School of Business & Economics

Influence of Logistics Management on Export Performance of Avocado Fruit in Meru County, Kenya

2026-08-11T07:17:48Z

Influence of Logistics Management on Export Performance of Avocado Fruit in Meru County, Kenya Manyara, Kennedy; Nzomo, Mathias; Thiaine, Kubaison Purpose: This research explored the influence of logistics management on the export performance of avocado fruit in Meru County, Kenya. Methodology: The research adopted a descriptive survey design for this work. Data were collected from 18 cooperative leaders and 640 farmers belonging to two major avocado cooperatives. From this pool, 326 farmers were selected through stratified random sampling, while cooperative leaders were selected purposively. The data collection relied on questionnaires and interview guides, and their reliability was verified through pilot testing. For quantitative analysis, SPSS version 26 helped run descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and multiple regression. Qualitative data were handled through thematic analysis. Findings: The evidence shows that logistics management exerts a significant positive influence on export performance. Nonetheless, ongoing logistical shortcomings, especially poor infrastructure and insufficient cold storage, continue to restrict export volumes, compromise fruit quality, and limit market penetration. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study provides the first empirical evidence from Meru County quantifying the relationship between logistics management and export performance (β = 0.322, p < 0.001), demonstrating that while cooperatives recognize logistics as critical, current practices, particularly in cold chain management and digital integration, remain severely underdeveloped. Unlike previous studies focused on large-scale exporters, this research reveals that smallholder cooperatives face distinctive constraints requiring collective solutions rather than individual investments.

Effectiveness of financial regulations on growth of deposit taking Savings and Credit Cooperative in Mount Kenya Region

2023-06-20T07:06:45Z

Effectiveness of financial regulations on growth of deposit taking Savings and Credit Cooperative in Mount Kenya Region Mbuko, Joseph Mwenda. Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) societies are key players in providing financial services to Kenyans. Over the years, the expansion of SACCO has been seen as panacea to alleviate poverty in the society through financial inclusion. This fast growth has not been devoid of SACCOs facing myriad of challenges. Financial regulations were established by the Government to prudently control and regulate SACCO sector operations to safeguard the shareholders' interests. After SASRA regulations of 2010 came into effect, there was 18.6% decline in existing deposits taking SACCOs. This translated into a collapse of forty (40) SACCOs countywide. This decline was against the expectation that there would be sustained growth o SACCOs in respect to SACCO regulations. This study sought to establish the effectiveness of financial regulations on the growth of deposit-taking SACCOs in Mount Kenya region. The research hypotheses stated that licensing regulations, Capital adequacy regulation, liquidity regulations, and loan provisioning had any significant effect on the growth of deposit-taking SACCOs in Mount Kenya region. Descriptive research design and inferential statistics were used in the study. The target population was fifty-four SACCOs from eight Counties of Mount Kenya region. A census method was used to collect data from the total population. A questionnaire was employed as the main data collection instrument for Primary data. Secondary data was obtained from SACCO Society Regulatory Authority (SASRA) annual supervision reports. The reliability of the study was assessed using Cronbach alpha coefficient. Quantitative data analysis was undertaken for both Primary and Secondary data collected. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Tables were used to present the results. Multiple regressions were used to test the research hypotheses for the turnover of DTS against financial regulations to determine the associations among the study variables. The study findings established that licensing (r =0.945) had a strong positive correlation with the growth of SACCOs. However, capital adequacy (r =0479), liquidity (r =0.478), and loan provisioning r =0.393) had a positive weak correlation with the growths of DTS. The study concluded that all the variables under study are statistically significant in explaining the growth of deposit-taking SACCO in Kenya. The study recommends a review of the licensing regulations by the government through SARA to save witnessed decline of SACCO and bring more entities on board as SACCOs for sustainable financial inclusion. The study recommends the government through SARA to review the liquidity challenged encountered by SACCOs and ensure SACCOs have a way to pool their resources together hence cushion them from stiff competition from other financial players in the industry and salvage SACCOs for sustainable growth.

Internal Control System as Means of Fraud Control in Deposit Taking Financial Institutions in Imenti North Sub-County

2020-02-05T14:30:19Z

Internal Control System as Means of Fraud Control in Deposit Taking Financial Institutions in Imenti North Sub-County Nyakarimi, Samuel Ngigi; Karwirwa, Mary The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between internal control systems (ICS) and fraud control in deposit taking financial institutions. ICS was analyzed based on its component which include; Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication and Monitoring. The Researcher set out to establish how ICS could be used to control fraud in financial institutions. The researcher set study objectives and hypotheses that assisted in establishing the relationship sort. The research was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches using Stratified random sampling, ANOVA and Descriptive Research Designs. Data was collected using Questionnaires from the operations managers and supervisors, from various deposit taking financial institutions in Imenti North Subcounty. A sample of 92 respondents from a population of 120 was used for this study. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) where conclusions were drawn from tables and figures derived from the Package. The study found that the financial institutions analyzed recruit through vetting on competences and integrity, the organization structure reflects chain of command, there are proper follow-up of delegated responsibilities and the employees are promoted and compensated fairly. On risk assessment the study revealed that the institutions have proper mechanisms of mitigating risks, financial documents are properly kept, and there are processes of identifying and estimating risks. Though there was agreement that there are no cases of missing documents to authenticate transaction the analysis reflected a low mean than in other parameters. In analyzing control activities it was found that transactions are undertaken by authorized personnel, reconciliations are done regularly, proper accounting principles are applied and there is proper segregation of duties. Further the study showed that there is job rotation and verifications are done to reduce chances of forgery. The study revealed that the institutions have developed means of passing information, the employees are informed of their roles, besides engaging external parties to verify financial statements they also act upon the findings quickly. In monitoring organizations have evaluation mechanisms, they also have plans on activities and ensures that the laid down rules are followed. Research study found that there are continuous checks to ensure controls are working well. The study established a significant relationship between ICS and fraud control. The researcher recommends that the management of these institutions should establish proper mechanisms of promoting qualified and deserving employees, also the institutions should ensure fair remunerations based on qualification, responsibilities and output of employees. The study recommends that the financial institutions establish and manages knowledge or information management system within the institution, so as to enable all parties within the institution to freely access and utilize necessary official information that will enable the employees to embrace and appreciate their roles in enhancing vigilance against fraudsters.

Influence of corporate social responsibility activities on financial performance of commercial banks in Meru town, Meru County

2020-02-05T14:30:20Z

Influence of corporate social responsibility activities on financial performance of commercial banks in Meru town, Meru County Karuti, Jephitha Kirimi.; Shano, M; Rukangu, S There has been an increased and contained expenditure by a number of corporate organizations on activities that relate to corporate social responsibility (CSR) over the years globally. It is now accepted and expected that a profit- making organization must engage in socially responsive activities.The study examined CSR activities;education support, environmental conservation and infrastructure development which influence financial performance of commercial banks in Meru town Meru County. The study employed descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised of 212 staff of the 17 commercial banks that were selected using stratified random sampling method.Questionnaires for the commercial bank staff was the primary method of data collection. The instrument were piloted from the commercial banks Makutano which were included in the study sample. Data collected was analysed through the use of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) version 20.0 and then presented in frequencies and percentages in tables and charts. By the aid of descriptive and correlations designs data was analysed to deduce relationships. The findings indicated that CRS activities had a significant influence on financial performance with education support activities having the greatest influence. The alternative hypotheses were accepted. Since the study recommended that CSR activities can be generalized to the other financial institutions like SACCOs and micro-finances.