Indexing

Abstract:Democracy as a brand of constitutional governance has attracted attention to numerous epochs by varied generations. Deeming of the doctrine of constituent power is correspondingly considering democracy as these two societal facets give an impression of concomitancy. Hannah Arendt’s stance of constituent power is first reduced to three elements: labour, work, and action. The action turns out to be of the foremost stature among the three, thus, acquiring the aptitude to define all the other auxiliary political components, such as power, et cetera. The problematic nature of this construal is to be realized in Arendt’s categorization among the immanent school of thought. This research contends for the transcendent and absolute comprehension of constituent power since coupling immanence and action sires limitation while blending transcendence and absolute births power that aptly influences the upshot of the liaison between constituent and constituant powers as it is manifest in constitutional moments. Power is here couched as the outright will’s aptitude to bring into being as well as impose change on that which is in the correlation between the State and sovereignty. The realization of this perspective was through hermeneutics; interpretation of the varied contributions to constituent power illumined by the Arendt.

Abstract:The purpose of this Proposal was to analyse the Factors influencing Sustainability of Rural Water Supplies Management in Kenya: A Case Study of Marakwet West Sub County Elgeyo Marakwet County Kenya. It was guided by the following objective. To assess the effect of Proposal management committee on sustainability of water projects in Marakwet West Sub County.  The study was guided by Resource Based Theory (RBT), Resource Dependence Theory (RTD) and Complexity Theory (CT). The knowledge was therefore important information that integrated to Proposal cycle before or towards completion by government, private and non-governmental organizations. The study adopted a descriptive design. The total target population was 108,540 people residing in the sub county as provided by the Statistic office of the sub county that included: households who are the primary consumers of the Proposals, Ward water officers, and the Proposal committee members are entrusted with management of the Proposals. With a sample size of 259 from simple random sampling. Questionnaires were used as the data collection instrument. The researcher visited each of the sampled departments and households to personally administer the questionnaires. Pilot done for validity and reliability of the instrument. It was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20. The collected questionnaires were first be checked for completeness and then coded as per the research questions.  From the findings, proposal management committee (β = 0.378) was found to be positively related sustainability of water projects. From t-test analysis, the t -value was found to be 3.308 and the ρ -value 0.024. Statistically, this null hypothesis was rejected because ρ<0.05. Thus, the study accepted the alternative hypothesis and it concluded that Proposal management committee and sustainability of water projects in Marakwet West Sub County. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended the following: Communities should be invited and given a chance to participate as leaders in the committee when preparing proposals to enhance sustainability of water projects. Communities involved in water services should be empowered to have technical and expertise as to operate the equipment or on maintenance of the equipment.  There are adequate competent personnel to manage the proposal for prosperity. Management of proposals in Water Company should increase the alignment of development proposals with host communities ‘priorities. They should adopt and embrace modern technology in sustainability of community based water projects for ease of operations and maintenance and for proper management and accountability. The findings of this study provided important information and knowledge that influences policy and reforms for enhancing sustainability pertaining to water Proposals; and Lesson drawn from this study may be utilized by the communities, implementing partners, Donors and International NGOs to address the sustainability challenges and plan the better ways of implementing the sustainable community based water Proposals. 

Abstract:The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting employee financial performance in the Islamic banks. Basic questions surround the main objectives which were asset quality, liquidity management, management efficiency and capital structures. The study was conducted through a samplings survey using existing employee, ex-employees, and department heads. Random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample size from the population. Questionnaires, interview, and document analysis techniques were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics such as, cross tabulation were employed for data analysis. Based on the data analysis the following findings were recorded that major activities of the banking organization were affected by capital structure, followed by management competencies, regulations and Islamic culture also influenced to a great extent the performance of the banks.

Abstract:The promulgated Kenyan constitution in August 2010 has opened up new opportunities and challenges. It has indeed opened a new window of change of moving from the central governance to the devolved government. The new constitution therefore places the central government with a devolved system of government and this brings on board the National government and 47 Country governments. During the recent past the county governments in Kenya has continued to receive huge amount of money from the government and donors so as to provide quality services to the increasing population. But even after getting revenue from the above sources, county governments in Kenya face a number of governance and financial problems, especially the issue of misappropriation of funds. Financial management is the backbone of any organization and therefore misappropriation of funds in public sector affects the provision services to the public. This study aim at investigating the factors leading to appropriation of funds in County Governments, case study of Kiambu County Government so as to assist the government and other stakeholder in handling and solving financial problems in the sector, and especially the appropriation of funds. The specific objectives of the study were: To determine the level of management competence and its effect on appropriation of funds at Kiambu County Government; To assess the financial and accounting system and its effect on appropriation of funds at Kiambu County Government; To establish how planning/ budgeting is carried out and effect of this on appropriation of funds at Kiambu County Government; To establish the level of costing variance analysis and the effect on appropriation of funds at Kiambu County Government. This research is a problem solving research and therefore descriptive statistic design was used. The population of interest considered employees working in County Government of Kiambu. Simple random sampling technique was also used in the study. Data was then collected by the use of questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and was later summarized and presented using descriptive statistics including percentages and frequency distribution tables, pie chart and graphs to illustrate the diverse findings of the study.

Abstract:Governments in the 21st century face major discontinuous change that makes leadership and governance more difficult and more complex than ever before in seeking to deliver services to citizens. This explains why in the modern-day world, public management attention has increasingly focused on leadership and governance and their effect to service delivery. This study views leadership and governance as fundamental in the current devolved government system in Kenya and their future direction. Of keen interest is the influence of women leadership on governance of county governments in Kenya; where leadership and governance plays a very vital role in bringing about efficient service delivery to citizens. Kenya’s constitution 2010 contains a provision that should radically change political representation for women particularly the provision for two-third gender rule, gender equality in political parties and equal right of opportunities influence women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of women leadership on governance of county governments in Kenya: a case of Nairobi County Government. This study used descriptive research design and data was collected from both primary and secondary sources targeting a population of sixty four (64) women leaders in both county executive and county assembly in Nairobi County. The data was fed into statistical package for social science (SPSS version 21) and data presented in form of tables, graphs, charts and percentages for clarity. Principally, the results indicated a relationship between women leadership and governance. When correlated against leadership competences; governance has a very strong relationship which was statistically significant. These shown that leadership competences as an independent variable could be used to explain governance as a dependent variable.

Abstract:Selecting and maintaining competent suppliers is very essential in procurement. However, many factors affect a firm's ability to choose the right supplier. Less has been done to investigate the Role of supplier evaluation criteria on Supply chain performance in Kenya, particularly in Office of the Auditor-General. This study was undertaken with the main objective of assessing the Role of Supplier evaluation criteria on Supply Chain Performance in Kenya with reference to Office of the Auditor-General.  The study was guided by four variables; supplier technical capability, supplier finances, quality management and lead-time.  A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the role of supplier evaluation criteria on supply chain performance in Kenya with reference to Office of the Auditor-General.
Keywords:Supplier Evaluation, Evaluation Criteria, Supply Chain and Supply Chain Performance.

Abstract:The General objective of this study was to find out the effect of competitive strategies and their effect on performance of hotels in Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the effect of strategic alliance on performance of hotels and to determine how technological advances relate to performance. The study adopted descriptive research design. The study used a target population of 170 employees from the various departments while the sample size of 51 employees was determined to be at 30%, since it has been argued that such a sample size is adequate for a descriptive survey study. Stratified random sampling technique was also used to select respondents in the study population since it ensured that all the respondents have an equal and unbiased chance of participating in the study. A descriptive research design as well as use for the questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed using tally sheet and presented by use of tables. In addition, multiple regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables. The study concluded that strategic alliances enhances quality of service, cost savings and results in maintaining competitive edge through Synergy and shared knowledge. The study further found out that technological advance was statistically significant in affecting the hotel’s performance; leading to a conclusion that technological advances are an important resource in influencing hotels’ performance, that resources significantly and positively affect the performance of hotels in Kenya through strong personnel and processes and that service quality is an antecedent of performance of hotels in Kenya.

Abstract:The study sought to establish factors affecting enterprises owned by persons with disabilities in accessing government procurement opportunity. Specific objectives of the study were to determine the effects of access to finances, education level, entrepreneurship skills and compliance with tender requirements on access to government procurement opportunities by persons with disability. The research adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population of this study was 210 enterprises owned by persons with disabilities registered by KeRRA. The study adopted simple random sampling to pick a sample of 68 enterprises owned by persons living with disabilities and out of the 68 questionnaires administered, 61 of them were returned representing a response rate of 89.71%.The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative data. The findings revealed that accessibility to finances, education level, entrepreneurship skills and compliance with tender requirements significantly affected access of government procurement opportunities by enterprises owned by PWD. In the regression analysis, accessibility to finances, education level, entrepreneurship skills and compliance with tender requirements were found to explain 73.9% of the variation that occurs in access of government procurement opportunities by enterprises owned by PWD. It was also found out that education level had a greater influence on access of government procurement opportunities by enterprises owned by PWD, followed by entrepreneurship skills followed by compliance to tender requirements and then access to finance. The banks and other financial institutions should make it easy for enterprises owned by PWD to access finances by making loan requirements friendly, not asking for security and offering affordable interest rates, the Government should seek to increase the fund for persons with disabilities and make the requirements friendly.

Abstract:Government undertakes a variety of projects which are aimed at development of infrastructure, social welfare, health services, urban and rural development, preserving culture and heritage which directly or in-directing affects the lives of citizens and also reflects on the effectiveness and efficiency of Government. Nonetheless in Garissa County Government, major management gaps exist as regards the effective implementation of government projects. The government are continuously faced with the huge challenge in their institutions of supervising the implementation of numerous planned projects in an effective manner through application of abiding methodologies. The projects are to a great extent required to create a strong foundation base for a future successful nation. National duties of public institutions in the direction of sustainable development are hugely expected with infrastructure assuming a significant position in the economic sector growth. This study therefore sought to investigate the extent to which project management practices impact the implementation of government projects in Garissa County Government. The specific objectives included; evaluating the influence of project planning on management practices and implementation of government projects; determining the effects of stakeholders’ participation on management practices and implementation of government projects; and finding out the effects of monitoring and evaluation on management practices and implementation of government projects. The study employed descriptive survey research design and had a population of 400 of employees that are directly involved in completion of government projects. The respondents were purposively selected; top level management, middle level management and lower level management. To get the sample size 30% of the target population which is termed as a good demonstration was used for analysis. The researcher used questionnaires to collect primary data from the sample population and secondary data was collected from the Government reports and other related studies. There was a pilot test for questionnaire before carrying out the data collection to determine instrument reliability. In addition, both closed and open ended questions will be used in the self-administered questionnaire. After collection, the data was edited, coded and classified and analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS software. Conclusions and recommendations was drawn from the study findings. Regarding project planning, the study concluded that project planning significantly and positively influenced implementation of government projects in Garissa County Government. The study also concluded that stakeholder’s participation has a significant and a positive effect on implementation of government projects in Garissa County Government. The study further concluded that monitoring and evaluation had significant and a positive effect on implementation of government projects in Garissa County Government. Finally, the study concluded that project technology had a significant and positive effect implementation of government projects in Garissa County Government.

Abstract:The main objective of the study was to determine factors in the supply chain that influence access to public contracts with a specific reference to Kitui Central Sub County. The study’s specific objectives were; to evaluate how ICT in the supply chain influences access to public contracts, to establish the influence of procurement knowledge/training on access to public contracts, to find out the effect of costs in accessing public contracts in Kitui Central Sub County, to determine ethical practices that influence access to public contracts in Kitui Central. The study adopted a descriptive case research design and the study population was 120 respondents from registered contractors in NCA with specific categories in NCA 4, 5 AND 6. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted to select a sample size of 60 respondents.  Questionnaires were used as the main data collection instrument and a pilot study was conducted to pre-test questionnaires for validity and reliability. Descriptive statistics data analysis method was applied to analyze numerical data that was gathered using open and closed ended questions, aided by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).The findings were presented using tables and charts. This study concluded that information technology influence significantly and positively on the access of public contracts in Kitui Central Sub-County. The study also concluded that procurement knowledge & training has a significant and a positive influence on the access of public contracts in Kitui Central Sub-County.Furthermore, the study established that financial capacity had significant and a positive influence on the access of public contracts in Kitui Central Sub-County. The ability to expand on the public contracts depends highly on their potential to invest in restricting, innovation and qualification. Finally, the study concluded that ethical practices had a significant and positive influence on the access of public contracts in Kitui Central Sub-County.

Abstract:This study sought to investigate the effect of micro financing on growth of SMEs’ in Kiambu County, The demand for micro-finance service in Kiambu county is high yet the industry is only able to meet about 20 percent of their demand because of lack of financial resources and the capacity to assess risk process and monitor loans. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs’) face challenges in obtaining funds from large and formal financial institutions therefore opt for loans from micro-financial institutions to fund their business projects. The study was geared towards the recognition of the importance of micro financing on the growth of SMEs’. SMEs’ have benefited from microfinance institutions through the provision of equity/capital for start-ups, moreover, micro finance institutions also offer business support to the SMEs’ before start up by developing a business proposal of their choice and helping them in developing a savings scheme. Among the limitations of the study were lack of time and access to resources necessary to aid the study such as the necessary funding. The study concluded that adjustable loan significantly and positively influenced business growth among small medium enterprises. The study also concluded that fixed term loans have a significant and a positive effect on business growth among small medium enterprises. The study finally concluded that hybrid loan had significant and a positive effect on business growth among small medium enterprises.

Abstract:Devolution is the strongest form of governance decentralization .Devolution involves rescaling of responsibilities or powers from the national to the regional political organization. Specifically, the study had the aim of determine the influence of governance structures on county funds management in Kenya. The conceptual scope of this study was limited to four governance structures variables namely financial decentralization, administrative decentralization, political decentralization and citizen participation. This study targeted all staff of Kwale County across the 4sub-counties and county head quarter composed of senior managers, middle level managers and operational staff. The study employed descriptive survey design. The researcher used questionnaires as research instruments to collect data to the study. The study concluded that administration decentralization has a significant and a positive effect on county funds management in Kenya. The study further concluded that political decentralization has a significant and a positive effect on county funds management in Kenya. The study also concluded that financial decentralization had significant and a positive effect on county funds management in Kenya. The study finally concluded that Citizen Participation had a significant and positive effect on the county funds management in Kenya. The study recommended that the government should increase county government autonomy to promote administrative decentralization. The study also recommended that national and county governments should put in place measures to safeguard the independence of political decentralization. The study further recommended that national and county governments should put in place a set of deliberate and proactive processes, policies and structures that support financial decentralization. Finally, the study recommended that county governments should improve citizen participation practices to ensure citizen involvement in governance.

Abstract:In order to understand the significant role of strategic leadership in the public institutions in Kenya, this study seeks to determine the effect of strategic leadership on performance of the public sector in Kenya. This study used descriptive research design..A sample size of 185 respondents was selected trough stratified random sampling. The study utilized primary data which was collected through the use of structured questionnaires comprising of both open and closed questionnaires. The questionnaires were self-administered by the use of research assistants. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS) version 20.0. Data was analyzed mainly by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistical techniques like correlation and regression coefficients were used to draw a causal relationship between the various strategic leadership models and the performance. The data was then presented in form of tables, graphs and charts. This study concluded that idealized influence had a significant strong positive contribution to the organizational performance. The study further concluded that inspirational motivation has a significant and a positive influence on performance of public sector in Kenya. The study also concluded that intellectual stimulation had significant and a positive influence on performance of public sector in Kenya. Finally, the study concluded that individualized consideration had a significant and positive influence on performance of public sector in Kenya. The study recommends that leaders in the public sector should be good role model to their juniors to enhance performance of public sector in Kenya. The study further recommends, that to survive in the highly competitive business environment coupled with rapid technological changes there is need for public sector to enhance strategic leadership actions by aligning rewards and financial incentives to performance goals, innovation or creativity. The study also recommends that strategic leaders should consider developing human capital to enhance the public sector organizational performance in Kenya.Finally, the study recommends that public sector should trains and enlighten their leadership and management on the importance of delegation of duties, especially in the timely implementation of project activities, which would translate to the timely completion of projects and delivery of benefits to the target beneficiaries.

Abstract: Considering the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal .Act, where planning has been set in sections. Both National and county government are advised to have 30% resolutions for special groups when handling procurement activities. The targeted special group includes Youth, Women and persons living with disabilities, race or even sex. From the laid down rules and guidelines cited from Act, Trans-Nzoia County Government is one institution that has been affected for not implementing fully this requirement when it comes to tender awarding during bidding processes. Area of concern will involve ICT adoption by the reserved groups in tender procurement procedures, Transparency and accountability by officer’s when managing tendering processes, internal processes and ethics. According to researcher Richard Oduku, in his project Jipeshughuli, he wanted to answer the question who’s supposed to receive 30% tender from disadvantaged groups, though he did not find out if what has been planned from procurement plan is 100% implemented, in any procuring entity. The objective, of the study is to analyze factors affecting implementation of procurement procedures on minority groups in Trans-Nzoia County. Random sampling technique will be used to make final sample size. According to Saul Mcleeda way of naming or numbering the target population from which raffle method is used to choose what makes a sample. He concludes saying random samples are the best method of selecting your sample from the population of interest. Being a way to create employment for youth, women and persons living with disabilities and senior citizens in Trans-Nzoia County. It is expected to plan well for those minority groups setting aside 30% from all projects in the county. Planning is done though not 100% implemented from periodical annual work plans and procurement plans. The main area of this study is to have findings and recommendations that can form a standard and bridge, accommodating all citizens participating in procurement proceedings under various departments from Trans-Nzoia County.

Abstract:It is estimated that 41 per cent of the Kenyan population lives without access to safe drinking water, relying on unprotected wells, springs or informal water providers. The main purpose of this research was determinants of effective conflict resolution in donor driven water project: an evaluation of water mission international projects in Turkana County. The study was guided by three objectives; to determine the influence of project finance on conflict resolution in WMI, to explore the effects of training on conflict resolution in WMI and to determine the influence of community participation in conflict resolution in WMI. The study applied both probability and non probability sampling procedures to obtain data from the respondents. Probability sampling involved simple random sampling and systematic sampling while non probability sampling involves purposive sampling. Simple random sampling will be used to pick the first household where the questionnaire was administered. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population for the study included household consumers of the community beneficiary of WMI project. The study was done in St. Comboni, Turkana primary and Nadapal community. Sample size of household consumers 192 and 2 key informants. Due to the nature of the study, the researcher adopted Cochran formula to calculate the sample size of household water consumers’ respondents and purposive sampling technique in order to select the two key informants from the Water WMI. Stratified sampling technique used to ensure proper representation of both groups. Data collected using semi-structured questionnaires. In chapter four contains data analysis, presentation and interpretation. The researcher did inferential statistics on the quantitative data. The statistics done included correlation, regression and ANOVA, chapter five it contains summary of findings, discussion, conclusion and recommendations. The findings are: H01:Project finance does not have statistically significant influence on conflict resolution in WMI project in Turkana county: is rejected Therefore, project finance has a significant influence on conflict resolution in WMI project in Turkana county.H02: Training does not have statistically significant influence on conflict resolution in WMI project in Turkana county: is rejected Therefore, training has a significant influence on conflict resolution in WMI project in Turkana county. H03: Community Participation does not have statistically significant influence on conflict resolution in WMI project in Turkana county: is rejected Therefore community participation has a significant influence on conflict resolution in WMI project in Turkana county.

Abstract:The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of project planning on success of road construction projects within Uasin Gishu County. This study adopted descriptive research design. The target population of this study was 51 employees in 15 government road construction projects which are in construction within Uasin Gishu County. Census was adopted in this study where project managers in each road project were involved in the study totaling to 51 respondents. The study relied on primary data which was collected through use of a questionnaire. The study established how project planning affects the performance of construction projects and the greatest roles of the top project team thus informing decision making for future road construction projects. The study found that there was a positive correlation between success of road construction project and project time planning, project scope planning, project cost planning and project risk planning. Government and individual architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, construction project managers and site agents will benefit from this study by applying the results of its findings while carrying out construction projects. The finding of the study will ensure challenges faced in project implementations are successfully mitigated.

Abstract:This paper shades light on the theory of reflective practice and its applicability in teaching context, particularly EFL teaching context based on the works of different scholars such Dewey (1933), Schon (1987), Brookfield (1995), and Loughran (2005). Many scholarly works on reflective practice are ground on the philosophy of John Dewey which distinguishes the difference between routine and reflective action. To this end, reflective practice can be defined as active, persistent and careful consideration of any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds that support it and the further conclusion to which it tends (Dewey, 1933). Grounding on this definition, other scholars also define reflective practice as the ability to think about emerging practice at a deeper level, questioning approach, engaging with feelings, questioning assumptions and gaining greater self awareness (Bassot, 2016). It is this ability of thinking which makes bold the value of reflection in teaching and learning that it encourages one to view problems from different perspectives. Schon (1987) illustrates the importance of reflective practice by developing the notion of double loop learning through reflection-in-action, and reflection-on-action. Similar to this notion, Loughran (2005) developed cyclical reflective process namely: Anticipatory reflection, Retrospective reflection, and contemporaneous reflection. Finally, Brookfield (1995) postulated four critical lenses for the applicability of reflective practice in teaching and learning process, and teachers’ professional development.

Abstract:The study sought to identify the factors influencing performance of the public procurement function in Trans Nzoia County Government. The objectives of the study was to determine factors influencing quality of procurements in Trans Nzoia County government. The research adopted a descriptive design with a target population of 176 employees involved in the procurement process from all the departments of the county. A sample size of 70 respondents representing 40% of the population was selected. The identification of respondents done using random sampling. The main data collection instrument was the questionnaires. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and conclusions drawn. A pilot survey was conducted and the questionnaire modified to ensure suitability of the instrument in collection of the data. The researcher administered the questionnaire personally using the drop and pick technique. Collected data was coded and analyzed using SPSS. Regression analysis is done to establish the relationship between the factors and procurement performance. Presentations of findings are mainly in tables, charts and graphs. The study established that use of cross functional teams, consultants, expression of interest methods, brand name and early supplier involvement in development of specification enhances attainment of quality of procurements. The study concludes that quality is positively related to procurement performance.  The county government should have an early involvement of suppliers in the specification process, it should also have a strong contract monitoring & evaluation teams that carry out inspection of goods at source and that penalizes suppliers whose goods are rejected for being substandard. The county should also use senior and experienced officers in the evaluation process.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors influencing the performance of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects in Vihiga County. The study evaluated the effect of the budget on performance of CDF projects in Vihiga County; the study was supported by the Theory of change whose layout analysis of outcomes of a project deliverables resembles the logical framework model. Descriptive survey design was used. The survey was conducted in Vihiga County, constituencies namely: Emuhaya, Luanda, Hamisi, Sabatia and Vihiga. A complete survey involving all 80 committee members from all the CDF projects was done. Data was collected using predesigned questionnaires. The study received responses from 80 respondents forming a response rate of 100%. Data obtained was cleaned, coded and analyzed using spss 21software. Multiple regressions model/analysis was used to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variable. The results were presented using inferential statistics such as the Pierson correlation coefficients, comparative tables and percentages. Findings emanating from this study will be of great importance to all the direct and indirect stakeholders who play key roles in ensuring the ultimate accomplishment of the devolved fund-CDF and further realization of the Kenya Vision 2030 development blue print. The regression model showed that budget (P = 0.045) had a significant influence on the level of project completion. From the findings it can be concluded that budgetary parameters influence the performance of Constituency development funded projects in Vihiga County.

Abstract:The purpose of the study was to establish the Effect of Alternative Banking Channels on Performance of Banks in Kwale County. The study sought to assess the effect of agency banking on performance of banks, in Kwale County. This study was guided by the transaction cost theory.This research adopted descriptive research design. The study targeted all 387 resident banks’ employees in Kwale County. The sample size was totaling to 87 respondents; all 12 branch managers from the branch managers’ stratum and 20% of the remaining 375 other employees’ stratum which was 75 respondents. Open and closed ended questionnaire were used to collect primary data. Data collected for this study was analysed by use of descriptive analysis techniques for which Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 17) was used to analyse data to generate reports in form of frequencies and percentages. The researcher utilized multiple linear regression models to establish the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to establish the strengths between the variables. Findings were presented in the form figures with the aid of tables and percentages arising from the analysis. The research findings are of significance to many parties such as: the government and other regulators and policy makers, the banking sector and researchers and academicians. To the government and other policy makers, the inference drawn from this study will be useful in regard to assisting in guiding and formulating policies and guidelines that would help commercial banks and other banks in the sector adopt channels that would enhance their performance which in turn will contribute to the sector’s performance.

Abstract:Interest rates offered by commercial banks globally and locally attract customers to purchase products and services of financial institutions. The magnitude of interest rate spread, however, varies across the world. It is inversely related to the degree of efficiency of the financial sector, which is an offshoot of a competitive environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of interest rate regulation on the performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: To assess the effect of reduced profit on commercial banks performance of I & M Bank; and to evaluate the effect of diversification of revenue lines on performance of commercial banks in Transnzoia County. The study was based on theories that included: Liquidity preference theory; market segmentation theory; expectations theory of interest rate; Irving Fisher’s theory of interest rate and the Interest rate parity theory respectively. The study used a descriptive research design and the independent variables comprised of interest rate regulation, investment; increase of revenue lines and uniformity of interest rates while the banks performance formed the dependent variable. The target population for the study were all the staff members of I & M bank. The study adopted a descriptive research design where every staff was targeted using the interview schedule and questionnaires. Both primary and secondary data were sourced and used for analysis. The data was collected using both quantitative and qualitative and was analyzed using both statistical analysis and inference building. The collected data was first coded statistically and then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). SPSS and Microsoft Excel enabled the researcher to compute descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, and ranges. Finally, the presentation of the results was done by the use of graphs, charts, tables, cross-tabulations and pie charts for clarity and ease of understanding of the findings.  Assessment of validity and reliability, data analysis and presentation was done using SPSS which includes Cronbach’s Alpha, Correlation and Regression. The study aimed at establishing that interest rates have a positive influence on the financial performance of financial institution as it was the main determinant of interest income.

Abstract:In this essay an attempt is made to bring out the importance of the understanding of metaphysics. The origin of the term is discussed and the implication in the ancient Greek philosophy and medieval period in the West are given some consideration. The Ancient Greek philosophers were metaphysicians with a scientific mind. Their search is to find out the one ‘stuff’ out of which the universe is made. Whereas the Pre-Socratics considered the ‘stuff’ as one or the other of the elements Socrates and Plato takes Ethics as one thing that is responsible for the universe. Aristotle names it as ‘the philosophy’ which is the ‘wisdom’ that inquires the first cause. It has implications on modern science.
Keywords:Philosophy, Metaphysics, Western understanding, Ancient Greek, Aristotle, Medieval period.

Abstract:The study was aimed at establishing the influence of open plan working environment on employees’ productivity in government institutions in Kenya, a case of Teachers Service Commission. Specific objectives were; to find out the influence of employees’ health issues on employees’ productivity in government institutions.The study adopted the social exchange theory; herzberg two factor theory; lynch’s theory and person-environment fit theory. The social exchange theory states that working environment determines the employeesworkplace behavior which affects the employees relation in an organizations. Social exchange involves a series of interactions that generate obligations amongst employees and these influences employees relations. The Herzberg two factor theory states that there are certain factors in the workplace that cause job satisfaction, while a separate set of factors cause dissatisfaction such as pay, working conditions and benefits. The lynch’s theory of office environment states that office environments namely closed office, open plan office and landscape office determines how office designs influence employees to communicates in an organization and this affects team cohesion.The person-environment fit theory was used to explain illnesses related to working conditions. The theory states that an individual wellbeing is compromised when there is a mismatch between the person and the environment and this has inversely have an impact on their productivity and these affects employees health. The study adopted a descriptive research design since the research variables were identified and to thus to determine their relationship with the dependent variable. The target population was to be a total of 920staff working at TSC offices in Nairobi. The study applied a stratified sampling technique to select a total of 120 staff as the study respondents. Questionnaires was used as the main data collection instruments and a pilot study was conducted to pretest questionnaires for reliability. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the gathered data and the results was presented on tables, figures and graphs. This contributed towards making the summary of findings, conclusion and recommendation of the study. The study was also to be of great significance to the policy makers since it highlighted some of the critical on open plan working environment on employees’ productivity in government institutions in Kenya.

Abstract:It is always important for Public Universities to set up teams to push for the vision and missions of the Universities in Ghana. Teams are pervasive in today’s world and no educational institution or organization can function properly without teamwork. In order for Public Universities to function effectively, members must engage themselves in teamwork. The Public Universities must encourage members to take good decisions and operate through the interdependent actions to achieve the set targets and goals of their institutions. In the olden days, the strength in terms of numbers for Staff and Students at the public universities in Ghana was very small, and that helped Administrators to plan and take concrete decisions,
This is not so today, the population of Staff and Students at the public universities in Ghana had increased such that members need to team-up as groups to share ideas, views and ideologies to achieve the vision and mission of their universities.

Abstract:The General objective of this research was to evaluate the factors affecting job satisfaction of quantity surveyors in Kenyan housing construction industry. The specific objectives of this project was be to establish the effect Working Environment, Level of Pay, Career Development and Leadership Styles on the job satisfaction among Kenyan housing construction industry.The study adopted both primary and secondary data analysis research design. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In addition the study used multiple regression analysis to analyze the data. The study concluded that working environment significantly and positively influenced job satisfaction. This indicates that good working condition improves job satisfaction. The study also concluded that level of pay has a significant and a positive effect on job satisfaction .This result indicates that level of pay is effective enough to enable the improvement in job satisfaction. The study further established that career development had significant and a positive effect on job satisfaction. These results indicated that the career development was effective in influencing job satisfaction. Finally; the study established that leadership styles had a significant and positive effect job satisfaction. The study recommends that the housing construction companies should create favorable work conditions for the company. The study further recommended that those companies should improve the pay treatment of its employees. It should improve the overall salary packages of employees.

Keywords: Leadership styles, Transformational leadership and Transactional Leadership.
Title:FACTORS AFFECTING JOB SATISFACTION OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS IN KENYAN HOUSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: A CASE OF HOUSING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN GARISSA COUNTY

Abstract:This study explored the strategies to enhance transformational leadership practices of principals in the context of public secondary schools in Kenya. The study employed transformational leadership theory that was conceptualized by Bass (1978) and further developed by Bass (1985). The study utilized descriptive survey design and employed concurrent triangulation mixed method approach of inquiry. Data was collected from a target population of 1,198 teachers, 96 principals using the MLQX5 tool developed by Avolio and Bass (2004). Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides that were analyzed using both descriptive (mean, standard deviation and percentages). Data was presented using frequency tables.

Abstract:Appropriate Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) programs as well as quality outcomes are directly correlated with better educated and trained teachers. In Kenya, the management of ECDE program has been devolved to the 47 counties across the country since 2013. However, limited information is available with regard to teachers’ professional qualifications and staffing levels in public preschools. The purpose of this study therefore, was to establish the similarities and differences in teachers’ professional qualifications and teacher to learner ratio in public preschools in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Siaya Counties. Specific objectives were to determine the professional qualifications of ECDE teachers employed by the four counties since 2013; and to establish the ratio of teachers to learners in each of the counties. The study was guided by Hawe’s and Stephen’s (1990) Theory of Goals, Context and Agency which stipulates that quality is interpreted under the lenses of efficiency in meeting set goals; relevance to human and environmental needs and conditions; and pursuit of excellence and human betterment. Census method was used to select 12 officials from the four counties and 27 sub county administrators. Document analysis was used for collecting data on teachers’ professional qualifications and teacher to learner ratios. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Although the findings revealed that the counties did not have properly kept ECDE records, the concerned teachers in the public preschools had good level of training. The study also revealed that the teacher to learner ratio was slightly higher in 2016 with an average of 1:56 compared to the period prior to 2013 when it was 1:53. It was recommended that the counties employ more teachers so as to improve the teacher to learner ratio to a level that is desired by the international standards. Additionally, the study recommends that further research be done on strategies to improve record keeping with regard to ECDE activities in public pre-schools.

Abstract:Project management practices especially Project risk, project team, project budget and project technology and innovation are known to affect the performance of a construction project. Success in construction project is indicated by its performance in the achievement of project time, cost, quality and stakeholder’s satisfaction. Constructions projects in Laikipia and generally in Kenya run a high risk of being well over the budget and significantly late. While some degree of cost and time schedule risks are inevitable in construction projects, it is possible to improve the project management practices to minimize their negative impacts. Poor construction budget and schedule performance informed the need for the study, this study therefore seeks to establish the effect of project management practices on performance of construction projects in Laikipia County. The study will be guided by these specific objectives; to determine the effect of project risk on performance of construction projects in Kenya, to investigate how project team affect performance of construction projects in Kenya, to find out the effect of project budget on performance of construction projects in Kenya, to find out how project technology and innovation affect performance of construction projects in Kenya. The study will be conducted on the construction companies that have initiated and completed projects or is in closure phase in Laikipia County. The study will target 350 respondents from those construction companies. The study will adopt both primary and secondary data analysis research design. Primary data will be collected using semi structured questionnaires containing both closed and open ended questions to allow variety. The quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. In addition the study will use multiple regression analysis to analyze the data.

Abstract:The purpose of the study was to investigate if there was any relationship between students” computer self efficacy and their attitude towards computers and internet in selected private secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. To achieve these objectives, two research questions were raised and  converted to hypotheses. A survey design was used in the study. The study population consisted of all SS2 students of private secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State. The sample of the study was six hundred students drawn using the stratified random sampling technique. Students’ computer self-efficacy and attitude to computers and internet questionnaire (SEACIQ) was the instrument used to collect data. Data analysis was done using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r). Findings revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between students’ computer self-efficacy and attitude toward computer and internet. It was concluded that students’ computer self-efficacy influenced students attitudes towards computer and internet. It was recommended among others that some of their test and examinations if not all should be computer and internet based to help them develop positive attitudes towards computer and internet for self efficacy in this age of technological advancement.