Research Publications
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Item Effect Of Financial Capability On Investment Among Financially Included Youth: Case Of Nyeri And Kirinyaga Counties, Kenya(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2016-08) Kiai, Richard M.; Ng'ang'a, S.I; Kiragu, David, N.; Kinyanjui, Josphat, K.Financial inclusion has been found to play a critical role in poverty and unemployment reduction through household investments. This has seen countries put concerted efforts towards enhancing financial inclusion with the main objective of reducing poverty and unemployment. Kenya has also put efforts and has seen notable levels of increase of financial inclusion. Majority of the citizens can now access wide range of financial services. Contrary to high levels of financial inclusion in Kenya, unemployment and poverty levels are still high in Kenya and more pronounced among the youth. The purpose of this study was to establish whether financial capability has any effects on investment among financial included youth in Kenya. Specifically, the study was to establish whether financial products awareness, financial concepts understanding, financial management skills and financial discipline affects investment among financially included youths in Kenya. The study population was Kenyan youth aged between 18 to 35 years from Kirinyaga and Nyeri Counties. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict undertaking investments using financial products awareness, financial concepts understanding, financial management skills and financial discipline as predictors. The Wald criterion demonstrated that financial concepts understanding, financial management skills and financial discipline made a significant contribution to prediction. Financial products awareness was not a significant predictor. As a way of enhancing investment and ensuring financial inclusion achieves its objective, this study recommends enhancement of financial capability among the youth.Item COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ENTERPRISE RISKS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BETWEEN MICRO AND SMALL INDUSTRIES (MSIS) AND MEDIUM AND LARGE INDUSTRIES (MLIS) IN NAKURU MUNICIPALITY, KENYA(European Journal of Business and Social Sciences, 2015-02) Ng'ang'a, S.I; Muthusi, B.M.; Nassiuma, B.Micro and Small Enterprises cut across all sectors of the economy, providing a prolific source of employment, income and government revenue and contributes to poverty reduction. The sector comprises 75% of all businesses in the country, employs more than 4.6 million people (30%) and accounts for 18.4% of the country’s GDP 2014. However, two-thirds of micro and small enterprises fail within the first few months of operation. Further, small and micro manufacturing industries due to their size are more vulnerable to business uncertainties compared to medium and large industries. The objective of this study was to compare the enterprise risks, and risk management practices between micro and small industries on the one hand and medium and large manufacturing industries on the other hand in Nakuru Municipality. A combination of descriptive and comparative study designs was used. The most common risks in medium and large manufacturing enterprises were theft, personal injuries, property damages and critical machine breakdowns while in micro and small industries common risks were property damages, theft and natural calamities. There was a significant difference in the level of risks facing small and large industries on risks stemming from the business internal environment. Risks from external environment were not significantly different between the Micro & Small and medium & large enterprises.Item TRANSFORMING WOMEN LIVELIHOODS BY DAIRY FARMING AND MICROFINANCE IN BUNYALA, WESTERN KENYA(Journal of Studies in Accounts and Economics, 2013-01) Omillo, F.O.; Ng'ang'a, S.I; Bennett, H.This paper is about microfinance viewed as a social change “tool kit” and its consequent effects on livelihoods of women of Bunyala, especially those involved in small-scale diary farming. The study investigated microfinance strategies, effects and challenges encountered by the farmers. Census techniques were applied in collecting primary data on all 93 dairy farmers in Bunyala District. The main instruments of data collection were questionnaires and document analysis. Data was obtained from dairy farmers, key respondents from the government, civil society organizations and microfinance institutions in Budalang‟i. The data collected was coded and keyed into computer using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) computer program. It was further analyzed and organized in tables, pie and bar charts for easy interpretation. Gender preferences in accessing microfinance services were not there and collateral was the biggest challenge in accessing microcredit. In conclusion microfinance was an important toolkit in providing social change and improving the livelihoods. The study suggests that women in Bunyala be empowered through trainings especially on saving methods so as to use microfinance optimallyItem ENTREPRENEURIAL UTILIZATION OF CRUSHED STONE DUST: A COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS(International Journal of Science Innovations and Discoveries, 2014-04-24) Ng'ang'a, S.I; Miyancha, O.; Omboto, P.I.; Likavo, P.L.Crushed stone is a by-product of crushing stone which has been considered as unsalable and of no significant value. But entrepreneurs seek to use all resources and reduce waste to increase their profit margin and thus utilization of crushed stones will reduce pollution of; natural habitat, air, water and soil. Not much has been done in stone dust utilization and thus this paper examines not only the technological feasibility of using quarry dust as a concrete building material but also undertakes a cost benefit analysis for the same. The study was a case design of Sirikwa Quarry. The quarry dust was tested experimentally for technical viability in the production of building blocks; an impact assessment was conducted and a cost benefit analysis carried out to determine the commercial viability as well as social cost benefit of utilizing the quarry dust as a raw material in the manufacture of building blocks. The findings from this study are significant to the Ministries of environment and public works, local and international construction companies and quarries and SMEs. The findings indicate stone dust can replace river sand in making of concrete blocks which will lower cost building materials, reduce cost of housing and dispose stone dust leading to clean environment. It is thus recommended strongly that SMEs in the construction industry use stone dust in concrete blocks manufacture in the place of river sand.Item DETERMINANTS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A Panel Data Approach(International Journal of Economics and Management Sciences, 2012) Ndambiri, H.K; Ritho, C.; Ng'ang'a, S.I; Kubowon, P.C.; Mairura, F.C.; Nyangweso, P.M.; Muiruri, E.M.; Cherotwo, F.H.Based on a panel data of 19 Sub Saharan countries for the years 1982-2000, this study explores the determinants of economic growth in the region. Given that economic growth is essentially seen as a dynamic phenomenon, the study employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to account for the factors that influence the growth of economies in the region. The study results indicate that physical capital formation, a vibrant export sector and human capital formation significantly contribute to the economic growth among sub- Saharan countries. However, government expenditure, nominal discount rate and foreign aid significantly lead to negative economic growth. As found out in the study, it is recommended that relevant policies be formulated to promote those sectors that enhance economic growth in the regionItem Collective efficiency and its effects on infrastructure planning and development for small manufacturing enterprises in Kenya(International Journal of Business and Public Management, 2011-03) Ng'ang'a, S.I; Onyango, G.M.; Kerre, B.W.This paper explores the extent of use of collective efficiency among the wood enterprises in Kenya and its effect on the infrastructure planning and development. Small manufacturing enterprises are known to contribute to economic dynamism, entrepreneurship and industrial development in less developed countries. However, they are handicapped by lack of capacity to accumulate capital, develop infra- structure and acquire technologies necessary for competing in a liberalized global market individually. Data was obtained from 284 wood enterprises owner/managers selected through multistage sampling in western Kenya and by use of questionnaires, observation checklists and documentary analysis. Data analysis by regression shows that infrastructure development is affected linearly by collective efforts. The paper recommends that industrial infrastructure planning in Kenya should be informed by the Collective efficiency, Networking, Systems approach and Constructivism paradigms so as to anchor the small manufacturing enterprises in the industrialization process. The paper also recommends that a Jua Kali development authority should be established to address the needs of the small manufacturing enterprises sector borrowing from the export processing zones authority model.Item The logarithmic relationship between collective efficiency and technology development in wood enterprises in Kenya(Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, 2011-03) Ng'ang'a, S.I; Onyango, G.M.; Kerre, B.W.Small Manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs) contribute to economic dynamism, entrepreneurship and have potentials to contribute to sustainable industrial development in less developed countries (LDCs). They are however handicapped since they lack the capacity to develop infrastructure and acquire technologies that give them a competitive advantage in the global market. This paper explores collective efficiency as a paradigm that could inform technology development in LDCs to enhance SMEs growth. Data was obtained from wood based enterprises owner/managers (284) who were sampled from three districts Kericho, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu all in the Rift valley province of Kenya using multistage sampling strategy. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, observation and documentary analysis. Using regression analysis the study found the relationship between collective efficiency and technology development in wood based enterprises to be logarithmic. This revealed that the rate of change in technology development is higher with higher levels of joint actions up to a certain maximum point when further joint actions do not benefit the wood based enterprise. These findings demonstrate the need for a paradigm shift in the support of SMEs sector in order to sustain industrial development. The use of collective efficiency paradigm in the planning and development of infrastructure that anchors technology development for the SMEs is recommended.Item Constructivism and the Likert Scale on the Perception of Teaching/Learning Creativity at the University Level(Journal of Sociological Research, 2013-01) Ng'ang'a, S.I; Otii, L.This paper interrogates the constructivists learning environment, the constructivists learning activities and the use of the likert scale in assessing the effectiveness of teaching/learning creativity at the university level. The rapid growth in demand of university education, the rapid expansion and proliferation of both public and private universities and university colleges and the privately sponsored student programs necessitates that we continuously monitor and evaluate their performance and the creative abilities bestowed upon graduates as they join the labor market. The paper is informed by a case of a postgraduate student who sought to investigate and analyze from the students perspective, the input factors into a university system through a transformation process that leads to graduates who are expected to have creative capabilities and fit into the ever changing society. The thesis examination process was faced by challenges that lead to the program taking six years instead of the prescribed two, yet he is still the lucky one, the most of his class mates are not that lucky. The authors relate the experience they shared as student and supervisor in the process. The paper concludes that there is a problem in the constructivist learning environment created-the faculty, facilities and programs and also dissatisfaction in the methodologies employed and the role played by the facilitators. It is therefore recommended that the universities should re-examine the environment, the transformation process and the outputs to ensure that graduates meet the dynamic needs of a global society.Item Technological Innovation: Higher Education, Small Manufacturing Enterprises Growth and the Five (i) Technological Development Model In Kenya(International Journal of Innovative Technology and Research, 2015-07) Ng'ang'a, S.I; Kabethi, J.M.; Kiumbe, P.M.; Otii, L.: In Less Developed Countries (LDCs), most graduates from higher institutions learning are absorbed in the informal sector and/or micro and small enterprises. Knowledge development through training, research and experiential learning may lead to creating or discovering new knowledge/technology or creating new value by applying knowledge/technology to societal or business challenges. While the Small Manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs) do not have the capacity to develop knowledge through Research and Development (R&D), it is not clear how universities and institutions of higher learning should help bridge this gap. There is need to develop strategies that enhance acquisition and development of technologies among SMEs in LDCs that in turn makes them competitive in the global market. This paper explores the five (i)s Importation, Imitation, Improvement, Innovation and invention in technology acquisition and development by SMEs and the role played by institutions of higher learning in Kenya. The discourse is informed by primary data collected from 137 SME owner/managers sampled from five (5) municipalities in Kenya and tested using the production function theory that seeks to establish interrelationships between the variables technology Importation, Imitation, Improvement, Innovation and Invention among SMEs in Kenya and the extent to which they influence enterprise growth. Real life Cases are used to illustrate this discourse. The paper establishes significant relationships and concludes that for Kenya and other LDCs to become knowledge based economies, SMEs have to be looped in through empowerment and capacity building, roles universities and institutions of higher learning should brace themselves to undertake. For the SMEs to be innovative and technologically savvy, the five (i) model would come in handy. The government support policies should facilitate the models application and use.Item Technology adoption in socializing applied sciences for exploitation of renewable natural resources sustainably(International Journal of Innovative Technology and Research, 2014-11) Ng'ang'a, S.IKenya Vision 2030 aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle class income country providing high quality life to all her citizens in a safe and secure environment by the year 2030. To achieve this, generation and management of a knowledge based economy and the contribution of indigenous inventions and technologies has been recognized as vital. A lot of efforts have been put in place on the application of Science, Technology and innovations as an engine and driver of knowledge based economy which is subject of re-evaluation during the innovation week. This paper looks at the socialization of applied sciences, adoption, adaption, transfer and diffusion of technologies with a view to measuring productivity, optimizing utilization of natural resources and bringing on board the “critical mass” of the small holder and small and micro enterprises (SMEs) to play their role in bringing about the desired change. The paper proposes a Technology Adoption Facilitation model (TAFaM) where the institutions of higher learning will play a pivotal role not only in creating and disseminating technologies but also in anchoring and overseeing technology adoption, transfer and diffusion by SMEs and Small scale Agribusiness in LDCs. This will not only engage youths, create self employment, generate income, contribute to economic development but also fight poverty, reduce hunger increase food security and improve quality of life. Two case studies are used to inform the discourse.