MPPM Thesis and Dissertations (2024)
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- ItemAn Appraisal of Kenya’s business regulatory environment: successes, challenges, and policy options(Strathmore University, 2024) Oyier, O. A. A.This study set out to appraise Kenya’s business regulatory environment using the Ease of Doing Business index performance between 2008 to 2020, examining both its successes and challenges while also identifying potential policy options. The specific objectives of the study were: to critically review Kenya’s business regulatory reforms to identify reforms that improved or worsened the business environment as measured by the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Index between 2008- 2020; to identify the key successes and challenges associated with Kenya's business regulatory reform experience; and to draw lessons for business regulatory reforms from Kenya’s experience and from global best practice. The theoretical anchorage of this study was drawn from transaction cost theory, institutional theory and stakeholder theory. These theories were reviewed alongside the public interest theory and enforcement theory. This study adopted the exploratory design and secondary data collection methods were deployed. Content analysis methods were used to identify themes and to develop key episodes informed by the performance in the EoDB index for the study. The purpose of the key episodes or phases was to identify key episodes that had contrasting performances and seek to explain the reasons for the different episodes based on performance and further map the episodes to specific reforms.
- ItemAn Assessment of the factors influencing the implementation of revenue automation process of Nairobi County, Kenya(Strathmore University, 2024) Bwire, F.Since the inception of the devolved system of governance, county governments have been grappling with revenue mobilization challenges. These challenges in collecting adequate revenue have resulted in increased shortcomings in meeting development and recurrent expenditure. This has necessitated the county governments to churn out traditional methods of revenue collection and management for a more robust automated system. However, to date despite the County Government of Nairobi, having three different leaders, the implementation of an automated revenue systems has been an elusive undertaking plagued by inconsistencies in implementation, continuous wrangles and lack of user acceptance. As such it’s imperative to have a deeper understanding of what leads to this persistent failure in the revenue automation process. Hence, this study sought to conduct an assessment of the factors influencing the implementation of revenue automation process of Nairobi County, Kenya. By doing so, this research was able to recommend possible measures and strategies that can equip the county governments in pursuing revenue automation process. Specifically, the study examined effect of policy factors, governance factors and human resource factors and how they influence the implementation of revenue automation process of Nairobi County, Kenya. The research applied a descriptive research design that was anchored on a pragmatism philosophy, and guided by the institutional theory and the diffusion of innovations theory. The population for the study was 94 employees within Nairobi County Government Revenue Administration Department. A census sample was obtained for this research. The research instrument was semi-structured in nature with open-ended questions and Likert scale statements. The research tool was pretested among 10% of the sample respondents who were not allowed to participate in the final data collection. The collected study data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative approaches with findings presented in charts, bar graphs and tables. The research obtained 84% response rate which was considered sufficient for generalization of the results of the study. Regression findings showed that governance, human resource and policy factors lead to positive change in the implementation of revenue automation process in Nairobi County. The study concluded that policy and human resource factors do have a positive and significant effect on the implementation of revenue automation process in Nairobi County while governance factors did not significantly contribute to the automation process. The study recommends that the local governments ensure the develop relevant and up to date policies that can adequately address user’s expectations and their concerns, especially with regards to its impact on the employees’ jobs and ability to execute their duties. The study calls for regular, organizational and individual-specific IT skills competency building, professional development, and training as well as use of up-to-date performance metrics when rewarding and remunerating staff who play essential roles in the implementation of automated systems.
- ItemAnalysing the effect of public participation on Nairobi County government’s legislation(Strathmore University, 2024) Ireri, C. M.The problem addressed in this research pertains to the challenges faced by Nairobi County in effectively implementing constitutional mandates for robust public participation in legislative affairs. Despite constitutional provisions advocating for citizen involvement, concerns persist regarding the adequacy and implementation of guidelines governing public participation. These deficiencies have led to judicial interventions nullifying legislative enactments due to insufficient public engagement. The key objective of the research was to analyze the effect of public participation on legislation enacted by the Nairobi County Assembly. To achieve this, the research was grounded in stakeholder theory, emphasizing the importance of considering the needs and interests of all individuals and groups affected by organizational decisions. Adopting a mixed methods approach, the study integrated quantitative and qualitative methods to comprehensively analyze the research phenomenon. Methodologically, the research employed systematic sampling to collect data from adult residents (370) and key informants (25) involved in legislative processes. Quantitative data was obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS software. Qualitative insights from unstructured interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Quality control measures were implemented to ensure data validity and reliability, with strict adherence to ethical considerations throughout the research process. The findings of this research provided valuable insights into the state of public participation in Nairobi County's legislative process. Residents expressed concerns about limited access to information, hindering their active participation in legislation. Varying opinions emerged on the influence of public consultation, with some perceiving a significant impact while others called for more effective mechanisms. Additionally, gaps in public involvement were identified, including limited outreach and perceived inefficiencies in participation processes. The study also underscored the lack of structured feedback mechanisms, impacting public empowerment and trust in legislative processes. Based on these findings, comprehensive recommendations are proposed to address the identified challenges. These include proactive publication of draft policies and bills coupled with robust civic education to improve access to information. Improving the impact of public consultation requires reviewing processes for meaningful consideration of public input and establishing transparency mechanisms. Increasing awareness and engagement of marginalized groups is essential for improving public involvement, while structured feedback and reporting systems are vital for fostering public empowerment and trust in legislative processes. Overall, these recommendations aim to create a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory legislative environment in Nairobi County, aligning governance with the needs and aspirations of its residents.
- ItemAppraisal of the regulatory framework governing property actors in the housing sector: a case study of Nairobi City County(Strathmore University, 2024) Mwaura, H. N.Housing is a basic need crucial for human life. Article 43(1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya states that every person has a right to accessible and adequate housing and reasonable sanitation standards. The study's main objective will be to appraise the regulatory policy framework for actors in the property sector in the housing sector: A Case of Nairobi City County. Due to the contribution, the housing sector plays in the economy it is imperative to have the housing industry perform optimally. The sector has complaints regarding loss of investments by consumers, lack of fulfillment of obligations by developers, and disputes in courts, which highlight policy gaps in the industry. The study would therefore help in developing an understanding of factors to ensure that consumers’ ownership is safe and their investment guaranteed in schemes involving developers in property transactions. The study is guided by the following specific objectives: assess implementation of the regulatory policy framework-governing actors in the property sector; identify gaps in the current regulatory framework; provide recommendations to enhance efficiency in the sector. Descriptive correlational research design was used for this study and the sample size for the study was 131. Data analysis was carried out by use of simple mean comparisons, percentages, standard deviations, Chi-Square test and correlation. This was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28. Based on the analysis, the study concluded that there is a weak and ineffective implementation of the regulatory framework, which has contributed to lack of consumer protection leading to loss of investments amongst the customers, investors and stakeholders. This is due to the prevalent reported number of cases involving of fraud and unethical practices within the industry. Further, challenges relating in clients obtaining proprietary documents such as title deeds, lack of respect for the rights of property owners, and distorted market prices for properties. The study therefore recommends the need to improve the enforcement of regulatory framework that governs the property actors in the housings sector in order to improve the performance.
- ItemAssessing the factors influencing the adoption of off grid renewable energy technologies in Kenya - a case for Kisii County(Strathmore University, 2024) Nyangaresi, A. N.Developing resilient energy systems is imperative for enhancing electricity accessibility, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the welfare of residents in remote areas. However, many Sub-Saharan Africa countries with inadequate national power distribution systems often overlook energy provision in remote settlements due to their geographical isolation, low electricity demand, and limited financial resources. This study addresses the critical factors surrounding the low uptake of Off-Grid Renewable Energy Technologies (OGRETs) in Kisii County, Kenya, aiming to assess the constraints households face in adopting these technologies. Anchored in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovation theory, the research investigates how technological characteristics, socioeconomic conditions, environmental considerations, and psychosocial factors influence the adoption of OGRETs. The study is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) and aims to contribute to meet the Kenya's Vision 2030 and climate change agenda by tackling the slow progress towards universal energy access. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey employing structured questionnaires incorporating the TAM framework with Likert scale responses, data were collected from a sample of 400 households. Analysis involved inferential statistics and a multiple regression. The findings highlight environmental concerns as a significant driver of adoption, with higher levels of concern positively associated with increased adoption. Additionally, risk and trust, awareness levels, relative advantage, and ease of use displayed significant positive associations. However, initial cost and financial incentives showed minimal impact. Policymakers should prioritize implementing targeted financial incentives and support mechanisms, alongside comprehensive awareness campaigns, to promote OGRET adoption in Kisii County, Kenya. Keywords (Energy access barriers, renewable energy adoption, renewable energy technologies, off-grid, Technology Acceptance Model, sustainable energy, energy access)
- ItemCapacity building on enhancing audits for improved financial governance by The Office of the Auditor General in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2024) Odhiambo, F. O.Improving management and governance are backbones to nonprofits operations as they ensure the organization has a resilient human capacity that is committed to achieve the objectives of the organization, otherwise referred as capacity building. A failure to manage this resource may cause organization failure. There are two general ways through which any organization whether a government or non-government, can operate and achieve its missions successfully. These are through good governance and wise utilization of resources and then through persistence and reliable determination to achieve their desired results. It has been noted that attention is normally paid by researches on matters of audit quality and reporting, accountability and transparency, good governance, corporate governance, digital transformation and through systematic reviews of literature but none covers the scope of financial governance. This study was conducted to show how capacity building affects audits for better financial governance by the Office of the Auditor General in Kenya. The main objectives were to find out how human capacity building aids, legal capacity building, institutional and infrastructural capacity building that then enhances audits for improved financial governance by the OAG in Kenya. Multiple linear regression analysis model and SPSS version 29.0, data presentation involved the use bar graphs, column graphs, pie charts, line graphs and tables. The study reveals after comprehensive analysis that, various forms of capacity building human, legal, institutional, and infrastructural reveals their collective significance in enhancing audit performance within organizations. Across the board, investing in capacity building initiatives yields notable positive effects on audit performance, as evidenced by statistically significant findings and correlations. The study recommends that, to enhance audit performance and promote effective governance, organizations should prioritize the development and implementation of clear and robust policies that guide audit activities. These policies should encompass all aspects of audit processes, including planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up actions. Furthermore, policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure alignment with changing regulatory requirements and organizational needs. By establishing comprehensive policies, organizations can provide auditors with clear guidance and standards to follow, fostering consistency, reliability, and transparency in audit practices
- ItemEffectiveness of the policy framework for climate change interventions at county government level: case of Makueni County Government, Kenya(Strathmore University, 2024) Ndirangu, Y. N.Globally, the glaring and unprecedented effects of climate change and pollution on different environments are of key concern to civil society and regional and state governments worldwide. The devolved units in Kenya face severe capacity and resource gaps, such that climate change continues to rank low on their political agenda. Despite having a recently amended national climate policy, Kenya still struggles to align national strategies with county planning and actions. This study intends to analyze the effectiveness of the policy framework for climate change interventions at the county government level, using the case of the Makueni County government, Kenya. The study objectives are: i) to analyze the extent to which county legal frameworks formulated for climate change interventions have been implemented in Makueni County; ii) to examine the effectiveness of county policy making in implementing climate change interventions in Makueni County; iii) to investigate the level of awareness about climate change interventions among Makueni County residents; and iv) to evaluate differences in funding for climate change interventions in Makueni County. The development of a Theory of Change (ToC) guided the study in designing plausible measures to limit climate change. This research adopted pragmatism as the underpinning philosophy, applying a positivist, quantitative research method approach. The quantitative research method principally assisted in gathering quantitative data to explain the phenomena under study. The target population of the study was the residents of Makueni County. Yamane's (1973) formula was used to reach a sample size of 287 participants consisting of local administrators, county assembly members, county executive, national government representatives, and other environment stakeholders. The data collection tools were structured questionnaires for local administrators, face-to-face interviews with county executive committee members, county assembly members, and other leaders, and focus group discussions with the local administrators. SPSS version 24.0 was used to generate descriptive statistics of the different phenomena and to undertake regression analysis to model the effectiveness of the legal framework on climate change interventions in Makueni County. If effectively implemented, these legal frameworks as formulated should have a strong and positive effect on climate change interventions. The study found that the Makueni County legal framework for climate change interventions had been to a large extent ineffectively implemented. The findings also showed that county policymaking processes have been inadequate although positive strides have begun to be taken. Moreover, while the level of awareness about climate change interventions among local administrators is low to moderate, the level of awareness among county leaders and environmental experts is high in Makueni County. An increased level of awareness about climate change has a significant positive influence on implementation of climate change interventions in Makueni County. Variations in funding towards climate change were most influential in the implementation of climate change interventions in Makueni County. Thus, targeting of increased climate change funding will likely have a significant positive influence on the implementation of climate change interventions in Makueni County. The study concluded that the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) process at Makueni county government is an effective way to climate action. The study recommends that the County Government of Makueni actively and strategically mainstream its legal frameworks related to climate change and align these with the relevant national and international environmental laws in order to create a seamless implementation that will lead to positive climate change interventions at the local level.
- ItemExamining success factors for geothermal power development in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2024) Njenga, E. W.Kenya was 1the first and still the only Country in Africa to generate significant electricity from geothermal resources. The current output from geothermal is about 983MW, but this output is expected to increase as new power plants are commissioned. Geothermal energy is sustainable, environmentally friendly, reliable, and cost-effective. Kenya has a potential of exceeding 10,000 MWe in geothermal electricity production, but the Country is yet to achieve its full potential. Success factors (SFs) must be attained to produce exceptional results. If not considered, there could be impediments to the overall successful outcome of the project. Few studies have examined the SFs in developing geothermal power in Kenya. Therefore, the goal of this research was to examine the influence of success factors on development of geothermal energy sector in Kenya. Specifically, the study examined success factors including financial, technical, managerial, and regulatory factors. The study was grounded on the theory of production and institutional theory. The target population of the study comprised of senior managers and middle level employees in the six entities of the energy sector in Kenya. A sample size of 142 participants was determined using stratified random sampling technique. Data was then collected using structured questionnaires that consisted of closed ended questions and divided into six sections. Quantitative data collected using questionnaires were edited, coded in, and categorized then input in the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for further analysis. This allowed the researcher to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics that were generated included: mean, standard deviation and percentages while the inferential statistics comprised of correlation and regression analysis results. The study findings showed that majority of the respondents and well above 50% in all the questionnaire statements, agreed that financial, technical, managerial, and regulatory factors were success factors that influenced development of geothermal energy sector. The results also found that financial, technical, managerial, and regulatory factors had a positive and significant relationship with development of geothermal energy sector. In addition, regression results also demonstrated that managerial factors had the most positive and significant influence on development of geothermal energy sector, followed by technical factors, regulatory factors, and then lastly financial factors. Therefore, the study concluded that financial, technical, managerial, and regulatory factors were success factors that had a positive and significant influence on the development of geothermal energy sector in Kenya. The study recommended that the management of the sector should foster better collaboration between the government and other key stakeholders to ensure they leverage on each other's strengths and resources and enhance timely and cost-effective execution of geothermal projects. Policymakers should ensure availability of research and development budgets to finance geothermal exploration, data collection as well as geothermal technology development activities. Keywords: Geothermal power, success factors, renewable energy, quantitative research
- ItemFactors influencing adoption of purchased livestock feeds by pastoralists in arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya(Strathmore University, 2024) Waimiri, A. M. G.Pastoral production is important in the attainment of food security, nutrition, and incomes for the economy and vulnerable pastoral communities. The adverse effects of climate change are increasingly becoming a challenge for livestock production in arid and semi-arid lands where pastoral households mainly depend on depleting natural pasture. This calls for adoption of purchased livestock feeds as a complementary or substitute option to cope with recurrent drought and pasture scarcity. The study was undertaken in the Arid and Semi-Arid regions of Marsabit, Kajiado, Wajir, Isiolo and Garissa counties. The study's main objective was to assess the factors influencing adoption of purchased livestock feed practices by pastoralists with regards to female headed households, common interest groups and household income. Multistage sampling technique was employed to collect quantitative data from 1053 pastoralists households stratified from five selected counties. Data was collected through an administered questionnaire and analyzed using the Multivariate Probit Model. Female household headed pastoralists were found to have a positive influence on the adoption of dry maize stover and green maize stover indicating decision making on livestock feed practices among female headed households. Membership in common interest groups was also found to have a positive influence in the adoption of hay/straw, dry maize stover and minerals highlighting the importance of collective action. Household income was found to be positive and significant for dry maize stover indicating that reduced incomes because of drought influenced livestock feed practices. The research contributes to granular data that supports the Agricultural Sector Growth Transformation Strategy in Kenya. It indicates willingness among pastoralists to purchase feeds marking a shift from reliance on natural pastures. The study underscores the need for private sector involvement on backward integration by off takers to promote livestock feed interventions that support female headed households involvement in the feed value chain and promotion of agropastoralism which is practiced by 30 percent of households. It advocates for the use of remote sensing technology to track pastoralist migration and promote public-private partnerships to enhance feed options. Key words: Pastoralists, Multivariate probit, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, Livestock Feeds
- ItemFactors influencing E-learning readiness in public primary schools of Nairobi County, Kenya(Strathmore University, 2024) Karijo, E. K.Africa is rising in the use of information communication technology (ICT) to accelerate social economic growth and benefit from technological advancements. To harness this digital dividend, many nations have developed policies particularly in the education sector as an enabler of E-learning. Kenya has recognized this potential and through the Digital Literacy Program (DLP), the country aims to integrate technology into the teaching and learning processes. However, public primary schools continue to grapple with low levels of E-learning readiness stemming from insufficient ICT infrastructure and a limited skill base that hinders the effective utilization of technology. This study sought to examine factors influencing E-learning readiness in public primary schools of Nairobi County, Kenya. The research was directed by the following specific objectives: to assess the impact of ICT infrastructure on the readiness for E-learning; to investigate the influence of ICT skills on the readiness for E-learning; to analyze the effect of teaching content on the readiness for E-learning; and to evaluate the influence of administrative support on the readiness for E-learning in public primary schools within Nairobi County. A descriptive research design was adopted with a total of 161 public primary schools in Nairobi County having 6,150 teaching staff formed the target population. Since the study area was within a school setup, the target population focused on the following categories: head of the school, head of departments, and ICT teachers identified through stratified and simple random sampling. To collect primary data, a structured questionnaire was employed, successfully engaging 153 respondents. Analysis of the gathered data indicated that ICT infrastructure plays a crucial role in determining E-learning readiness, significantly enhancing the adoption of E-learning in schools. Additionally, the findings demonstrated that ICT skills, teaching content, and administrative support positively influence E-learning readiness, with statistically significant correlations observed. The study concludes that the level of E-learning readiness among primary schools in Nairobi County remains low. The schools do not have sufficient infrastructure and lack adequate equipment and labs, as well as reliable internet connectivity and power. The low E-learning readiness was also attributable to a lack of adequate training for teachers on ICT skills such as data security and privacy. E-learning content was also a factor. The content was not easily accessible, not easy to use, not relevant and interactive, and was not up to date with the curriculum. Additionally, the study concluded that there was a lack of administrative support and that the schools lacked policies to guide the teachers and staff on the use of ICT for enlightenment and learning. These findings underscore the critical significance of the Technology adoption theory and Engholm’s readiness model, which encompass essential factors for evaluating an organization's E-learning readiness. These factors include organizational culture, individual learner characteristics, technological infrastructure, content quality, and broader organizational and industry-specific elements. The study recommends that sustainable availability and access to E-learning equipment are needed in public primary schools, including reliable internet connectivity, electricity, and ICT labs. The study recommends that teachers be equipped with necessary ICT skills and the government should prioritize updating the teaching and learning curriculum. Regarding administration support, the study recommends that teachers be offered adequate technical support, capacity building, be encouraged to adopt E-learning and the administration should ensure that there are policies that offer teachers guidance and processes on how to use ICT for teaching and learning. Keywords: E-learning readiness, ICT infrastructure, ICT skills, teaching content, administration support.
- ItemThe Effects of voluntary tax disclosure programme on improving tax compliance and revenue generation - a case study of Nairobi County(Strathmore University, 2024) Mrombo, J.Kenya's Voluntary Tax Disclosure Programme (VTDP) was implemented to address the challenge of undeclared income and assets, offering amnesty and incentives for voluntary disclosure. This study analyzes the effectiveness of VTDP in enhancing tax compliance and its cost-benefit implications since its inception. Specifically, the study aimed to analyze how VTDP has improved tax compliance; to establish the cost of benefit analysis of VTDP by examining how much tax revenue has been collected versus how much has been waived since the implementation of the program; and to relate the VTDP with the tax revenue collected and the revenue trends before, and after the program. Using secondary panel data from 2018 to 2023 sourced from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the study employed difference-in-difference (DID) analysis, mean comparison tests, and fixed effects models to achieve its objectives. The findings indicated a significant positive association between VTDP and tax compliance, with an approximately 11.77% increase in compliance per unit increase in VTDP. Mean comparison tests revealed that collected tax revenues exceeded waived amounts, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in enhancing revenue generation or taxpayer compliance. DID regression analysis showed statistically significant increments in revenue, with a 2% increase in 2021, followed by 2.2% in 2022, and 2.3% in 2023. These results were supported by average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) analysis, affirming VTDP's positive impact on revenue outcomes. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of Kenya's VTDP in enhancing tax compliance and revenue generation. The significant positive association between VTDP and tax compliance underscores the importance of voluntary disclosure programs in encouraging taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations. Additionally, the cost-benefit analysis revealed that the revenue collected through VTDP exceeded the waived amounts, indicating a positive return on investment for the government. The DID regression analysis further supported these findings, showing statistically significant increments in revenue following the implementation of VTDP. These results have important policy implications for tax authorities in Kenya and other developing countries facing similar challenges of tax evasion and non-compliance. It is recommended that the government expands existing VTDPs and actively promotes them through outreach programs, advertising campaigns, and partnerships with tax professionals and business associations. By doing so, the government can further enhance tax compliance and revenue collection, ultimately contributing to the country's socio-economic development. Additionally, future research could explore the long-term effects of VTDP on taxpayer behavior and the overall tax system in Kenya.