 out of 5.0. On inferential statistics, the results indicate road safety and compliance training of motorcycle riders had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between the motorcycle accessibility market and performance wholesale retail business R squared change of 0.206 which translates to a 21.39% change in the R-square. This means road safety and compliance training of motorcycle riders’ moderate motorcycle accessibility market and performance positively and statistically significant. The findings imply that training motorcycle riders on road safety and compliance is very important in improving the wholesale and retail sector performance in Kenya. The government should formalize road safety and compliance, in this case, NTSA, should uphold and enhance official training of the commercial motorcycle delivery solution providers.

In Kenya, the wholesale and retail sector has been undergoing a difficult time that has seen some of the big retailers closing due to myriad challenges in their performance in the dynamic environment. This study sought to establish the influence of motorcycle delivery innovation on the performance of the wholesale and retail sectors in Kenya. The study was anchored on social exchange theory. The research philosophy adopted for the study was positivism. A descriptive research design using a quantitative approach was used in this study. The study targeted all wholesale and retail shops in 47 counties in Kenya that employed commercial motorcycles for their last-mile delivery of goods. Systematic sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select a sample size of 383 respondents and a questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential analysis was undertaken across all variables using SPSS software. The findings indicated that there was a strong relationship between delivery innovations and the performance of the wholesale and retail businesses in Kenya (0.785). On the hypotheses, the study found that motorcycle delivery innovation had a statistically significant influence on the performance of wholesale and retail businesses in Kenya (t = 16.560, p=0.000 <0.05). The study concluded that motorcycle delivery innovations/solutions have a strong and statistically significant relationship with the performance of wholesale and retail businesses. The study recommends that wholesalers, retailers, and motorcyclists to have collaboration as they have mutual benefits. The study suggests that another study can be conducted to investigate the influence of embracing motorcycles by online businesses on their performance and growth.

This study aimed to determine the impact of interactive marketing on the marketing performance of MSEs in Kenya's Nyanza region. The research was founded on the positivist paradigm. The study employed a cross-sectional survey methodology. Targeting 2,503 MSEs and sampling 356 respondents using the Yamane formula and simple random stratified sampling The self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire used to collect the primary data was analyzed using regression analysis. Cronbach's alpha and the Shapiro-Wilk test were used to examine the reliability and normality of the data, respectively. Interactive marketing was found to have a significant impact on marketing performance (t = 19.933, p = 0.0000.05). Therefore, the study recommends extensive implementation of interactive marketing to improve the marketing performance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSEs), which would ultimately contribute to increased profits and stability.

The paper reports empirical findings drawn from a study undertaken to understand the dimensions of strategic leadership deployed among flower farms and the benefits that the flower farms have derived from deployment of strategic leadership. The context was selected due to its significance in contributing to the national economy and the level of turbulence experienced by the farms that requires a leadership style entrenching strategic thinking. 43 flower farms were sampled and primary data obtained using a structured questionnaire from CEOs, Deputy CEOs and heads of functional areas. Two dimensions of strategic leadership have been deployed to a low extent while two have been implemented to a moderate extent. The deployed dimensions of strategic leadership have significantly contributed to the flower farms performance by enhancing their capacity to attain growth at the rate of 15-20%. The study concluded that strategic leadership is relevant for deployment by the flower farms and raised implications for its deployment among organizations facing complex and turbulent environments. The paper called on future research to consider expanding the scope of the context of the investigation and conceptualization of the dimensions of strategic leadership based on other relevant theoretical frameworks anchoring strategic leadership.

The study sought to examine the effect of Accounting Information and Communication control on the financial performance of Sacco’s in Kenya. The study employed a mixed research design targeting 175 Sacco’s with 875 respondents. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the CEOs, Finance Managers, Risk Managers, ICT Managers and Internal auditors. Data were collected by the use of both primary and secondary techniques. Primary data collection was using questionnaires, while secondary data detailed document analysis of audited accounts to capture information on financial performance. A pilot study was conducted in Nairobi County. Content and construct validity were tested at a KMO value of 0.870, which signified that factor analysis was appropriate. Cronbach Alpha was applied to establish reliability, ranging from 0.859 for accounting information and communication control to 0.916 for financial performance. Data were analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive analysis included; frequencies, Mean, Standard deviation and percentage, while inferential analysis involved regression analysis. The results showed a significant positive relationship between Accounting Information and Communication control and financial performance (r=0.661, P=0.000). Accounting Information and Communication control explained 43.7% (R2 =0.437) of variance in financial performance; the beta value for Accounting Information and Communication control from the regression model was 0.551 at p< 0.05.  The study concluded that Accounting Information and Communication control has a significant positive effect on financial performance. The study recommended that SACCOs conduct periodic reviews of the effectiveness of its accounting information and communication system to ensure management receives timely, relevant, and reliable reports for decision-making.

Tour operators have ensured the success of the Kenyan tourism sector, poised to contribute to achieving key government economic policies like the Tourism Agenda 2018-2022, the National Tourism Blueprint 2030, and the Big-Four Agenda. However, due to the volatility of the tourism industry, stiff competition, rigid tourism policies, and pandemics, tour operators’ performance has recorded a 2% steady decline since 2011. Therefore, this paper explores the upscaling of performance using a differentiation strategy among tour operator companies in Nairobi City County. The study followed a descriptive design approach, with the balanced scorecard and Porter’s generic strategies forming the theoretical basis. Fifteen (15) company owners and 210 managers participated in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. Stratified simple random sampling was used to sample respondents from the companies while purposive sampling was used to select company owners. Data collected were analyzed in SPSS (Ver.26) using descriptive statistics to infer variable characteristics. Inferential statistics; Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and simple linear regression were used to detect the strength of the relationship and test the hypothesis. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between differentiation strategy and organizational performance (r=0.77, P=0.000), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Regression analysis revealed an adjusted R2(0.602) indicating that differentiation strategy explains 60.2% of organizational performance’s variation (b=0.594, P=.000). The study recommends that tour operator companies should develop innovative packages based on place and price and significantly invest in R&D to enhance a strong brand for optimal performance. This study provides policymakers with an avenue to scrutinize levels of organizational performance using a strategic management approach.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of public sector financial information disclosure on the quality of financial reporting in public secondary schools in Kakamega County. This study was premised on a theoretical foundation based on legitimacy theory. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study targeted 419 public secondary schools, from which a sample of 205 public secondary schools was obtained using a stratified random sampling technique. The study used Primary data, which was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using version 26 of the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive and inferential methods of data analysis were used. The analyzed data was presented using tables, models, frequencies and percentages. The study found that public sector financial information disclosure was significant at (? = 0.790, t = 15.488 at p<0.01) on quality financial reporting. From the R Square, it accounted for 54.7% of the variance in quality financial reporting (p = 0.000). The study concluded that disclosure of public sector financial information significantly affected the quality of financial reporting in public secondary schools in Kakamega County. The study recommended that there is a need for financial information and reports to be made available to the users in a timely fashion and in the correct format and language that can make it easy for them to analyze and interpret. This would ensure that there is adequate disclosure of going on concern information which is more comprehensive, integrated and more helpful in decision-making process.

Sustainable tourism has emerged as a growing tourism facet in recent years, gaining acceptance among tourism developers and stakeholders; as a tourism development model that is economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally friendly. Nonetheless, tourism development faces numerous challenges, including displacement of people, cultural commercialization, organic dilapidation, and economic dependency resulting from social-economic development. As a result, many countries have begun to embrace long-term sustainable tourism development goals, an essential component of achieving Vision 2030. Therefore, this paper propagates the discussions surrounding corroboration approaches, tourism infrastructure, stakeholders' role, and government policies' influence on sustainable tourism development. To support its thesis, the paper develops a conceptual framework to guide tourism practitioners and other stakeholders in understanding and dissecting sustainable tourism models and knowledge. The findings emphasize stakeholders’ collaboration framework, the need for adequate and supportive tourism infrastructure, and the foundational basis of public-private initiatives to enhance tourism growth.