School of Business & Public Management
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Item Co- creating human- centred climate solutionsthrough challenge- based learning: Insightsfrom Kenya–UK learning and design lab(British Educational Research Association., 2025) Mwangi, Renson Muchiri.; Muthuri, Judy N.; Kutuk,Gulsah.; Muriithi,Betsy.; Kamere, Grace.; Faßbender, Karina.Abstract The global climate crisis calls for innovative educational approaches that empower individuals to critically engage with its complexities and inequalities. Climate change education (CCE) is a key strategy to foster the knowledge, agency, and action needed for such engagement, particularly within higher education. Yet, traditional content- driven approaches often fail to address the dynamic and context-specific nature of climate change impacts. This article explores the potential of human- centered challenge-based learning (HCCBL) to promote equitable and inclusive CCE through transdisciplinary co- creation and Global North–South dialogue. We draw on findings from the UK- Kenya University Partnerships: Learning and Design Lab, a British Council project that involved undergraduate and postgraduate students from universities in Kenya and England in the United Kingdom. Sixty (60) university students collaborated in intercultural teams across three labs to co-create solutions for real-world climate resilience challenges identified by three (3) industry partners in Kenya. The findings highlight HCCBL's value in bridging theoretical knowledge and real-world application as well as enhancing students' problem-solving and intercultural competencies. However, challenges such as cultural dynamics, time constraints, and asymmetric travel opportunities underscore the need for adaptive and equitable facilitation. This study positions HCCBL as a transformative pedagogy in CCE that supports co- creation, knowledge exchange, and sustainability leadership among university students in high-vulnerability contexts. It also discusses implications for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders who are committed to inclusive, justice-oriented climate action through educationItem Capital adequacy, risk absorption, and operational efficiency of Islamic in sub-Saharan Africa(University of Turin, 2026) Njogo, Michael Njoroge.; Korir, Fiona Jepkosgei.; Dallu,Abdallah Mambo.Abstract This study examines how capital adequacy shapes the operational efficiency of Islamic banks in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with particular emphasis on its role as an internal risk-absorption mechanism rather than a purely prudential stability buffer. Despite its central role in Islamic banking regulation, the efficiency implications of capital adequacy, particularly in developing and institutionally constrained Islamic finance markets, remain largely unexplored. Based on a balanced panel of fully-fledged Islamic banks in SSA from2010to 2024, the paper employs a two-step empirical approach. Bias-corrected operational efficiency scores are estimated in the first stage using the Simar–Wilson two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework. In the second stage, we explore the non-linear effects of capital adequacy on efficiency using panel regression techniques, controlling for bank-specific and institutional factors. To address endogeneity, persistence, and reverse causality, a dynamic panel model is estimated using System GMM as a robustness check. The findings indicate non-linear relationship between capital adequacy and operational efficiency. Moderate capital buffers are associated with improved efficiency through higher loss absorption capacity and stabilisation of operating costs, while excessive capitalisation is accompanied by scale inefficiencies and less effective intermediation. These results indicate that Islamic banking exhibits an efficiency trade-off in capital adequacy, as prudential strength beyond an optimal level may limit productivity in resource allocation. The study makes an important contribution to Islamic banking literature by reframing capital adequacy as a channel of structural efficiency and by providing rare dynamic evidence from SSA. This raises policy implications and suggests the need for commensurate capital calibration that balances prudential resilience against operational efficiency for emerging Sharīʿah-compliant banking systems.Item Scale efficiency and technical efficiency in Islamic banks: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa(SSBFNET, 2026) Njogo, Michael Njoroge.; Korir, Fiona Jepkosgei.; Dallu,Abdallah Mambo.Abstract This study investigates whether inefficiencies in Islamic banking in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are primarily driven by managerial limitations or by suboptimal scale of operations. While existing studies largely report aggregate efficiency scores, limited attention has been given to decomposing efficiency into its underlying components in emerging Islamic banking systems, particularly within the SSA context. The study employs a balanced panel of 35 fully fledged Islamic banks operating in SSA over the period 2010–2024. Operational efficiency is estimated using a bias-corrected Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model under an input-oriented Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) framework. To enhance statistical reliability, the Simar–Wilson bootstrap procedure with 2,000 replications is applied. Efficiency scores are decomposed into pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency to distinguish between managerial inefficiencies and structural scale constraints. The results indicate that overall efficiency levels remain low, with inefficiencies largely driven by scale factors rather than managerial performance. A significant proportion of banks operate under increasing returns to scale, suggesting suboptimal size linked to structural constraints such as limited market depth, fragmented regulatory environments, and underdeveloped financial infrastructure. Although pure technical efficiency shows moderate improvement over time, managerial gains are insufficient to offset these systemic limitations. The findings highlight the need for regulatory harmonization, market integration, and strategic expansion or consolidation to enable Islamic banks to achieve optimal scale and improve operational efficiency in SSA. This study provides one of the first comprehensive efficiency decomposition analyses of Islamic banks in SSA using bias-corrected DEA, offering new insights into the relative importance of structural versus managerial sources of inefficiency in emerging financial systems.Item Catch-up or divergence? Operational efficiency convergence dynamics of Islamic banks in SSA(SSBFNET, 2026) Njogo, Michael Njoroge.; Korir, Fiona Jepkosgei.; Dallu,Abdallah Mambo.Abstract This study examines whether Islamic banks in SSA exhibit convergence in operational efficiency or whether performance disparities persist over time. Specifically, it evaluates whether less efficient banks catch up with more efficient peers within the region’s emerging Islamic banking sector. The study adopts a two-stage empirical framework using panel data from 35 Islamic banks across SSA over the period 2010–2024. In the first stage, operational efficiency scores are estimated using a bias-corrected Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model following the Simar and Wilson two-stage approach. An input-oriented specification under Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) is employed to reflect cost minimization behaviour and heterogeneity in bank size. Bias correction is implemented using a bootstrap procedure to obtain consistent efficiency estimates. In the second stage, convergence dynamics are analysed using sigma (σ) and beta (β) convergence models, alongside conditional convergence regressions incorporating bank size, age, and market concentration. The results reveal significant β-convergence, with the baseline model yielding a coefficient of −0.267 (p < 0.01), while the conditional model confirms robust convergence (β = −0.2836, p < 0.01), indicating that banks with lower initial efficiency improve at a faster rate than more efficient institutions, consistent with catch-up dynamics. However, σ-convergence results show that efficiency dispersion declined between 2010 and 2019 but increased after 2020, indicating that convergence was time-varying rather than uniform. This suggests that while convergence forces exist, structural differences and external shocks continue to sustain efficiency gaps across banks. The findings highlight the need for stronger regulatory harmonization, improved financial infrastructure, and targeted capacity-building initiatives to accelerate efficiency convergence across Islamic banks in SSA.Item The Effect of Financial Leverageas a Financial Distress Factor on Financial Performance on Commercial Banks in Kenya(European Journal of Business and Management, 2017) Sporta, Fred O.; Ngugi, Patrick K.; Ngumi, Patrick; Nanjala, Christine S.This study attempted to determine the effect of financial leverage as a financial distress factor on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Secondary data was used in a census commercial banks from 2005 to 2015 was extracted from financial statements of 38 commercial banks out of the possible 44 commercial banks in operation as at 31st December, 2015 in accordance to CBK as a regulatory body. Data was collected from 2005 to 2015.descriptive and analytical design was adopted. The results show perfect positive correlation between debt equity ratio with return on equity and return on assets as well return on equity. The study was limited to the commercial banks in Kenya, the findings were only interpreted to commercial banks in Kenya and they will not be generalized for all financial institutions.Item Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Orientation on the Relationship between Relationship Lending and Financial Performance of manufacturing SMEs in Kenya(European Journal of Business and Management, 2015) Rotich, Abraham K; Wanjau, Kenneth L,; Namusonge, GregoryThe purpose of this study was to determine the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the relationship between relationship lending and financial performance of manufacturing SMEs in Kenya. Relationship lending has gained a lot of interest worldwide as it is seen as an avenue to help bridge the information gap between SMEs and the banks thus ultimately helping SMEs access credit. Further, although credit is important to SMEs, entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is key as it determines the success or failure of SMEs. There is little research that has been done to determine if EO moderates the relationship between relationship lending and SME performance in Kenya. The study used a crossectional survey research design with the population being the 620 manufacturing SMEs involved in relationship lending arrangements with commercial banks in Kenya. Stratified random sampling was used to pick a sample of 160 from which the proprietors / CEOs of the respective companies filled the questionnaires. The main data collection instrument was a semi structured questionnaire. The hypotheses in this study were tested using structural equation modeling and hierarchical moderated multiple regression (MMR). The study found evidence that EO moderates the relationship between relationship lending and financial performance of manufacturing SMEs in Kenya. Further the study determined that relationship lending positively impacts on financial performance of SMEs. It also foundItem Youth Engagement with Co-operatives in Kenya(ResearchGate, 2016) Mwangi, Renson M.; Maina, Rosemary; Kairo, David; Simiyu, Christine N.; Njogo, MichaelDynamism, innovation, entrepreneurship, adaptability, continuity and renewal; words that are benignly associated with youth. But the youth face daunting challenges that inhibit realization of this potential; unemployment, ostracization, inexperience, self-destruction through substance abuse among others. Moreover, in spite of the enumerated potential of the youth, their engagement and participation in Kenyan co-operative societies is largely undocumented and less is known about their involvement with, as well as their attitudes and behaviors towards co operatives. How much knowledge about co-operatives do the youth possess? What is their level of awareness about the potential positive impact of co-operatives on their welfare? What impediments do they encounter when joining co-operatives? Relying on survey data collected from nine (9) Counties in Kenya, and focus group discussions held in five major towns, this research sought to examine and gain valuable insights into the perceptions, behavior and attitudes of the Kenyan youth toward co-operatives. While most of the youth were found to be cognizant of the existence of co-operatives, knew people who have benefitted from them, and perceive co-operatives to be important vehicles for accessing credit and accumulating saving, paradoxically many of them did not belong to co-operative. These findings have important implications on how co-operatives can engage the youth: a) Educate them on the importance of saving for the future and encourage them to engage in income-generating activities. b) Co operatives should strive to ingratiate themselves with the youth by developing products that resonate with them. c) When reaching out, adoption of communication technologies that appeal to the youth is crucially essential. d) Co-operatives should make themselves more accessible to the youth by flexing membership rules and savings plans. e) Learning institutions – schools, colleges and universities – should consider incorporating co-operative studies in their curricula to enlighten young people on the co-operative model. f) Co-operatives should also consider developing mentorship programs to mainstream the youth into leadership.Item Constructs of Successful and Sustainable SME Leadership in East Africa(Research Gate, 2016) Mwangi, Renson MDespite the markedly increased foreign investment, East African economies remain characterized by low levels of investment and capital formation with high level of attrition among indigenous small and medium enterprises.While there is a high failure rate among these SMEs, some are beginning to turn the corner and are exhibiting signs of robustness, inovetivness and sustainability. Relying on narrative accounts of successful SMEs leaders in Kenya and Uganda obtained through interviews and focus group discussions, this study sought to construct an account of leadership practices and ascription of success for SMEs that had succeeded. The study identified eight leadership constructs characteristic of successful SME leaders in Kenya and Uganda grouped into visioning, building commitment, social capital, personal values, anticipation and resilience, resourcefulness, responsiveness, and entrepreneurial orientation. While these results, on the face value, are apparently not unique, it was in the nuances of the leadership practice that difference was made. In conclusion, the study highlights implications for these findings in relation to policy and leadership practice among SMEs.Item Service Quality in Kenyan Universities: Dimensionality and Contextual Analysis(European Journal of Business and Management, 2014) Owino, Edward; Kibera, Francis; Munyoki, Justus; Wainaina, GituroThe dimensionality of service quality remains debatable with extant literature revealing divergence in thought. This study examined the dimensions of service quality and tested the existence of a significant difference in service quality perception between public and private university students in Kenya. Guided by a positivist paradigm and cross-sectional sample survey, data was collected from 750 randomly selected respondents. A 56 item scale instrument based on performance only paradigm was self-administered to select university students. Factor analysis was employed in determining potent service quality dimensions and Analysis of Variance test used in comparative analysis. A four-factor construct was revealed, with service blueprint emerging as an additional dimension of service quality in the Kenyan university context. It was established that there exists a significant difference in the dimensions of service quality between public and private university students. This implied that an appreciation of service quality dimensions is imperative in managing student’s expectation and that the university managers have to apply contingent service quality practices. The study recommends adequate regulation to standardize service quality irrespective of the service context.Item Antecedents of Customer Perceived Value: Evidence of Mobile Phone Customers in Kenya.(International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2014) Owino, Edward O.As the mobile phone industry in Kenya gets competitive, customer retention becomes an imperative precursor to firm performance. For this reason, the study was so conceived to examine factors that influence customer perceived value amongst Kenyan mobile phone customers. The study analysed perceived service quality and the perception of price amongst cell phone users. A survey of 400 randomly selected respondents was undertaken. A structured instrument covering background information, customer expectation and customer perception was adopted in primary data collection. The results shows that perceived quality of service and perceived price determine customer’s perception of value. The results indicate the existence of a significant differences exist between what customers expect and what they perceive they experience after a service encounter. Service managers should compete on providing services of high value to gain a competitive edge in this market.