https://repository.kcau.ac.ke/handle/123456789/9 2026-04-19T17:24:12Z 2026-04-19T17:24:12Z Gitonga, Esther W. https://repository.kcau.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1609 2026-02-04T00:01:54Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Fintech services, financial literacy and financial inclusion among rice farmers in Mwea irrigation scheme, Kirinyaga county Gitonga, Esther W. Financial inclusion is a key driver of economic development, particularly for rural smallholder farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. In Mwea, Kirinyaga County, rice farmers face persistent financial exclusion due to limited access to formal credit, savings, and insurance services. Despite the increasing availability of financial technology (FinTech) solutions, such as digital payments, mobile credit, and digital insurance, adoption remains low. Barriers such as high transaction costs, distrust in financial institutions, low financial literacy, and inadequate digital infrastructure hinder farmers' ability to integrate FinTech into their financial activities. This study investigated the role of FinTech services in promoting financial inclusion and examined the moderating effect of financial literacy on FinTech adoption and usage among smallholder rice farmers in Mwea. The study targeted a population of 16,000 rice farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, and employed descriptive research. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) formula, a sample of 390 farmers were selected through stratified random sampling to ensure a proportional and representative distribution across different farming zones. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, administered through face-to-face interviews to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. Diagnostic tests assessed residual normality, homoscedasticity, linearity, and multicollinearity, ensuring statistical accuracy. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the research instrument, while test-retest reliability was used to verify consistency over time. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to analyse the data. Pearson correlation showed all four digital financial services positively and significantly correlated with financial inclusion, with digital insurance strongest (r = 0.768). Multiple regression indicated the services explained 71.9% of financial inclusion variance; digital payments and credit significantly predicted inclusion, while savings and insurance did not. Adding financial literacy as a moderator did not significantly improve the model, though the interaction between digital payments and financial literacy was marginally significant, suggesting a potential moderating effect needing further investigation.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Nyantika, Bevaline N. https://repository.kcau.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1608 2026-02-04T00:01:51Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Chief executive officer characteristics and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya Nyantika, Bevaline N. The performance of commercial banks is critical to the stability and growth of Kenya’s financial sector and the broader economy. This study investigates the influence of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) characteristics on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Specifically, it examines the effects of demographic attributes age, gender, education, and tenure on key financial indicators, including profitability, return on assets (ROA), and net interest margins. Anchored in the Upper Echelons Theory, the study adopts a quantitative research design and utilizes secondary data sourced from the annual reports and regulatory filings of 39 licensed commercial banks over the period 2003 to 2023. Regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between CEO attributes and bank performance. The results indicate that certain CEO characteristics significantly influence financial outcomes. CEO tenure and gender diversity were positively associated with improved performance, suggesting that longer-serving CEOs and greater female representation at the executive level enhance strategic outcomes. CEO age also demonstrated a positive relationship with performance, reflecting the value of experience and maturity in executive decision-making. In contrast, the impact of educational background was inconclusive, showing no consistent effect across all performance metrics. These findings highlight the strategic role of executive leadership in shaping financial performance in the banking sector. The study offers key insights for policymakers, bank boards, and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of integrating CEO demographic considerations into leadership selection processes. Recommendations include the adoption of performance-based remuneration systems, fostering leadership continuity, and promoting gender diversity in top executive roles. Overall, the study enhances understanding of leadership dynamics in corporate governance and lays the groundwork for future research on executive influence in financial institutions.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Karanja, Teresa N. https://repository.kcau.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1607 2026-02-04T00:01:48Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Diversified revenue streams and the financial sustainability of non-governmental organizations in Kenya Karanja, Teresa N. For NGOs to sustain their operations and preserve their influence, achieving financial sustainability is vital. Diversifying an organization's income streams is essential, especially in light of the reduction in donor financing. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how revenue diversification affects non-governmental organizations' (NGOs') long-term financial sustainability in Kenya. In particular, it looked at how grants, fee-based services, interest income from revolving funds, and income generating activities affected Kenyan NGOs' ability to be financially sustainable. The study was guided by three important theories: Resource-Based View, Institutional Theory, and Resource Dependency Theory. A descriptive study design was used, with 249 Nairobi County-based NGOs as the target population. 154 NGOs that were committed to reducing poverty were chosen through the use of a purposive sampling technique and simple random sampling. The main method of gathering data was a survey of one hundred fifty-four managers from these NGOs using questionnaires. The data that had been evaluated was displayed using both inferential and descriptive statistics. The results showed that grants, fee-based services, interest from revolving funds, and income generating activities all had an impact on NGOs' ability to remain financially sustainable. The findings showed a correlation between increased financial sustainability and an increase in any of these revenue streams, including, grants, and fee-based services. On the other hand, a rise in these sources of income, income generating activities and interest income decreased financial viability. Therefore, there was a better likelihood that NGOs with a variety of income streams would continue to be financially stable. The study came to the conclusion that every revenue source it looked at was important in figuring out financial viability. The report suggested that NGOs should focus on building and maintaining strong, diverse relationships with a wide range of donors. It also recommended NGOs should invest in building their capacity to deliver high-quality, competitive services that meet the needs of their target audience. Thirdly, NGOs should invest in ongoing monitoring of loan performance and provide continuous support to beneficiaries throughout the loan period Lastly, before initiating or expanding these projects, NGOs should conduct thorough feasibility studies and market analyses.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Ong'ayo, Samantha https://repository.kcau.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1606 2026-02-04T00:01:44Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Effect of financial technologies on financial sustainability of deposit taking microfinance banks in Kenya Ong'ayo, Samantha The financial sustainability of deposit-taking (DT) microfinance banks in Kenya has been a growing concern despite the increasing adoption of financial technologies (fintech). While fintech innovations like online lending platforms, digital payment systems and mobile banking, are expected to enhance efficiency and expand financial inclusion, their impact on sustainability remains unclear. Recent trends indicate a decline in key financial sustainability indicators, consisting Return on Assets and Return on Equity, raising questions about the effectiveness of fintech adoption. Many microfinance banks continue to face operational challenges, including high implementation costs, low customer adoption rates, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This study aims to assess the effect of financial technologies on the financial sustainability of DT microfinance Kenyan banks. The general objective of the study was to examine the effect of financial technologies on financial sustainability of deposit taking microfinance banks in Kenya. The specific objectives were to examine the effect of online lending platforms, mobile banking, card payment systems and internet banking on financial sustainability of deposit taking Kenyan microfinance banks. The research was anchored on resource-based view, diffusion of innovation theory, and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. The research used an explanatory research design. The target population was all the 14 deposit taking Kenyan microfinance banks. The study adopted a census approach and hence the whole population will be included in the study. The research employed secondary data, which was obtained from Bank supervision reports by CBK as well as the annual financial statements of individual microfinance banks in Kenya. The study covered the period between 2019 and 2023. Panel data was generated using a data collection checklist. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics in data analysis with the assistance of STATA 14. Descriptive statistics included mean, percentages, frequencies, standard deviation, as well as minimum and maximum values. Inferential statistics included panel regression analysis. Tables and figures, such as line graphs, were used to present the results. The study found that mobile banking has a positive and significant effect on the financial sustainability of microfinance banks in Kenya. In addition, the study established that online lending platforms have a positive but statistically insignificant effect on the financial sustainability of microfinance banks in Kenya. Further, the study revealed that card payment systems have a positive and statistically significant effect on the financial sustainability of microfinance banks in Kenya. Moreover, the study found that internet banking has a statistically significant negative effect on the financial sustainability of microfinance banks in Kenya. The study concludes that, in Kenya’s microfinance banks, mobile banking and card payment systems significantly enhance financial sustainability, online lending platforms have an insignificant positive effect, and internet banking exerts a significant negative impact. The study recommends expanding mobile banking and card systems, improving online lending adoption, and reassessing internet banking strategies to enhance financial sustainability in microfinance banks.

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