Archives-September 2017

Democracy needs to be clearly understood before we can appreciate the roles of the judiciary in its sustenance. It is a form of government that is responsive, responsible and guarantees to the citizens, the inalienable rights of freedom of choice, freedom of association, right to shelter, freedom from discrimination, right to clothing and unqualified respect for the rule of law. This is a form of government that connotes collective participation and despotism, tyranny and totalitarianism. On the whole, democracy according to Abraham Lincoln is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. For effective administration of justice in a democracy, courts have definite and decisive roles to play. Courts are Government institutions that settle legal disputes and administer justice. The judiciary arm of government, resolves conflicts involving individuals, organizations, government and political parties. It also has the power to review the actions of both the executives and the legislature. Although, lack of judicial independence affects the performance of the judges in Nigeria, when it comes to judicial review and delivering justice. Nevertheless, with numerous constraints facing the institution, it manages to provide fair justice to poor people and powerless individuals. The judiciary arm of government now remains the faith of Nigerians in bringing justice to reign in Nigeria, due to its numerous landmark achievements recorded so far. This paper seeks to examine the role of judiciary in entrenching democratic values in the present day Nigeria. Our focus, however, shall be on the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

This article examines the historical development of ethnicity in the Nigerian political terrain. It posits that the distinguishing feature of Nigerian politics is the role played by ethnicity in staunting the task of national development. It argues that federalism in Nigeria is a farce, as the major ethnic nationalities monopolize political power for self interest. This ethnic consciousness heightened political competition at the centre resulting in the social, political, administrative and cultural maladies that bedevil Nigeria. it concludes that elites crude accumulation for personal wealth field crisis, instability and violence which affected national development efforts.

Most NGO’s in Kenya have shifted focus to budgetary control as a way of enhancing effectiveness in their services. Recognizing the role of budget and budgetary control has gained attention which has led some organizations to establish departments for implementation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of budgetary control on the performance of NGO’s in Mombasa County. Specifically the study looked into the following objectives: effect of budget planning on the performance of Non-Governmental Organizations; effect of budget supervision on performance of Non-Governmental Organizations; effect of participative budgeting on performance of Non-Governmental Organizations; and effect of funds availability on performance of Non-Governmental Organizations. Chapter two gives theoretical review of the study by discussing capital budgeting theory, budgetary control theory and budget forecasting theoryand a conceptual study is introduced to inform and guide the study. Literature review and empirical review are also conducted. Chapter three discusses the study research methodology where descriptive survey study research design will be used. This study examined the role of budgetary control on the performance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Mombasa County. The research target population consisted of 115 Non-Governmental Organizations. Fifty two Non-Governmental Organizations were selected using stratified random sampling technique, both local and international organizations with operations in Mombasa County. A descriptive survey (questionnaires) was used in the data collection. The statistical package for social sciences version 21.0 was used to analyze the data using descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviation. The relationship between budgetary controls and performance of the NGOs was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The research findings established that there is a positive effect of budgetary control on performance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya measured by R square at 0.776. Thus this study recommends other studies be undertaken that take into account other factors like the employee characteristics, NGO turnover and age of the organization on performance. It also recommends that a study should be carried out that underscores the contribution of these factors on financial performance since the current study limited to non-financial performance indicators only.

Customer satisfaction refers to the state of mind or the perception that customers have about an organization and its products or services at the time their perceptions have been met or surpassed. Customer service is an integral part of any organization. Over the past few years, customer satisfaction and technology have become conjoined. Customers today are demanding more and more techno-savvy service that will provide quick and efficient service that will keep pace with the ever changing technological world. The water reticulation system in Mombasa is old and dilapidated and is prone to leaks and bursts. Coupled with this fact is the challenge of illegal connections done by unscrupulous persons who connect to the system unprofessionally leading to leaks. Leaks and bursts may go for days an end without being reported leading to excessive loss of water. However, residents are lax in reporting leaks in their areas and have tended to ignore the issue either out of ignorance or lethargy to report the issue. There appears to be lack of effective communication between the utility and the customers which needs to be addressed. Water services by the Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MOWASSCO) thus continue to be unsatisfactory given the key challenge of financial sustainability. Poor services invariably affects the degree of customer satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to establish the role of electronic water monitoring systems in increasing customer satisfaction with services provided by the Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company, despite the several challenges in water service provision as outlined. This research used descriptive survey where the target population totaling 600 was drawn from the five water meter reading zones in Mombasa County namely Island North, Island South, Likoni, Nyali and West Mainland. The study used primary data which was gathered using structured questionnaires. Chapter one dealt with a background of the study including a background of the water supply system and its challenges. A synopsis of customer satisfaction in public institution was given together with a brief of the water supply in Mombasa. A statement of the problem described in depth the current challenges encountered by MOWASSCO in its service delivery. The chapter also gave an insight into the use of technology in enhancing customer satisfaction. Chapter two analyzed the literature review with emphasis on adoption of technology in the service industry and also outlined the conceptual framework. Chapter three outlined the research methodology, while Chapter four analyzed the data and derived conclusions. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression, presented in tables and pie charts extracted from both MS Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software tools version 20.Lastly, Chapter five gave a summary of the study, conclusions, recommendations and further research.

The study focused on the effect of liberalization of banking industry. In the past three years Kenyan banking sector has progressed towards increasing retail banking and decreasing the corporate banking. This is evident in the efforts banks are putting to attract retail customers through advertisements and sales promotions. Retail banking in Kenya in the past years had been severely underdeveloped and marginalized, since the majority of Kenyans live below the poverty line and cannot afford the luxury life. The study therefore established the effect of retail banking on the performance of financial institutions in Kenya. The general objective of the study was to determine the effect of retail banking in the performance of financial institutions. The study was guided with the following specific objectives; lending portfolio, number of customers, branch network and deposit mobilization. The study relied on both primary sources and secondary sources. The primary sources were the operation Managers, retail managers and relationship managers of the financial institutions while the secondary sources included reviewing the literature on the banking sector in Kenya and the East Africa region, previous research carried out from the same field, annual reports regarding the industry and official company manuals. The data collection methods included questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was edited and then coded. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0. Descriptive statistics included, frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. On the other hand, inferential statistics was in form of both Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression. Correlation facilitated drawing of infrences on relationship between each of the independent variables. Multiple regression enabled assessment of the effect of the independent variables on savings mobilization performance as a whole significance. The study findings concluded that Deposit Mobilisation, Lending Portfolio and Branch Network were found to have a significant and positive impact on financial performance; it would be wise to conclude that Deposit Mobilisation, Lending Portfolio and Branch Network were found to have a strong positive relationship. On the number of customers on financial performance, the study established that Number of Customers has an insignificant relationship with financial performance. It was recommended that commercial banks should design other innovative marketing strategies which can increase the level of low cost deposits such as use of mobile phone in collecting deposits. The Management of commercial banks should put in place strategies that focus on unbanked population since they represent a significant number of customers left out which can build trust on and sustain its performance once they are included in the financial sector. The study further recommends that in- order to enhance the performance in the whole financial sector, the same study can be carried out in micro finances.

Lesson interpretation is an effective teaching and research activity performed by teachers. Physics teachers’ lesson interpretation aims to represent, explain or translate content and knowledge of physic by their own strategies and methods. Lesson interpretation has played a leading role in educating normal students in physics. In order to cultivate excellent physics teachers, normal universities should strengthen the teaching and practice of lesson interpretation.

The study aimed to examine financial factors affecting lending portfolio in commercial banks in Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were: to determine the effects of interest rates on the lending portfolio of commercial banks in Kenya; to establish the effect of deposit mobilization on the lending portfolio of commercial banks in Kenya; to assess the effect of collateral on the lending portfolio of commercial banks in Kenya; and finally determine the effect of loan repayment on the lending portfolio of commercial banks in Kenya. The study was based on Liquidity Preference Theory (LPT), Loanable Funds Theory and The Theory of Interest. The study used a cross sectional survey research design administered through questionnaires. The heads of credit related departments who are concerned with policies implementation in 43 commercial banks in Kenya formed the target population. The sample population of the study was 64 respondents. The mean, standard deviation, correlation and regression were the main statistical analysis used. It was found that interest rate had a negative correlation with lending portfolio. Deposit mobilization, which is the source of funds for the banks, had a positive effect on the lending portfolio. Emphasis on collateral requirements had a negative effect on amount of loans but increased the quality of the loans lent out (low risk of default). Finally it was found that loan repayment policies had a positive significant effect on the lending portfolio. It was concluded that unfavourable (high) interest rate reduces lending portfolio. Effective deposit mobilization strategies increases lending portfolio. Loan repayment policies increase the lending portfolio. Finally, collateral requirement increased the chance of loan repayment thus increasing the quality of lending portfolio. Consequently it was recommended that the stakeholders, especially the government to implement economic strategies that spars economic growth. The economic growth as multiplier effect in that it does not only empowers the citizens financially, it also reduces the interest rate of bank loans. There should be effective assessment mechanisms of potential borrowers so as to have appropriate collateral requirement for an individual borrower. Finally it was recommended that a complementary study that examines the causes of non-repayment in commercial banks will be ideal. This study also proposed another study be carried out that investigates the direct role of lending portfolio on bank’s financial performance.

Organizational performance in the motor industry has become a major focus of managers due to the stiff competition witnessed in the industry and technology which is changing so rapidly. With this in mind, the issue of competitive strategies of the motor industry has become paramount and organisations are preparing for stiff competition from existing competitors as well as new entrants within the industry. To achieve this objective, these organisations need strategies that are competitive, sound and outstanding to gain a competitive edge and enhance their organisational performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of competitive strategies on organizational performance at Scania East Africa Limited which is in the motor industry, specifically retail and distribution of the heavy commercial vehicles. Four specific objectives formed the basis of study and these were: to examine the effect of differentiation strategy, pricing strategy, focus strategy and innovation strategy on the organizational performance at Scania East Africa Limited. The theoretical framework included theories such as, stakeholder theory, Resource based view theory and competitive advantage theory. The target population consisted of 144 employees of Scania East Africa Limited. However, the respondents were sampled. Quantitative research design was adopted for the study. The sample size of the study was 43 which was calculated by using 30% of the total population. A modified Likert scale questionnaire was developed and divided into four parts. A pilot study was carried out to refine the instrument. The quality and consistency of the study was further assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Data analysis was performed on a PC computer using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 23) for Windows 10 computer. Analysis was done using frequency counts, percentages, means and standard deviation, regression, correlation and the information generated was presented in form of tables. The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the competitive strategies namely; differentiation strategy, pricing strategy, focus strategy and innovation strategy explained statistically significant portion of the variance associated with the extent of organizational performance. The stepwise multiple regressions indicated that among the factors influencing organizational performance at Scania East Africa Limited, the variables had more effects on improving organizational performance. This result was an emphasis on the role of differentiation strategy, pricing strategy, focus strategy and innovation strategy and explained statistically significant portion of the variance associated with the extent of organizational performance of Scania East Africa Limited. The study recommended the following: That differentiation should be derived from customer experience in other words the customer’s suggestions should be central in designing products that meets the customer’s needs; that the company should continuously use cheaper quality raw materials and skilled labour to create value for the shareholders; that the company should continuously focus on its core business activities: that innovation should be at the centre of all operational activities. Pricing strategy, Innovation strategy and focus strategy also had statistically significant effect on organisational performance at Scania East Africa Limited therefore contributing positively to organisational performance of the company

Culture is a complex issue that essentially includes all of a group’s shared values, attitudes, beliefs, assumptions, artifacts, and behaviors. Culture is broad — encompassing all aspects of its internal and external relationships—and culture is deep in that it guides individual actions even to the extent that members are not even aware they are influenced by it. Scholars tend to agree that the root of any organization’s culture is grounded in a rich set of assumptions about the nature of the world and human relationships. This study sought to establish the effect of organizational culture in the performance of the County Government of Taita Taveta. The research design which was employed is a descriptive one involving a cross sectional survey. The target population was 1,513 staff of the County Government. The sampling technique to be used will be stratified random sampling. Also, Primary data collection will be used and the data collection instrument to be utilized will be a structured questionnaire. The sample size will be 384 employees across the cadres of the County Government. The data will be interpreted, analyzed using standard deviation and the linear regression analysis model and then presented using tables, charts and graphs.

Public procurement is crucial to government service delivery. For decades procurement performance has been attracting great attention from practitioners, academicians and researchers due to poor levels of performance. Despite Government efforts for improvement, it is still marred by shoddy works, poor quality goods and services. Stakeholders complain about poor service delivery. Benefits deriving from improved procurement performance at Coast General Hospital (CGH) are dependent on systems and staff. The general objective of this study was to assess factors affecting procurement performance in public hospitals in Kenya with specific focus on the CGH. This study analyzed the factors affecting procurement performance in the public hospitals in Kenya. The research aimed to establish how procurement staff training, procurement information communication technology, supplier management and procurement ethical practices affect procurement performance of the public hospitals in Kenya. The literature review introduced theoretical literature, conceptual framework, empirical literature, critique of existing literature, summary and research gap. Various theories like Principal-Agency theory, Technology Acceptance Model, Transaction Cost Economics Theory, and Technology Diffusion Theory have been incorporated to enhance theoretical understanding of this study. Descriptive research design was used and a stratified random sampling method was used to pick a sample of the respondents who were provided with the questionnaires. The target population comprised of 74 employees from the CGH. In collecting the data, open-ended and closed-ended questions were used. A sample of 62 respondents from within each group in proportions that each group bear to the population as whole was taken using Slovin’s formula: n=N/ (1+Ne²). The data collected was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The quantitative data generated was keyed in and analyzed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) that generated information which was presented using tables, frequencies and percentages. The multiple regression model was used to show the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. The regression analysis showed that supplier management was the most related factor affecting procurement performance in public hospitals in Kenya with the strongest positive (Pearson correlation coefficient=.834) effect on procurement performance of public hospitals. In addition, staff training, ethical practices, and information communication technology were positively correlated to procurement performance of public hospitals with Pearson correlation coefficient of .761, .717 and .685 with p-values of .002<0.05, .003<0.05 and .060<0.05 respectively. However, the study established that information communication technology was the least related factor affecting procurement performance. The study recommends that the management of public hospitals in Kenya should therefore adopt supplier management, procurement staff, ethical practices and information communication technology thus ensuring value for money, improved quality service, reduced delivery time and effective procurement performance.