Firms In Kenya Research Articles

Effect of Client Appraisal on the Profitability of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Effect of Client Appraisal on the Profitability of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Costing Techniques And Profitability Trade Off: An Investigation On The Agricultural Firms Listed In The Nairobi Securities Exchange.

Costing techniques have great impact on life and global economy especially the profitability levels of Agricultural companies in the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The profitability levels in the Agricultural firms in Kenya have declined, stagnated or suffered losses in the recent past leading to price fluctuations hence low profitability levels. The drive of this study was to investigate the costing techniques and profitability trade off of agricultural firms listed in the NSE. Specifically the study sought to establish the effect of job costing on determination of the level of profitability in the quoted agricultural firms in NSE. The study was steered by transaction cost theory and applied descriptive research design. The target population of seven (7) listed agricultural firms listed in the NSE, hence adopting the census technique where all the seven respondents were used. Data collection sheet was used to obtain secondary data from audited published financial statements of listed agricultural firms in NSE. The period of the study was five years from 2018 to 2022. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics that were summarized using mean and standard deviation. Diagnostic tests used to test the research hypothesis included tests of normality, autocorrelation, collinearity and linearity tests. Correlation, regression analysis and multiple linear regression models was carried out to show whether and how strongly changes in costing techniques were related to firms’ profitability and to determine the association amongst costing techniques and profitability. The findings were presented in figures and tables and prose form for its discussions. Job costing had a significant effect on the profitability of agricultural firms listed in the NSE when measured alongside other costing methods. Both the coefficient is positive (β1=0.565) and the p-value is lower than 0.05, indicating statistical significance. The recommendation to the industry is to prioritize Job Costing given its significant positive effect on profitability of agricultural firms should consider implementing and expanding its use. Firms using other costing methods should reassess their effectiveness and consider integrating Job Costing elements into their existing systems. For academia, conduct more studies to authenticate these findings across different contexts, firm sizes and geographical locations within the agricultural sector. Emphasize on Job Costing method in accounting and agricultural management curricula while still maintaining a balanced approach to other costing methods. For policy formulators, consider policies that encourage or incentive the adoption of Job Costing method in agricultural companies like, tax benefits or grants for implementation and developing guidelines or standards of costing.

Influence of Business Strategies on Organizational Performance: Case of Selected Telecommunication Firms in Kenya

Influence of Business Strategies on Organizational Performance: Case of Selected Telecommunication Firms in Kenya

Supply Chain Flexibility and Performance of Food and Beverages Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

In the current dynamic business environment, any organization can survive if it performs exceptionally well. This study's main goal was to assess the effect of supply chain flexibility and performance of food and beverages manufacturing firms in Kenya. The cross-sectional survey was used in the study. Senior procurement managers from 246 Kenyan companies that produce food and beverages were the target audience. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) were used to estimate a sample size of 150 respondents. Simple random sampling was used to choose the sample. Pilot research of 15 firms, representing 10% of the sample size, was carried out, and 13 questionnaires were returned. Semi-structured and self-administered questionnaires were employed by the researcher. 135 questionnaires were given to responders and 119 were returned. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis, were used to analyze the data. Correlation, regression, and hypothesis testing were also used in inferential statistics. SPSS version 28 was used for processing the acquired data. Tables were used to display the data. According to the dependability results, every variable satisfies the requirement for a Cronbach's alpha value of greater than 0.7. Criteria, content, and construct validity were also examined. The findings showed a favorable, substantial linear significance between SCF and performance of food and beverages companies in Kenyan (β: 0.590, t: 7.910, p ≤ 0.00) In addition, the results indicated that when one unit in supply chain flexibility grows there is a rise in a unit of the performance. The study concluded that supply chain flexibility significantly improves the performance of food industry. The research recommends that supply chain flexibility be strategically implemented.

The Interdependence among Dividend Policy, Investment Decision, Financial Performance and Survival of the Firms in Kenya

The Interdependence among Dividend Policy, Investment Decision, Financial Performance and Survival of the Firms in Kenya

Effect of Career Opportunities on Employee Engagement in Fairtrade Horticultural Firms in Kenya

Effect of Career Opportunities on Employee Engagement in Fairtrade Horticultural Firms in Kenya

One-Stop Shop Regulatory Regime and Competitiveness of FDI Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

One-Stop Shop Regulatory Regime and Competitiveness of FDI Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Sustainable development in manufacturing firms in Kenya: Assessing the influence of green practices

Sustainable development in manufacturing firms in Kenya: Assessing the influence of green practices

Influence of Intellectual Capital on Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Influence of Intellectual Capital on Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

The Moderating Effect of Knowledge Management Strategies on the Relationship between Intellectual Capital and Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

The Moderating Effect of Knowledge Management Strategies on the Relationship between Intellectual Capital and Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Supply Chain Integration and Performance of Food and Beverages Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Supply Chain Integration and Performance of Food and Beverages Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Tradeoffs Between Maize Importation and Reliance on Local Production: A Case of Commercial Maize Millers in Kenya

The supply of maize in Kenya has often fallen short of the demand resulting to an influx of cheap maize imports from neighboring countries. Tradeoffs thus arise among commercial maize milling firms whether to import or use locally produced maize in their operations and which alternative maximizes their income. This study aimed to determine the effect of tradeoffs between maize importation and reliance on local production on the income of commercial maize milling firms in Kenya. Data was collected from 106 commercial maize milling firms that produced packaged maize flour. A census of the entire population was employed and a semi-structured questionnaire used to guide personal interviews and online surveys with the respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, gross margins and two-stage least square regression. Results indicate that firms that used locally produced maize only were majorly micro to medium-scale, had relatively low-skilled employees, lower production capacity and employed relatively less sophisticated technology. Firms that used locally produced maize only in their operations realized higher incomes and lower cost of procuring maize monthly compared to firms that used both locally produced and imported maize. Additionally, the determinants of firm’s income were the miller’s decision on maize source, total number of employees, total cost of maize, mean monthly sales and mean production costs. Therefore, government policies should be geared towards lowering the cost of procuring maize from both local and import sources. These include reviewing import duties on food grain, streamlining cess collection across counties and improving road infrastructure.

Human Relations and Employee Engagement in Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between human relations and employee engagement in manufacturing firms in Kenya. The human relations constructs included: autonomy, integration, involvement, supervisory support and welfare. Employee engagement was conceptualized using the constructs of vigour, dedication and absorption. Methodology: Guided by positivism, this study adopted a cross-sectional survey using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target population was 578 manufacturing firms in the 12 key industrial sub-sectors derived from the directory of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. The sample size of 236 respondents was arrived at after using the Yamane sample size determination formula. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analysis was done using SPSS and results from the data analyzed were presented in tables and graphs. Findings: Correlation analysis results revealed a positive correlation between human relation and employee engagement in manufacturing firms in Kenya. Results from regression analysis revealed there is a positive and significant relationship between human relations and employee engagement in manufacturing firms in Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study recommends that organizations should give import to the extent to which they give prominence to tangibly demonstrating care for its employees since demonstrating that the organization values its workers will lead to higher employee engagement. Moreover, the study recommends that management should cultivate an atmosphere of trust and cooperation.

Information Systems and Performance of Insurance Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya

Purpose: The goal of the study was to ascertain how information systems influenced the insurance industry's performance in Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology: This study employed a descriptive research design. The respondents were drawn from all 58 insurance firms in Kenya as listed by Insurance Regulatory Authority (2023). The study sample comprised of five senior management officer from each of the target population of 58 insurance companies in Kenya. Stratified sampling procedure was applied to select the subjects of study based on geographical location in Nairobi County. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires. The questionnaire had both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the study to analyze the data. The coding and analysis were performed using SPSS version 21, and the results were shown as tables. Findings: The study concludes that technical factors have a positive and significant impact on Nairobi County insurance businesses' performance. The study discovered that the performance of insurance companies in Nairobi County is influenced by information system compatibility, confidentiality, ease of use, and reliability. the study comes to the conclusion that Nairobi County's environmental features significantly and favorably affect the performance of insurance companies. The study found that the performance of insurance companies in Nairobi County is influenced by competition, industry size, and pressure from suppliers and customers. Additionally, the study concludes that organizational factors have a positive and significant impact on Nairobi County insurance companies' performance. The study discovered that supplier and consumer pressure, industry size, and competition all had an impact on Nairobi County's insurance companies' performance. Resources factors encompassing availability of financial, human, and technological resources were established as the most influential component of the information systems with regard to performance of the insurance firms. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was ancored on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study also recommends that management should allocate financial resources strategically, focusing on areas that directly contribute to business growth, such as marketing, technology upgrades, and talent acquisition. In addition, management should ensure efficient use of financial, human and technology resources by closely monitoring expenses, avoiding unnecessary costs, and seeking opportunities for cost-saving measures.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Performance of Telecommunications Firms in Kenya

Corporate Social Responsibility and Performance of Telecommunications Firms in Kenya

Rational Goals and Employee Engagement in Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Employee engagement is indispensable for any organization that seeks sustainable success. How employees perceive the organizational climate has significant and far-reaching consequences for the organization. The manufacturing sector remains a cornerstone of the Kenyan economy. However, it has been noted that the sector is experiencing decline amidst a myriad of challenges that include high handedness, failure to adopt global management practices and a generally negative perception by employees. Yet, it is of utmost importance that organizations create a conducive environment for employees to thrive and remain engaged. This study sought to evaluate the relationship between rational goals and employee engagement in manufacturing firms in Kenya. Specifically, this study sought to determine the relationship between clarity of goals, effort, efficiency, quality and feedback as the sub-constructs of the independent variable and employee engagement as the dependent variable. A cross-sectional survey research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. The target population for this study was all the 578 manufacturing firms located in Nairobi and its surroundings and which are members of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to arrive at a sample of 236 manufacturing firms. Primary data was collected by the use of a structured questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using a mix of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 25.0. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to establish the direction and extent of the relationship between the variables. Univariate regression was used to explain the relationship between these variables while ANOVA was used to determine whether the regression model was reliable or not. Standard f and t tests were used to determine the significance of the coefficient. The hypotheses were also tested. Data was presented using tables. The study established that there was a positive and significant relationship between rational goals on one hand and employee engagement on the other. The conclusion deduced from this study was that engaged employees are the catalyst for organizations seeking success. Additionally, human relations, is a key element affecting employee engagement in manufacturing firms in Kenya. In view of this, it is recommended that manufacturing firms be obligated to create an organizational climate that is contrived to and aimed at enhancing employee engagement.

Strategic Agility and Performance of Pay Television Industry in Kenya.

The Pay TV market in Kenya operates in a highly competitive business environment, which in turn calls for aggressiveness and more efficient ways of keeping the business afloat. Advancement in technology also comes with several options for Pay TV customers such as online streaming which poses more threat to the market. This research seeks to assess the influence of strategic agility on the performance of the Kenyan Pay TV industry using Multichoice Kenya Limited as the case study. The objectives of this study were to establish the influence of leadership agility, determine the influence cultural agility, assess the influence of business agility, and to determine the influence of career agility on organizational performance in the Kenyan Pay TV industry. The study is of great significance to the government of Kenya since the improved performance of the Pay TV companies can generate more revenue for the government in form of taxes and license fees. New and existing Pay TV companies may also benefit from this study by employing agile strategies for competitive advantage as well as getting more information on how to handle uncertain situations in the business environment. Additionally, academicians who may want to research more on strategic agility may benefit by accessing more information from this study. The concept of strategic agility has not been sufficiently researched especially on the variables such as leadership agility, cultural agility, business agility, career agility and how they influence organizational performance. This research was anchored on four theories namely; The Great Man Theory, Theory of Change, Theory of Constraints, and the Broaden and Build Theory. The reviewed literature on these theories indicates that there is a positive influence of strategic agility on organizational performance. This is a cross-sectional study which involves 60 employees with managerial roles. Descriptive design was used in this study adopting qualitative and quantitative methods. Data collection was done through closed and open-ended questionnaires, keeping a register of questionnaire distribution and feedback collection. A pilot study was carried out to determine the accuracy, clarity and relevance of the study questionnaire. Data analysis was carried using SPSS (V29) and multiple regression analysis. The study found that leadership agility, cultural agility business agility and career agility all have a significant effect on the performance of Pay TV firms in Kenya. The top leadership of firms in Pay TV industry should establish cross-cultural collaboration initiatives to encourage knowledge-sharing and teamwork among employees from different cultural backgrounds, foster a culture that encourages and rewards agile leadership behaviors, such as risk-taking and experimentation and encourage leaders to seek mentorship and coaching to enhance their agility capabilities, should invest in technology and infrastructure that support flexibility and adaptability in responding to market changes and also develop cross-functional teams that can quickly adapt to changing business requirements and address emerging challenges, implement career development plans and pathways that align with the organization's strategic objectives and employees' career aspiration and encourage a growth mindset among employees.

Using Novel Multimethod Evaluation Approaches to Understand Complex Food System Interventions: Insights from a Supply Chain Intervention Intended to Improve Nutrition

BackgroundA “food system” approach to improve diet quality by intervening within areas such as food supply chains is gaining prominence. However, evidence of such interventions’ impact, and understanding of appropriate methods to evaluate them, is lacking. ObjectivesWe present an impact evaluation of an intervention that aimed to increase consumption of nutritious foods by supporting food-producing firms in Kenya. In doing so, we demonstrate how multiple methods, including those from other disciplines, can be used to evaluate a complex food systems intervention. MethodsFour methods focused on food-producing firms and their management, including a survey of intervention participants (n = 83 individuals), a “laboratory-in-the-field” experiment (n = 83 individuals), baseline/endline data on firm performance (n = 71 firms), and semistructured interviews (n = 19 firms). Three methods focused on consumers in neighborhoods targeted by a supported firm: a randomized field experiment tested effects of making a supported product exhaustively available on consumers’ purchases and consumption (n = 1295 consumers); 3 discrete choice experiments (n = 1295 consumers) tested factors influencing consumers’ willingness to pay for foods with relevant characteristics. ResultsAmong firms, we saw suggestive evidence of increased networking and business relationships, while laboratory-in-the-field experiments indicated the intervention might foster cooperation among participants. Qualitative interviews suggested that the intervention enabled firms to increase production, improve management, increase revenues, and lower costs. Baseline/endline data confirmed a positive effect only on the launch of new products and hiring workers. In the field experiment, consumption of the supported product increased in areas where it was made available relative to a control group, but this did not increase overall consumption of the food type or dietary diversity. ConclusionsResults showed positive signs of the intervention improving firm-level outcomes but limited impact on consumers’ diet quality. The evaluation also demonstrates how diverse methods can be used to evaluate complex interventions.

An Analysis of How Logistics Integration Affects Organizational Performance in Kenya's Clearing and Forwarding Sector. A Structural Equation Modelling Approach.

The performance of logistics service providers in Kenya is marred by poor customer satisfaction, stemming from delays experienced in port clearance, disintegrated clearance systems, complex regulations, inefficient document processing and lack of integrated information systems. This study examined the effect of logistics integration on organizational performance among the Clearing and Forwarding firms in Kenya. It adopted a cross-sectional design and collected primary data through structured questionnaires. Simple and stratified random sampling were used to select respondents and ethical approvals obtained before collecting data using structured questionnaires. Data were collected from 298 employees from the operations, customer service, and finance departments. Using SPSS and SPSS AMOS 29, the study used descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. The study findings revealed a disparity in the level of logistics integration among different Clearing and Forwarding firms in Kenya. This variance in logistics integration significantly impacts the overall organizational performance of these firms. From SEM analysis, the study established that logistics integration has a positive and significant effect (Path coefficient = 0.791, C.R = 5.664, P-value < 0.001) on the organizational performance of C&F companies in Kenya. The study concludes that enhancing logistics integration will lead to a substantial improvement in the organizational performance of C&F companies in Kenya. Thus, managers responsible for strategy should aim to collaborate with strategic partners such as state corporations managing ports and customs processes (KRA and Kenya Ports Authority), shipping lines, transportation companies, and other key stakeholders in the C&F supply chain in integrating logistics systems and processes.

Tax Administration and Financial Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: A literature Review

This study explores the impact of tax administration practices on the financial performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. The manufacturing sector is crucial for economic growth and job creation, making it essential to understand how tax policies affect its performance. Tax administration encompasses procedures and policies governing tax compliance, which have evolved over time. Effective tax administration is vital for economic stability and funding public services. However, inefficient practices can hinder firm productivity and growth. Drawing on tax planning theory and agency theory, this study examines how firms strategically manage tax liabilities and navigate principal-agent relationships to optimize financial performance. The empirical review highlights findings from previous studies on the relationship between tax administration practices and firm performance in Kenya. These studies underscore the importance of tax incentives, compliance costs, and governance mechanisms in shaping firm behavior and economic outcomes. By understanding the nuances of tax administration practices, policymakers and firms can implement strategies to enhance economic stability and growth in the manufacturing sector.