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Disruptive Innovation New Positions Construction Capabilities and Competitive Advantage Among Digital Lenders in Kenya
The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of disruptive innovation new positions construction capabilities on competitive advantage among digital lenders in Kenya. The study was guided by the disruptive innovation theory while utilizing the positivist research philosophy and a correlational research design. The target population was all the 378 C-Level executives from the digital lenders in Kenya and a census sampling method was applied to select the whole population for the study. A questionnaire was used to gather data and the data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences program. The results were analyzed using descriptive (frequencies, means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple linear regression analysis). Findings indicated that resource allocation emerged as the most influential predictor, exerting a moderate yet significant positive effect on competitive advantage (β = 0.354, t = 6.54, p < .001). Knowledge application provided a similarly strong contribution (β = 0.339, t = 5.59, p < .001), indicating that firms that actively embed new knowledge into operational routines tend to realize superior competitive advantage. Conversely, knowledge acquisition failed to reach statistical significance at the conventional five percent level (β = 0.10, t = 1.72, p = .087), implying that merely gathering knowledge without subsequent application may not translate into competitive advantage. The study concludes that digital‑lending firms in Kenya leverage disruptive new positions construction capabilities to secure a sustainable competitive advantage. The study recommends to regulators to design innovation‑friendly guidelines, such as expedited approval pathways for novel digital products and tax incentives for technology investments, that lower transaction costs and reward lenders for experimenting with new market positions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Evans Nyagah, Jimmy Macharia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Empowerment Behavior as a Lever of Ethical Leadership: Unlocking Employee Productivity in Kenya's Insurance Industry
This study examines the influence of the empowerment behavior dimension of ethical leadership on employee productivity within Kenya's insurance industry, addressing a substantive gap in the African organizational behavior literature. Design/Methodology/Approach: Anchored in Ethical Leadership Theory and adopting a positivist, descriptive correlational design, the study collected primary data from 192 supervisors drawn from licensed insurance and reinsurance firms in Nairobi County through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression via IBM SPSS Version 28. Findings: The empowerment behavior dimension demonstrated a very strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship with employee productivity (r = 0.985, p < 0.01), explaining 97.0% of the variance in productivity outcomes (R² = 0.970, F (1,190) = 6249.477, p < 0.001). The predictive equation confirmed that a unit increase in empowerment behavior yields a near-equivalent unit gain in employee productivity (B = 0.995, β = 0.985). Practical Implications: Insurance firms and regulatory bodies should embed empowerment-oriented leadership into supervisory recruitment, competency frameworks, and leadership development programs to unlock sustained productivity gains. Originality/Value: This study is among the first to isolate empowerment behavior as a discrete ethical leadership dimension in the Kenyan insurance context, providing rigorous empirical grounding for its role as a primary driver of employee productivity in a strategically important yet underperforming sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Domitila Wanzila Muvanya, Caren Ouma, Fred Ochieng https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Influence of Conceptual Skills and Sustained Competitive Advantage among IT Networking SMEs in Kenya
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of managerial skills on sustained competitive advantage among IT Networking SMEs in Kenya. The study was anchored on Katz’s Managerial Skills Theory. A positivist research philosophy and descriptive correlational research design were adopted. The unit of analysis comprised 365 licensed IT networking SMEs in Kenya, while the unit of observation comprised 1,078 senior employees drawn from these firms. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 292 respondents. Of the 292 questionnaires distributed, 242 were completed and returned, yielding a response rate of 82.9%. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 30 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Correlation (r=0.585, p<0.01) and regression (β=0.585, B=0.312, p<0.001; R²=0.342) indicate significant positive influence. Strategic thinking (M=3.93), innovative thinking (M=3.90), and systems thinking (M=3.87) were highly developed. The study concludes that conceptual skills explain 34.2% of the variation in competitive advantage; hence, H0₁ is rejected. Further, it concludes that managers' strategic thinking, ICT systems thinking, and innovative thinking capabilities enhance organizational competitiveness. The study recommends that SMEs strengthen market intelligence, institutionalize strategic planning and innovation management practices, and promote cross-functional collaboration to improve adaptability, decision- making, and long-term competitiveness. The findings provide practical insights for SME managers, policymakers, and ICT industry stakeholders by highlighting the importance of strengthening managers' conceptual skills to enhance sustained competitive advantage in Kenya’s digital economy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Johnson Mogeni, Veronicah Kaluyu, Gabriel Okello https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Towards a Critical Realist Epistemology for Blockchain Research
<!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:group id="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;text-align:left; margin-left:93.1pt;margin-top:1.2pt;width:426.5pt;height:0;z-index:-251652608; mso-position-horizontal-relative:page' coordorigin="1862,24" coordsize="8530,0"> <v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" style='position:absolute;left:1862;top:24;width:8530; height:0' coordorigin="1862,24" coordsize="8530,0" path="m1862,24r8530,e" filled="f" strokeweight=".58pt"> <v:path arrowok="t"/> </v:shape><w:wrap anchorx="page"/> </v:group><![endif]--> Although the transformative power of blockchain technology in the context of various global governance frameworks has been widely noted, the emergence of blockchain as an Information System (IS) artifact remains poorly supported by the consolidated and robust epistemological framework. This paper fills the gap by critically evaluating the blockchain technology using the lenses of the three main IS research paradigms: positivism, interpretivism, and critical theory. This paper suggests that while the former paradigm provides a great opportunity to model the deterministic and immutable aspects of blockchain as an object, and the latter – to explore the subjective views of human actors, neither of them independently takes into consideration the complex interaction of the sociotechnical processes that accompany blockchain implementation. Therefore, it is proposed to adopt the philosophical approach of Critical Realism (CR), combining the epistemological perspectives of CR and the process-based research approach outlined by J.D. Roode.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nooseli Moses, Gabriel Okello, Paul Okanda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Influence of Follower Characteristics on the Growth of Horticultural Export Firms in Kenya
Kenya’s horticulture export industry is a major contributor to the country’s economy, but the industry faces declining global market share and labour management problems. The internal dynamics of these enterprises on growth and sustainability of the industry, especially the relationship between leaders and followers, is yet to be extensively explored. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of follower characteristics on the growth of horticultural export firms in Kenya. The study was anchored on the leader- member exchange (LMX) theory and guided by a positivist research philosophy using a descriptive correlational design. The target population was 3948 managers from each of the 658 horticultural export firms in Kenya. This study used purposive and stratified random sampling technique to obtain 363 participants. Questionnaires were sent out and 300 were completed and returned, providing a response rate of 82.6%. A pilot study was conducted on 36 respondents to assess reliability of the data collection instruments. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 28 for descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings determined that conscientiousness was the most powerful predictor of growth (β = .385), followed by openness (β = .197) and competence (β = .156). However, agreeableness was not significant (β = .065, p = .312). The overall results confirm that follower characteristics are key organizational resources which support sustainable growth of Kenyan horticultural export companies. The study recommends that industry regulators such as Horticultural Crops Directorate Advisory Committee should come up with regulations that foster in-service continuous professional development, and skill training programs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Moses Simiyu, Veronica Kaluyu, Mary Mutisya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Social Engineering, Multidimensional Harm, and Sustained Safe Continuance Among Kenyan Social Media Users: An Integrated Framework
Social engineering has become the dominant mode of attack against social media users, yet its consequences are typically studied one harm at a time and rarely connected to the protective behaviors through which users sustain safe participation. This study developed and empirically validated an integrated framework linking motivational engagement, exposure to social engineering, four distinct harms, protective capability, and sustained safe continuance among Kenyan social media users. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design combined a cross-sectional survey of 304 users with ten focus-group discussions. Survey data were analyzed through structural equation modelling, and focus-group data through reflexive thematic analysis. Of fifteen hypothesized paths, eleven were supported. Social motivations, but not technological factors, significantly drove engagement, which in turn increased exposure. Exposure produced all four harms, binding most strongly to financial harm, then psychological harm, digital wellbeing, and platform trust. Protective behavior formed an ordered progression from foundational hygiene through proactive defense and advanced protection to recovery and help-seeking. Sustained safe continuance was supported by foundational hygiene rather than advanced protection. The qualitative findings corroborated these patterns and explained the limited contribution of help-seeking by reference to the inadequacy of formal support. The framework advances a differentiated, developmental, and contextually grounded account of how users experience and resist social engineering in a mobile-money environment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Julius Sirma, Patrick K Wamunyu, Dr. Dalton Ndirangu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Influence of Altruistic Calling on Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Faith-Based Organizations in Kenya
Organizational citizenship behavior is important in faith-based organizations, where clergy are expected exhibit discretionary behaviors, including civic virtue, courtesy, and conscientiousness that support the institution’s mission and service delivery. Although servant leadership has been associated with positive workplace outcomes, limited empirical attention is given to how altruistic calling shapes organizational citizenship behavior among clergy in Kenyan faith-based organizations. This study examined the influence of altruistic calling on organizational citizenship behavior among clergy in faith-based organizations in Kenya. Anchored on servant leadership theory, social exchange theory, and self-determination theory, Altruistic calling was unpacked into three constructs: positive impact on others, generosity of spirit, and benefit to others. A descriptive correlational research design was adopted in a positivist philosophy. The target population comprised 1,603 clergy in faith-based organizations registered as members of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). Stratified random sampling was used to select 320 respondents with 303 (94.7%) qualifying for analysis. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression through SPSS version 25. Findings showed that altruistic calling was highly demonstrated by leaders in faith- based organizations (M = 4.46, SD = 0.739). Among the three constructs, benefit to others recorded the highest mean (M = 4.55, SD = 0.707), followed by generosity of spirit (M = 4.47, SD = 0.725) and positive impact on others (M = 4.42, SD = 0.763). Pearson correlation established a statistically significant moderate positive relationship between altruistic calling and organizational citizenship behavior (r = 0.413, p < 0.01). Simple linear regression confirmed that altruistic calling significantly and positively influenced organizational citizenship behavior (β = 0.578, t = 10.117, p < 0.001), explaining 17.1% of the variance in organizational citizenship behavior (R² = 0.171, F = 61.548, p < 0.001). The study concluded that altruistic calling significantly enhances organizational citizenship behavior by encouraging clergy to reciprocate selfless leadership through greater civic virtue, courtesy, and conscientiousness. The study recommends that senior church leaders, heads of churches, and governance boards should strengthen altruistic calling behaviors, particularly benefit to others and generosity of spirit, through leadership development, mentoring, and performance evaluation systems that reward selfless service and follower-centered leadership.
Copyright (c) 2026 Catherine Ngoiri Kamau, Damary Sikalieh, Thomas Ngui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Clinical Characteristics Associated with ASRS-Based Probable Adult ADHD Among Adults Receiving Treatment for Substance Use Disorders in Kenya
Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) commonly co-occurs with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), yet evidence on associated clinical characteristics among treatment-seeking adults in Kenya remains limited. This cross-sectional analytical study examined clinical characteristics associated with ASRS-based probable adult ADHD among 322 adults recruited through total enumeration of eligible patients in six purposively selected rehabilitation centres in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Version 1.1 (ASRS v1.1), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10). Bivariate analyses and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to examine associations with ADHD screening classification. Overall, 28.0% of participants met criteria for ASRS-based probable ADHD. Probable ADHD was associated with greater alcohol use severity (r_pb = .301, p < .001), greater drug use severity (r_pb = .329, p < .001), earlier age at first substance use (r_pb = −.316, p < .001), and polysubstance use (χ² = 22.11, p < .001). In the adjusted model, each additional year in age at first substance use was associated with 13% lower odds of probable ADHD (aOR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.81, 0.93]), while polysubstance use was associated with approximately fivefold higher odds (aOR = 5.10, 95% CI [2.05, 12.72]); both p < .001. Earlier substance- use initiation and polysubstance use were independently associated with probable ADHD. These findings support consideration of ADHD screening followed by comprehensive clinical assessment within SUD treatment settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lucy Wanjiku Murage, Stella Nyagwencha, Michael Kihara https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Substance Use Disorder Severity Among Patients with and Without ASRS-Based Probable Adult ADHD in Rehabilitation Settings in Nairobi, Kenya
Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occurs with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and has been associated with greater substance-related severity. Evidence comparing SUD severity according to ADHD screening status among treatment-seeking adults in Kenya remains limited. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among adults aged 18–65 years receiving SUD treatment in six rehabilitation centres in Nairobi, Kenya. Of 390 eligible patients, 322 participated (82.6%). Adult ADHD was screened using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Version 1.1 (ASRS v1.1), while alcohol- and drug-related severity were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 (DAST-10), respectively. Mean severity scores were compared between participants with and without ASRS-based probable adult ADHD, with mean differences, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and Hedges’ g reported. Ninety participants (28.0%) met the study criteria for ASRS-based probable adult ADHD. Mean AUDIT scores were higher among participants with probable ADHD than among those without probable ADHD (28.81 vs. 21.88; mean difference = 6.93, 95% CI [4.52, 9.34]; Hedges’ g = 0.70; p < .001). Mean DAST-10 scores were also higher (6.59 vs. 4.09; mean difference = 2.50, 95% CI [1.77, 3.23]; Hedges’ g = 0.77; p < .001). ASRS-based probable adult ADHD was associated with greater alcohol- and drug-related SUD severity among adults receiving treatment in Nairobi. The findings support further evaluation of the clinical utility of ADHD screening and comprehensive assessment within Kenyan SUD treatment settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lucy Wanjiku Murage, Michael Kihara, Stella Nyagwencha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Machine Learning for Teacher Depression Prediction: A Systematic Literature Review of Risk Factors, Predictive Models, Explainability, and Deployment
Depression among teachers is a global public health concern with significant consequences for educator well-being, teaching effectiveness, and student outcomes. Despite growing evidence regarding its prevalence and associated risk factors, the application of machine learning (ML) for predicting and explaining teacher depression remains relatively underexplored. This systematic literature review synthesizes current evidence on the use of ML techniques to predict teacher depression, with particular emphasis on the sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical risk factors used as predictive features, the ML algorithms employed and their comparative performance, the explainability techniques supporting model interpretation and decision-making, and the challenges and opportunities for real-world deployment. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and the ACM Digital Library in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included those applying supervised or unsupervised ML approaches to model depression risk among teachers, with extracted data covering study design, geographical context, feature sets, algorithms, performance metrics, explainability methods, and deployment considerations. The review found that logistic regression, random forests, support vector machines, and gradient boosting were the most frequently adopted algorithms, while key predictive factors included sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., gender, marital status, and age), occupational stressors (e.g., workload, grade level, and learner-to-teacher ratio), and clinical history, particularly previous psychiatric diagnoses. Among explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques, SHAP and LIME were the most widely used to enhance model transparency and support decision-making. However, evidence of practical deployment, especially in low-resource settings and African contexts, remains limited. Overall, the review demonstrates that ML has considerable potential to facilitate the early identification of teachers at risk of depression, although its broader application is constrained by limited high-quality datasets, insufficient model explainability, and inadequate consideration of equity across gender, race, and geographical settings. These findings provide a comprehensive evidence base to inform future research, guide the development of robust and interpretable predictive models, and support policy translation and implementation in educational systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gilbert Yegon, Edward Ombui, Collins Oduor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Influence of Assistive Technology Interoperability on Digital Inclusivity in E-Justice Systems for Persons with Disabilities
This paper examines how three dimensions of Assistive Technology Interoperability (ATI), namely Operating System (OS)/platform interoperability, assistive software compatibility, and input/interaction modality interoperability, influence digital inclusivity within e‑justice systems. Assistive technologies including screen readers, voice recognition software, magnifiers, and alternative input devices are the primary mechanisms through which many persons with disabilities access digital systems. Yet e‑justice platforms are rarely designed or tested for interoperability with these tools, creating a structural barrier that transforms digital courtrooms from gateways into gatekeepers. Drawing on the Social Model of Disability and extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), the study employed a sequential explanatory mixed‑methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 362 court users, judicial officers, and advocates in Nairobi County, Kenya, and analysed using covariance‑based structural equation modelling (CB‑SEM). Qualitative data from semi‑structured interviews with persons with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments provided contextual triangulation. The findings reveal that ATI is a strong predictor of digital inclusivity (β = 0.492, p < 0.001). Among the three dimensions of ATI, assistive software compatibility (loading = 0.792) emerged as the most influential, followed by Operating System (OS)/platform interoperability (0.697) and input/interaction modality interoperability (0.665). The study concludes that AT interoperability functions as a gateway variable: without it, no other accessibility investment is fully effective. For judicial ICT directors and policymakers, the findings mandate that AT interoperability testing be embedded in procurement contracts, development cycles, and quality assurance protocols as a non‑negotiable precondition for digital inclusivity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Josphat Karanja, Collins Oduor, Dalton Ndirangu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Effect of Ethical Leadership Practices on the Performance of Professional Regulatory Bodies in Kenya
Professional regulatory bodies in Kenya serve as custodians of public trust, professional standards, and statutory compliance. However, ethical vulnerabilities such as conflict of interest, compromised enforcement, weak accountability, and political interference may undermine institutional performance within these bodies. This study investigated the influence of ethical leadership practices, specifically ethical tone, code of ethics, and ethical rewarding, on the performance of professional regulatory bodies in Kenya. The study was anchored on Strategic Leadership Theory and employed a quantitative descriptive- correlational research design. The findings showed that ethical leadership practices were rated positively across the professional regulatory bodies, with a composite mean of 3.96 and a standard deviation of 0.917. Correlation results showed a strong positive relationship between ethical leadership practices and organizational performance (r = 0.712, p < 0.05). Regression results further indicated that ethical leadership practices had a positive and statistically significant effect on organizational performance (B = 0.603, β = 0.712, t = 10.823, p < 0.05). At the same time, the model was statistically significant (F = 117.132, p <0.05) and explained 50.7% of the variance in performance (R² = 0.507). The study concludes that strengthening ethical tone, codes of ethics, ethical rewarding, accountability, integrity, and compliance mechanisms can significantly improve the performance of professional regulatory bodies in Kenya.
Copyright (c) 2026 Risper Awuor Olick, Teresia K Linge, Caren A Ouma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Influence of Social Interaction and Collaborative Learning on Information Digital Literacy Skills Development in Rural Primary Schools
Information digital literacy skills are essential competencies for learners in the twenty-first century. However, their development among learners in rural primary schools continues to be constrained by inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited access to digital learning resources, insufficient teacher preparedness, and inadequate opportunities for collaborative technology- enhanced learning. This study examined the influence of social interaction and collaborative learning on Information Digital Literacy Skills Development in selected rural primary schools in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and employed a quantitative research design. Data were collected from 2,894 learners using structured questionnaires and analysed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modelling, and path analysis. The findings revealed that the measurement model demonstrated excellent fit (χ² = 247.9, df = 242, p = .383; CMIN/DF = 1.024; RMSEA = .003; CFI = 1.000; TLI = 1.000; GFI = .993; AGFI = .999). The results further established that social interaction and collaborative learning had a positive and statistically significant influence on Information Digital Literacy Skills Development (β = .130), indicating that increased learner interaction, collaborative engagement, and shared learning experiences significantly enhance learners' Information Digital Literacy Skills. The study concludes that fostering social interaction and collaborative learning is fundamental to improving Information Digital Literacy Skills Development in rural primary schools. The study recommends strengthening collaborative learning practices, improving ICT infrastructure, and enhancing teachers' digital pedagogical competencies to create interactive learning environments that promote Information Digital Literacy Skills Development among learners in rural primary schools.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tabitha Muthoni Kihara, Jimmy Macharia, Collins Oduor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Effect of Equity on Market Concentration among Commercial Banks in Kenya
Market concentration remains a key concern in the banking sector due to its implications for competition, financial stability, and systemic risk. In Kenya, a small number of large commercial banks dominate the market, raising concerns about the factors driving their sustained market power. This study examined the effect of equity on market concentration among commercial banks in Kenya. It was anchored on Agency Cost Theory, Information Asymmetry Theory, and Market Power Theory. A post-positivist research philosophy and a descriptive correlational design were adopted. The study targeted all 38 commercial banks licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya between 2019 and 2023. Both primary and secondary data were used; secondary data were obtained from published financial statements and Central Bank of Kenya reports, while primary data were collected from bank managers using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The findings established that equity had a positive and statistically significant effect on market concentration (r = 0.687; β = 0.749, t = 19.843, p < 0.05), indicating that banks with stronger equity positions were more likely to command larger market shares. The results suggest that strong capital reserves, retained earnings, and shareholders’ equity enhance depositor confidence, support regulatory compliance, and strengthen the market position of large banks. The study concludes that equity is a critical driver of market concentration in Kenya’s banking sector and recommends that regulators develop proportionate capital policies that strengthen financial stability while promoting competitive balance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ismail Gurhan, Francis Gatumo, Albert Camus Bwire https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Effect of Property Market Liquidity on Real Estate Investment Performance in Nairobi County, Kenya
This study examined the effect of property market liquidity on real estate investment performance in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted a pragmatic research philosophy using an embedded mixed-methods research design. The target population comprised 129 real estate investment firms operating in Nairobi County. Quantitative data were collected from 215 respondents using structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained from key informants through interviews. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression were used to analyze quantitative data, whereas qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that respondents perceived Nairobi’s property market to exhibit favorable liquidity conditions characterized by stable property prices (M = 4.03), accessible financing (M = 4.02), and active property turnover (M = 3.95). Real estate investment performance was also rated positively, with transaction volume (M = 4.01), capital appreciation (M = 4.01), and rental yields (M = 4.00) indicating strong market performance. Correlation analysis established a strong positive and significant relationship between property market liquidity and real estate investment performance (r = 0.703, p < 0.001). Regression results further showed that property market liquidity significantly predicts real estate investment performance (β = 1.267, p < 0.001), explaining 49.4% of the variation in performance (R² = 0.494). The study concludes that property market liquidity significantly enhances real estate investment performance by promoting transaction efficiency, improving access to financing, and facilitating capital appreciation and rental income growth.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saida Ali Aden, Jane Muriithi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Influence of Human Capability on the Sustainability of Consumer Electronics Retail Firms in Kenya
The purpose of the study was to determine influence of human capability on the sustainability of consumer electronics retail firms in Kenya. The study sought to examine the extent to which human capability influences the sustainability of consumer electronics retail firms in Kenya. To achieve this objective, the study was guided by three theories namely the Resource Based View Theory, the Sustainability Theory and the Organizational capability Theory. The study adopted a positivism research philosophy utilizing mixed method design with both cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Using Slovin's formula, a sample size of 207 respondents was determined from a target population of 431 consumer electronics retail firms in Kenya. Stratified sampling was done so that the responses' representation was proper across the country. Of the total administered questionnaires,200 (96.6%) response rate was obtained. The analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 25.0; and expressed in form of frequencies, percentages and narratives and presented in tables. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The findings of the study revealed a positive and significant relationship between human capability and sustainability, with a mean rating of 4.08 and standard deviation of 1.16 in regards to its descriptive statistics results. For inferential statistics, the result depicted; r (200) = .962, p < .05. Results of the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that human capability significantly predicted sustainability, R2 = .972, F (200) = 6929.76, p < .05; β =. 986, p < .05. Consequently, the null hypothesis that human capability has no significance influence on the sustainability of consumer electronic retail firms in Kenya was rejected.
Copyright (c) 2026 Michelle Abuya, Paul Katuse https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Data-Driven Decision-Making, Organisational Agility and Competitive Advantage of Telecommunication Firms in South Sudan
The study examined the effect of data-driven decision-making and organisational agility on the competitive advantage of telecommunication firms in South Sudan. The study was based on positivist philosophy that informed the adoption of a cross-sectional research design. The target population constituted 11 active telecommunication firms that formed the unit of analysis. The study targeted 148 employees drawn from the board, executive, departments, middle management, and technical levels of each firm. Thereafter, a sample of 108 respondents was determined using Yamane’s 1967 formula before proportionate stratified sampling was adopted to ensure each staff category was represented in line with its population share. The achieved response rate was 92 (85.2%). Structured questionnaires were adopted in sourcing data before analysis was undertaken with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The regression analysis revealed that data-driven decision-making significantly affected the competitive advantage of telecommunication firms in South Sudan (β1 = 0.273, t = 3.285, p = .001). However, the effect of organisational agility on the competitive advantage of firms in the study was not significant (β2= -0.047, t = -0.665, p = .508). The study thus concluded that data-driven decision-making elements, including data access and utilisation, data interpretation skills, and decision-making confidence, were strongly and positively associated with competitive advantage of telecommunication firms in South Sudan. Consequently, the study recommends that managers and policymakers should prioritise initiatives aimed at strengthening data accessibility, analytics capabilities, and a culture of evidence-based decision-making. Future research should explore additional organisational and environmental factors that may influence the dependent variable.
Copyright (c) 2026 Athuai Rehan, Francis Wambalaba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Operational Efficiency and Asset Quality: Evidence from Commercial and Microfinance Banks in Kenya
The asset quality of commercial and microfinance banks in Kenya plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the country’s financial sector. However, these banks have faced challenges with poor asset quality. This study aimed to determine the effect of operational efficiency on the asset quality of commercial and microfinance banks in Kenya. It was underpinned by Efficient Structure Theory and guided by the philosophical underpinnings of realism and objectivism, employing an explanatory research design. The target population comprised all 38 commercial and 14 microfinance banks licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya as of December 31, 2024. Unbalanced panel data analysis was used to examine both cross- sectional and time-series effects of operational efficiency on asset quality. The study period was 2014 to 2024. The study employed descriptive and inferential statistics. Diagnostic tests were conducted to validate the assumptions of panel regression. Panel regression results revealed that the model was statistically significant (F = 52.922, p < 0.001) in explaining the relationship between operational efficiency and asset quality. The findings showed that operational efficiency had a positive and significant effect on asset quality (β = 0.089, p = 0.000). Hypothesis testing confirmed that operational efficiency (p < 0.05) significantly influences asset quality. The study concluded that operational efficiency is a key determinant of asset quality. In view of these findings, the study recommends that regulators and banks consider incorporating operational efficiency as one of the rating parameters for banks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bundi Momanyi, Beatrice Warue, Jane Kibanga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Effects of Financial Stewardship on Successful Implementation of E-Government Services Through Huduma Centres in Kenya
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect financial stewardship on successful implementation of e-government services through Huduma Centres in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to address the following research question: To what extent does financial stewardship perspective affect successful implementation of e-government services through Huduma Centres in Kenya? The study applied both balance scorecard framework and the institutional theories. In terms of research philosophy, the study adopted positivism research philosophy. The study used descriptive correlational design and the study population comprised 1,233 senior employees and users of Huduma Kenya services. Both stratified random and judgmental sampling techniques were employed in selecting 303 respondents to participate in the survey. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied where descriptive statistics focused on relative frequency distribution, means and standard deviation; while inferential statistics included Spearman’s coefficient for correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA and regression. The analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 25.0; and expressed as frequencies, percentages and narratives and presented in the form of tables and figures. The results of the study in testing the first hypothesis showed a high correlation between financial stewardship and successful implementation of e-Government services through Huduma centres (r =0.964, p=.000). The results also showed that there was a significant relationship between financial stewardship and successful implementation of e-Government services through Huduma centres and the Model used was fit to be used for the analysis (F = 3862.119, p =.000).
Copyright (c) 2026 Napunyu Clara Lanyasunya, Edward Musebe, Prescott Muhonza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
A Comparative Study of the Effect of Bank Size on Asset Quality among Commercial and Microfinance Banks in Kenya
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of bank size on the asset quality of commercial and microfinance banks in Kenya using comparative analysis. The study was motivated by persistent poor asset quality in Kenyan banks and grounded in the Quiet Life Hypothesis. It employed an explanatory research design. The target population comprised 38 commercial and 14 microfinance banks operating in Kenya as of December 31, 2024. The research used secondary data from banks’ audited accounts and publications by the Central Bank of Kenya for the period 2014 to 2024. Panel data analysis was used to examine the effect of bank size on asset quality. The study used descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Diagnostic tests were conducted to validate the assumptions of panel regression. The study found that bank size had a statistically significant negative effect on asset quality among both commercial and microfinance banks. Comparative analysis indicated that commercial banks recorded a statistically significant model effect. The effect among microfinance banks was found to be weaker. The null hypotheses that bank size has no significant effect on the asset quality of commercial and microfinance banks, and there is no significant difference in the effect of bank size on asset quality between commercial and microfinance banks in Kenya, were rejected. The study recommends that as bank size grows, commercial and microfinance banks establish centralized credit risk management departments, strengthen internal audits, and deploy standardized, enterprise-wide credit monitoring systems. Banking regulators should also consider differentiated, tier-based supervision models.
Effects of Citizen Perspective on Successful Implementation of E-Government Services Through Huduma Centres in Kenya
The study carried to find out the effects of citizen perspective on successful implementation of e-government services through Huduma Centres in Kenya. The study sought to address the following research question: To what extent does citizen perspective affect successful implementation of e-government services through Huduma Centres in Kenya? The study applied both balance scorecard framework and the institutional theories. In terms of research philosophy, the study adopted positivism research philosophy. The study used descriptive correlational design and the study population comprised 1,233 senior employees and users of Huduma Kenya services. Both stratified random and judgmental sampling techniques were employed in selecting 303 respondents to participate in the survey. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied where descriptive statistics focused on relative frequency distribution, means and standard deviation; while inferential statistics included Spearman’s coefficient for correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA and regression. The analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 25.0; and expressed as frequencies, percentages and narratives and presented in the form of tables and figures. The results of the study in testing the second hypothesis show a high correlation between citizen perspective and successful implementation of e-Government services through Huduma centres (r=0.941). The results also show that there was a significant relationship between citizen perspective and successful implementation of e-Government services through Huduma centres and the Model used was fit to be used for the analysis (F = 4710.210, p =.000). Further the results show that when citizen perspective was increased by 1 unit, the successful implementation of e-Government services through Huduma centres was increased by 1.031 units (β = 1.031, t= 68.631, p =.000).
Digitalised Risk Management and Firm Performance: An Empirical Analysis of Container Freight Stations in Kenya
The study evaluated the effect of digitalised risk management on the performance of Container Freight Stations (CFSs) in Kenya. Positivism philosophy guided the adoption of cross-sectional survey design. The target population was 38 Container freight Stations in Kenya. The study adopted a census of all 38 licensed CFSs operating in Kenya, with 136 respondents participating structured questionnaires filling. The quantitative data were analysed based on multiple linear regression model with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Surveillance technologies significantly and positively affected all performance indicators of CFSs in Kenya. Further, electronic cargo inspection significantly and positively affected revenue growth and operational efficiency aspects of performance of CFSs in Kenya. Finally, gate control system had a weak positive effect on all performance indicators of CFSs in Kenya. The study concluded that the sub constructs of digitalised risk management were jointly positively associated with performance of CFSs in Kenya. The management of CFSs in Kenya should implement non-intrusive inspection technologies, such as X-ray scanners and radiation detectors to minimize clearance times and improve detection capabilities. Further, the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Transport ought to mandate or strongly advocate for the implementation of real-time surveillance infrastructure, and electronic cargo inspection technologies as essential operational and security prerequisites for CFS licensing and compliance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Juliet Muthui, Charity Muraguri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Price Risk and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
Commercial banks globally and locally face chronic volatility in financial performance, largely driven by inadequate risk pricing and management. While banks serve a pivotal role in allocating resources and boosting the broader economy, their profitability is frequently hindered by non-performing assets, fluctuating price rates, and an inability to accurately match the cost of capital with the default probability of borrowers. As a result, many institutions experience fluctuating returns on assets. This study sought to determine the effect of price risk on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy with an explanatory research design. Secondary data was collected from 38 commercial banks over the period 2014-2023. A statistically significant negative association between price risk and the financial performance of commercial banks was established. In addition, random effect model results depicted a statistically significant negative relationship between price risk and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya (β=-0.00691, p<.05). It was concluded that price risk adversely affects the financial performance of commercial banks. It is recommended that commercial banks in Kenya strengthen their price risk management frameworks by adopting more advanced risk-based pricing models that accurately align loan pricing with borrower default probabilities and changing market conditions. Banks should enhance the use of derivatives and other hedging instruments to mitigate exposure to interest rate fluctuations, while also improving credit risk assessment systems to reduce non-performing assets.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lynette Chelangat Musani, Albert Camus Bwire, Agnes Ogada https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Influence of Mobilizing Capability on the Financial Sustainability of Kenyan Non Profit Organizations
Non‑profit organizations (NPOs) in Kenya continue to face persistent financial sustainability challenges due to declining donor funding and intensifying competition for limited grants. As the operating environment becomes more complex, the ability of NPOs to mobilize resources, coordinate stakeholders, and leverage relationships has become increasingly important. However, empirical evidence on how mobilizing capability contributes to financial sustainability within the Kenyan nonprofit sector remains limited. This study examined the influence of mobilizing capability on the financial sustainability of Kenyan NPOs. A descriptive correlational design and quantitative cross‑sectional survey were used to collect data from senior leaders of registered NPOs across multiple sectors. Stratified random sampling generated a sample of 323 organizations, and 233 valid responses were obtained through a structured online questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between mobilizing capability and financial sustainability. The findings showed that mobilizing capability had a significant positive (ρ=.478, p< .001) correlation with financial sustainability. Organizations with low or moderate mobilizing capability were substantially less likely to achieve higher financial sustainability compared to those with strong mobilizing capability. These results suggest that the ability to share resources with partners, utilize networks, build strong relationships, and reallocate resources flexibly is essential for strengthening financial resilience. The study underscores the importance of developing mobilizing capability as a core organizational competency and highlights the need for supportive practices that enhance collaboration and resource mobilization within the nonprofit sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Paul Kungu Ndungu, Juliana M Namada https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Financial Management Practices, Financial Environment Regulation and Resource Mobilization by Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya
The study examined effect of financial management practices that included risk management and investment management on resource mobilization among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kenya, with particular attention to the moderating role of financial environment regulation. Despite growing donor volatility and regulatory pressure, little empirical evidence explains how financial practices influence NGOs’ resource mobilization. Guided by a positivist philosophy and an explanatory research design, the study collected primary data using structured questionnaires administered to senior personnel across 299 NGOs. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Findings showed that risk management practices were strongly and positively associated with resource mobilization (r = 0.525, p < 0.01) and had a significant positive effect in the regression model (β = 0.449, p < 0.001). Investment management also demonstrated a positive correlation with resource mobilization (r = 0.403, p < 0.01) and a significantly positive effect (β = 0.283, p < 0.001). Combined, the two practices explained 35.0% of the variance in resource mobilization (R² = 0.350). Moderation analysis revealed that financial environment regulation significantly weakened the relationship between investment management and resource mobilization (β = −0.145, p = 0.044), while its moderating effect on risk management was not statistically significant. The study contributes to nonprofit financial management literature by empirically demonstrating the centrality of risk and investment management in strengthening resource mobilization. Practically, the results underscore the need for NGOs to institutionalize robust risk systems and disciplined investment practices. Policymakers should design regulatory frameworks that enhance accountability without constraining NGOs’ financial sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dawit Adefris Bellehu, Selefano F Odoyo, Elizabeth Kalunda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Evaluating AI Literacy Scales in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Patterns, Gaps, and Research Opportunities from a Socio-Technical Perspective
The widespread adoption of large language models (LLMs) in higher education has intensified the need to assess the extent to which AI literacy scales measure students’ readiness for an AI-driven learning environment. However, in the absence of a unified framework to guide construct selection, it remains unclear whether current instruments capture the full spectrum of AI competencies required for effective engagement. This study aims to examine the current literature on AI literacy scales to characterize their scope, identify prevailing constructs, and highlight gaps for future research. To achieve this, the review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. The search strategy identified 39 AI literacy scales in peer-reviewed journal articles from ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and IEEE Xplore databases, among other sources. A critical analysis of these scales revealed several gaps, spanning dimensionality, regional representation, assessment methods, theoretical grounding, and population diversity. The findings of this review underscore the importance of joint optimization in scale development to capture the human, technological, organizational, and contextual elements that shape AI literacy in higher education. This study makes two important contributions: (1) it provides a comprehensive account of the current composition of AI literacy scales, and (2) it identifies key gaps and emerging opportunities for refining future instruments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Esther Nderitu Imbamba, Paul Okanda, Gerald Chege https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Change Management and Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Islamic Financial Institutions in Kenya
This study investigated the effect of change management on sustainable competitive advantage of Islamic financial institutions in Kenya. Guided by the Strategic Intent Model and the Path-Goal Leadership Theory and employing a positivist mixed-methods research design, data were collected from 110 managers drawn from all nine licensed Islamic financial institutions operating in Kenya. Quantitative data obtained from managers in operations, business development, portfolio management, human resources, and finance were analyzed using SPSS version 26, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews with senior executives, including directors and chief executive officers. The findings indicate that change management reflected in institutional adaptability, leadership communication, employee engagement, innovation orientation, and risk mitigation—significantly predicts sustainable competitive advantage, explaining 40.4% of the variance (R² = 0.404, β = 0.635, p < 0.001). Qualitative evidence further revealed that structured, consultative, and value-driven change processes enhance organizational resilience, customer trust, and competitive positioning while ensuring compliance with regulatory and Shariah principles. The study concludes that change management is a critical strategic capability that enables Islamic financial institutions to align internal processes with environmental dynamics and sustain long-term competitiveness. Strengthening inclusive, transparent, and strategically aligned change management practices is therefore essential for enhancing sustainable competitive advantage in the Islamic finance sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Maleeha Muhidin, Paul Katuse, Timothy C Oketch https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Board-Level Perspectives on Climate Risk Governance: A Phenomenological Study of Kenya’s Banking Institutions
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a systemic financial risk, prompting financial institutions globally to incorporate climate-related considerations into their governance and risk management frameworks. For corporate boards, lived experiences in navigating climate-risk governance, particularly in developing economies, remain underexplored. This paper explores the lived experiences of corporate boards of Kenya’s banking institutions with regard to climate-related risk management. The study was conducted between June and November 2025 and adopted an exploratory qualitative approach grounded in interpretive phenomenology. Data were collected from corporate board members, senior executives, and senior managers purposively sampled from 19 selected banking institutions in Kenya through semi-structured interviews. The results of this study demonstrate that, for corporate boards, climate risk management is an emerging governance priority that has led to risk re-identification, portfolio diversification, loan restructuring, enhanced due diligence processes, and human capacity development. These approaches are informed by contextual lived experiences. Challenges include: data availability constraints, gaps in technical expertise, and increased regulatory demands. The study identified strategic leadership as a key enabler, driving the extent to which banking institutions' boards integrate and prioritize climate risks in their governance processes. Recommendations include mainstreaming climate-risk governance processes across all Kenyan banking institutions; corporate boards implementing regulatory guidelines on climate change with fidelity. Other recommendations include governance boards setting the tone at the top by making strategic commitments; being agile to adapt to an ever-changing context; and adopting context-sensitive climate risk management practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gershon M Mwakazi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Church Innovation and Effective Leadership in Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya churches: Evidence from Kiambu County
This study determined the influence of church innovation on effective leadership in Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) churches focusing on Kiambu County. Despite leadership playing a key role in supporting church growth and sustainability, many churches continue to experience challenges such as inconsistent leadership practices, difficulties in leadership succession, and differences in leadership effectiveness, which affect overall church performance and member involvement. The study focused on church innovation as a factor influencing effective leadership. A descriptive research design was used, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected using questionnaires from church leaders and council members, as well as an interview with a key informant, and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, and thematic analysis respectively. The findings revealed that church innovation strongly contribute positively to effective leadership (r = .548, p < 0.01). The study concludes that effective leadership in churches can be enhanced through leadership practices that promote innovation. It recommends that churches adopt more collaborative and innovative approaches to ministry.
Copyright (c) 2026 Robert Muriithi; Benson Njuguna Kinyanjui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0