In a globalized and knowledge-based economy, quality and productivity management are keys to an organization’s success and survival in a competitive global environment. Many construction organizations therefore have to adopt quality and productivity as reliable management tools.These elements are primarily important inputs which lead directly or indirectly to the success of the construction industries. Construction is the major driving factor of the current Kenya economy, but current such practice in the Kenya building construction projects is still facing delays, cost overruns, poor quality and low productivity. Thus, thepurpose of this study was to explore the practices and challenges of motivating employees to improve quality and productivity in the Kenya Construction Design and Supervision Works Corporation. To achieve this objective, case study qualitative research design was employed. Thirty-five informants were used as samples to generate the required qualitative data through in-depth interviews with case informants through probing, semistructured interviews with key informants, and conducting documentary analysis method using interview guide, and documentary analysis template as data collection instruments, respectively. Thematic analysis and content analysis methods were used to analyze the data collected from different sources. Thematic issues emerged in data analyses were used to answer study questions and address the objectives. Findings reveal that top management mostly used non-financially related extrinsic motivational mechanisms in differential manner between experts and administrative staff in its different Sectors, Centres, and Corporate Service. Concomitantly, there were multi-faceted challenges encountered which had emanated from various factors while trying to improve quality and productivity in those divisions of the Corporation. Therefore, these findings have implications for business policy, professionals, interventions, and for further studies at different levels and various contexts at large.

Micro and Small (MSSEs) play an important economic role in many countries. In Kenya, for example the MSSE sector contributes over 50 percent of new jobs created but despite their significance. The purpose of this study will be to explain in detail factors influencing on the profitability of Micro and Small scales leather products manufacturing Enterprises in Kisii Town, Ogembo, and Yeka Sub counties Kisii County Administration, Kenya. The study uses explanatory research design. The study targeted Leather Manufacturing MSSEs that were based in Kisii County, Kenya. Census was usd for sample determining strategy because the total population is small, primary data was collected from the study respondents using survey and questionnaires which was self-administered and others researcher administering. Data was analyzed descriptively and presenting through figures, tables, percentages. When doing regression analysis we determine whether or not there is a relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable by examining the significance of the regression F statistic for the regression analysis less than the level of significance of 0.05. We reject the null hypothesis because there is positively and significantly strong relationship between the independent the capital and the dependent variable of profitability. Generally, in order to increase the profitability of leather products manufacturing in MSSEs level should need more attention. Also enterprises should improve managing time, money, decrease material wastage I recommended that firms have to improve their financial status, and technological capability on their side. On the other hand, the government has to support them by giving special incentives that promote the manufacturing industry in terms of financial accessibility, promotional support and acess of raw materials easily with comfortabl price for enterprises.

This study was conducted with an objective of identifying factor affecting brand preference of beer in Kisii and Suneka sub Sub-County. It conceptualized and adopts six dimensions of preference affecting variable: product quality, price, promotion, distribution, reference group influence and emotional benefit and the relationships between, brand preferences. The study employed both descriptive and explanatory research designs. Convenience & judgmental non probability sampling methods was used. Data were collected from primary sources through questionnaire. Accordingly, the Primary data was collected from 384 respondents, out of which 367 valid questionnaires was collected and analyzed through both descriptive and explanatory methods .The descriptive analysis was conducted by using mean and standard deviation. On the other hand, explanatory analysis was conducted by using Pearson correlation and linear regression method. The result revealed that five of the explanatory variables have significant positive effect on brand preference for the product. Whereas price has significantly negative effect on brand prefers of beer. In addition, Promotion has the highest effect as compared to other explanatory variables and followed by product quality. But the effect of price had statistically significant effect on brand preference and inversely proportional to each other. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends that management of the company has to focus on company’s promotional mix, produce product with consistency quality and product distribution.

Deposit mobilization is a fundamental part of banking activity. Thus,the main objective of the study is to examine the factors affecting deposit mobilization of private commercial banks in Kenya. The study used balanced panel model in examining the regression model and collect data from six private commercial banks covering the period of Twenty(20) consecutive years, 2000-2019 with a total of 120 observations. To this end, the study employed a quantitative research approach by documentary analysis based on their audited financial statement. The study used panel data techniques specifically fixed effect model on the regression analysis and used E-view8 software. The study used one dependent variable total deposit amount (DEP) and nine independent variables that are Bank’s size, Number of Bank’s Branch, Bank Reserve, Deposit interest rate, Loan to Deposit Ratio, Lending Rate, Exchange Rate, Inflation rate and Gross domestic product (GDP). The regression result of Exchange Rate and Deposit Interest Rate show that positive and significant effect at 5% significance level on deposit mobilization of private commercial bank in Kenya and Bank Size, Bank Reserve, Loan to Deposit Ratio, Number of Bank’s Branch and Lending rate show that positive and significant at 1% significance level on Deposit Mobilization.Whereasinflation rate has negative and insignificant impact at 5% significance level on deposit mobilization of private commercial bank and GDP show that positive and insignificant impact at 5% significance level on deposit mobilization. The study recommended that Kenyan private commercial banks should give attention to Bank Size, Bank Reserve, and Loan to Deposit Ratio, Lending Rate, Exchange Rate, Deposit Interest Rate and Number of Bank’s Branchthat could affect deposit mobilization and significantly enhance their deposit.

NGOs, like any business or government organizations, experience staff turnover which in turn affect their organizational performance. AMREF Kisii County is one of the leading NGOs working in improving the health situation of the country. The general objective of the study is to investigate the impact of staff turnover on the organizational performance of AMREF health Africa Kisii County and to forward possible recommendations. In order to conduct the study, explanatory design was followed. All professional staff members of AMREF found in the head office are included in the study. Questionnaires were administered for 43 staff members and a semi-structured interview was conducted with four senior staff members of the organization. Document found in the organization was reviewed. The data collected through questionnaires were analyzed and interpreted using frequencies, percentages, mean values and standard deviations, regression and correlations. Information collected through interviews was analyzed qualitatively. The study revealed that the major factors for staff turnover are related to payment and incentives, and training & development factors. The study has shown that on the major strategic intervention areas, the organizational performance of AMREF has been found very low. In relation to staff susceptibility for staff turnover, the research finding depicts that AMREF lost its very experienced staff members which has been affecting the organizational performance negatively. The other finding of the study is that AMREF doesn’t have a specific retention strategy which can be implemented practically to address the problem of staff turnover.

This study is carried out to identify the factors affecting the adoption of Agency banking in Kenya. The commercial banks operating in Kenya are taken as Population of the study that is 18 commercial banks. Among them the research was conducted and data gathered on the three pioneers banks in agent banking service (Co-operative bank, united bank, and lion international bank). So as to meet the research objective 58 questioners were distributed to e-banking department employees and structured interview were also held with E banking department managers of sampled banks. Purposive sampling method was employed to draw the sample from the population. The study statistically analyzed data obtained from the survey using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20.0 V (SPSS) and descriptive statistics particularly data mean used for interpretation purpose. The result of the study regarding the major driving forces that initiate Kenyan banks to adopt agency banking are: the desire to cover wide geographical area, desire to satisfy rapid change of customer needs & preferences and the desire to improve productivity and Organizational Performance. The major factors affecting the adoption of agent banking are: lack of giving proper attention to the service as its given to other conventional banking services, Board of directors, top management and staffs resistance to change in technology, Lack of proper coordination among stakeholders of the bank - in setting goals and following up the implementation process of the service and high cost of implementation of agent banking, lack of adequate public awareness and low level of customers & agents’ technology literacy (mobile phones), Lack of adequate coordination between banks and other decision making centers in agent banking; Lack of adequate infrastructural facilities in the remote area; lack of strong push from the government to promote mobile and agent banking and Lack of sufficient legal frameworks,, customer fear of risk to use agent banking service; absence of common network that links different banks and lack of confidence in relation with the security aspects, Loss of Audit Trail and Users do not trust the agent banking services. The study also tried to identify various benefits from adopting of agency banking, among the benefits overcoming geographical limitations, reduction of queues in the banking hall, enhancement of productivity in the banking industry and Reduction of paper work are the leading benefit banks in Kenya realized from the adoption of agency. The existing opportunities for adoption of agency banking are Expansion of mobile phone users, Commitment of the government to facilitate the expansion of ICT infrastructure, Increment of educated potential customer, the relative increase of the public awareness about the service are among the leading opportunities. The study suggests a series of measures which need to be taken by commercial banks so as to address various factors affecting its adoption among them: Public awareness on the use of ICT, e-commerce and e-Payment need to be raised and enhanced. The government should also legalize the acceptance of electronic receipts as a mode of transaction confirmation. This removes the past requirement of providing paper-based receipts for cash in and cash-out transactions, in doing so the desire to use the agency banking service will rise.

The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing consumer buying decision towards selected fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) in Nairobi. Quantitative approach along with explanatory research design was applied. The study was conducted on consumer of laundry detergent in Nairobi. A sample of 385 respondents was taken through convenience no probability sampling method, of which a total of 288 valid responses were obtained and used for the analysis. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the primary data and using SPSS 20.0, both descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted for correlation and multiple linear regression analysis to attain the intended objectives. The Finding indicates that product quality, price, availability, advertisement and brand awareness significantly influence buying decision of consumers in Nairobi, but, product quality, price and availability were the most significant and the demographic profile of shoppers indicates that the market is highly dominated by the purchasing decisions of females within the households in Nairobi plus Retailer's recommendation, friend and family as well as exposure to brands in shops have been identified as the most important sources of information. An important implication for marketers is the development of marketing strategies based on the right knowledge of the decision maker and shopper. Results also give direction for companies and marketers of such products to give attention to consumer’s behavior to be successful.

The topic of this study is Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) On Office Managers’ Performance (A Case Study of University of Ibadan).The instrument used in gathering data for this study is questionnaire. The scope of the study covered tenunits in the University of Ibadan. The sample size used by the researcher was 50;the data gathered were analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and table presentations. The research findings reveal that information and communication technology motivates the job performance of office manager’s and makes work easier and faster. Again, that lack of maintenance will reduce the effectiveness of these machines and bring slowdown in processing.From the summary of the findings, the researcher therefore concludes that information and communication technology should be provided to office manager’s so as to attain their job performance. The researcher recommends that the role of office technology in the development of office manager profession should be encouraged and office managers should have the required skills needed in operating thisequipment.

This study aimed at identifying the impact of customer satisfaction during computer based assessment. Customers here in this research were candidates of computer based assessment system (CBAs) that includes teachers, students, assessors, focal persons, shop assistants and other experts. These all taken part in the assessment using CBAs, using explanatory research method through both quantitative and qualitative approach. The data were collected from six different TVET colleges and other office experts. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS version 20 form, in this research multi-criteria satisfaction analysis variables (system quality, information quality, technical quality and service quality) was taken as independent variable used to measure customer’s satisfaction of CBAs and system ease of use, efficiency, interaction, memorability, learnability, response time and satisfaction were considered as sub-variables and customer satisfaction as dependent variable, The result of descriptive statistics shows that CBA system has better performance on system quality; The correlation analysis also indicates a moderate and positive relationship between all selected variables and customer satisfaction. Multiple regressions were also applied by selecting the major controlling variables of predictor, the result also show that system quality of CBAs is greater than the other independent variables that is system quality has greater impact on customer satisfaction and also all variables are statistically significant.The researcher recommended that CBAs satisfaction factors i.e. system quality, information quality, technical quality and service quality all have significant value over customer satisfaction. It implies that this factors can improve the system for better performance and also can improve

The study was undertaken to find out the effects of the economic environment in Nyamache Sub- County of Kisii County and its impact on school attendance and the possible mechanisms that could be put in place to improve regular school attendance. The sample of the study consisted of students who obtained less than 30% of attendance, parents of such children and teachers and head teachers in the selected school. Two principal research instruments were used. These were interview schedule for students and their parents, and questionnaire for the teachers and head teachers. The study brought to light these major findings: Children who engaged in the economic activities especially the craft activities recorded low school attendance. Surprisingly, the study revealed that a substantial proportion of children stayed with their mothers only, hence the ease with which they play truant at school. It was also noticed that, boys out numbered the girls in the case of absenteeism, because most of the economic activities they engage in are the crafts which in most cases are the preserve of men or boys. Poverty was also a hindrance to regular school attendance, as most of the children use the money they got from their engagement in the economic activities to supplement their family income. To improve attendance the under listed strategies could adopt: Adaption of craft activities as an integral part of the curriculum counselors to move round and talk to parents on the importance of formal education.

main purpose of this study was to assess the impact of small credit finance to poverty alleviation in the urban society of Nyamache Kisii County. It explores the benefits gained from using micro-financing as a mechanism to reduce poverty. The study was conducted in Waumini Credit and Saving Institutes specifically in Nyamache Branch. The data gathering was done by using questionnaire as primary source of data. In addition, interview and other secondary data sources were used. Mixed approach was used and the researcher employed cross-sectional survey design. Descriptive statistical analysis and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) analysis technique was used with respondents coming from clients to test the differences of benefit from the credit scheme who were compared with those in the waiting lists. Purposive Sampling was used to recruit 384 respondents for this study. The findings of the study revealed that customers are getting advantage from the institute for the business startup and growth or expansion. However, close support system in financial management and utilization of the money they borrowed has gaps. The empowerment and psycho-social development of female clients have problems in the borrowing decision, spending of the loan money, and usage of the profit. Findings from new clients indicated that group formation and lack of entrepreneurship implementation is demanding. High interest and unwillingness to accept group responsibility are problems. Therefore, it is important to give training and support systems should be provided in order to strengthen usage of the credit and saving institutes for economic beneficence and development or positive change. The induction and orientation should be from getting loan up to the returning the money borrowed.

Adopting staff motivation practices in a business by the management, boosts the organizational productivity since the employees are encouraged and motivated to work harder in order to boost production .This research investigated the impact of staff motivation practices on organizational productivity, with a focus on identifying the key factors that drove employee performance and subsequently the overall productivity of a firm. This was a case study of TACC Stores, a store which deals with home interiors and sanitaryware. The study specifically examined the effect of monetary incentives; recognition and rewards and career development opportunities on the organizational productivity. Over the recent years, various organizations have adopted the policy of motivating their employees in order to boost their production. They have significantly adopted various techniques and practices of staff motivation, ranging from recognition, empowerment, career development, and many more other practices. Based on this, this research seeks to investigate the impact of staff motivation practices on organizational productivity. Various studies that have been done indicate that factors like empowerment and recognition have a positive effect on employee motivation. Recognition and empowerment play an essential part in enhancing employee motivation towards organizational task (Manzoor, 2011). Other studies that have been done indicate that 66% of organizational productivity is explained by staff motivation practices. Most researches that have been done only study the effect of employee motivation on employee performance not focusing on the organizational productivity. This study used a qualitative approach of data collection. The data was collected through administering questionnaires to the employees of TACC Stores. A target population of 40 employees was used. The sample size for this study was 12 employees. Primary data was collected and the data analyzed qualitatively.

Women are becoming increasingly important in the socio-economic development of both developed and developing economies. Female entrepreneurship represents a vast untapped source of innovation, job creation and economic growth in the developing world. Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Project (WEDP) is a $50 million IDA investment lending operation designed to address the key constraints for growth-oriented women entrepreneurs in Nairobi. Its objective is to increase the earnings and employment of micro and small enterprises owned or partly owned by women entrepreneurs in Nairobi. It targets growth oriented women entrepreneurs, providing credit as well as entrepreneurship training/business development services. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of women entrepreneurship development project (WEDP) loans on the socio- economic development of women entrepreneurs in the case study of Vision Fund Micro Finance Institution, Nairobibranch. The study was used two groups of samples namely, experimental or treatment group and control group. A total of 220 samples are selected. 100 samples are used as treatment group from the total population size 419 and 120 are used as control group. Documentation, survey /Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and Key Informants Interviews was used as a data collecting tools. Descriptive statistics and econometric model were applied for analyzing quantitative data. The contribution of WEDP is analyzed based on income, saving, expenditure for health, expenditure for children school, asset accumulation, decision making power, business management skills along with the strength and weakness of the project. The finding indicates that Vision Fund Microfinance WEDP has made positive contributions to the wellbeing of its client. However, all of Vision Fund Microfinance WEDP clients have already been involved in a business activity that can generate income for the repayment of the loan. The study revealed that the aim of WEDP to reach out the any growth oriented women entrepreneurs has not been achieved due to target problems. It was, again, uncovered that, microfinance try as much as possible to reduce the risk involved in giving out unsecured loans. One of their ways of trying to achieve this is by group lending which automatically sideline the poorest since the groups are formed based on the income level of the individual.

The business environment has become more uncertain due to macroeconomic headwinds, shifting political climates and evolving consumer needs triggering organizational change in response to disruption. Manufacturing firms have more recently led the stage in organizational changes due to their vulnerability to the rising cost of goods threatening their margins. However, multiple organizational change initiatives have been known to flop by either not meeting their objectives or resulting in a worse position than before the change. Various change management strategies can be employed to mitigate the negative effects of uncertainty which leads to decreased employee engagement during change. There are limited empirical studies investigating change management strategies’ influence on employee engagement within the context of multinational companies in Kenya within the consumer goods industry. This study investigated the link between change management strategies and employee engagement in multinational companies in the consumer goods industry in Kenya. The study was anchored on Kurt Lewin’s change theory and Kotter’s eight-step change model. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design where the unit analysis was the 25 multinational consumer goods companies in Kenya. The representative of each of the 25 multinational companies in the consumer goods manufacturing industry was the chief executive officer (CEO) and chief human resources officer because they hold the requisite information on employee matters and relations, bringing the total number of respondents to 50. The research instrument for primary data collection was structured closed-ended questionnaires. The findings were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and the statistical package for social science (SPSS) was the key analysis tool. The study found that the influence of change management strategies on employee engagement bears different magnitudes depending on the industry. Employee involvement strategy had the most significant positive influence on employee engagement while internal communication, training and coaching were positively associated with employee engagement but only to a moderate magnitude contrary to similar past studies in other sectors where all the key change management variables strongly influenced employee engagement. Recommendations from the study are that organizations should not single out a strategy but employ a combined approach for a stronger effect on employee engagement. It is also vital to foster an environment of trust between employees and leadership as it is a measure of engagement. The study acknowledges it was limited in that being quantitative and anonymous, was constrained in accounting for the experiences of the respondents as the researcher could not probe for further explanations of some responses. The study narrowed down on three change management strategies: internal communication, employee involvement and training and coaching and their influence on employee engagement while there could be other strategies that also strongly influence employee engagement. The study is also based on the perceptions of executive leadership which introduces bias.

The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of SCM on the performance of distributors of top FMCGs in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine the effect of inventory availability on the performance of FMCG distribution firms in Kenya, to assess the effect of order fulfillment on the performance of FMCG distribution firms in Kenya, to establish the effect of quality management on the performance of FMCG distribution firms in Kenya and to determine the effect of returns management on the performance of FMCG distribution firms in Kenya. This study employed a cross-sectional correlational research design and targeted 67 distributor firms which distribute the products of 4 major FMCG firms in Kenya. The population included the 42 Unilever Kenya distributors,9 Colgate Palmolive Kenya distributors, 7 Reckitt Benckiser Services Kenya Ltd distributors and 9 L’Oréal Kenya distributors. The data was collected using structured questionnaires. The study managed to collect data from all 63 firms representing 100% response rate. The other four companies which had been included amongst the firms involved during pre-testing the questionnaire were not considered for the purpose of actual data collection. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and the output showed positive coefficients for each independent variable as well as low significant values. This study established that the supply chain management has a strongpositive effect on performance of distributor firms. This study concludes that SCM positively influences distributor firm performance. Also, the study concluded that inventory availability, order fulfilment, quality management and returns management have a significant effect on performance of the distributor firms individually. Based on the findings, the study recommends that producers, distributors and other players in the distribution chain to ensure goods reach the final consumers should work closely to ensure highly functional supply chain.

The global workplace is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements, economic expansion, and unprecedented events, leading to increased concerns about employee turnover in multinational corporations (MNCs). This study examined the impact of age, gender, and ethnic diversity on employee retention intention within manufacturing-based MNCs in Kenya, aiming to address gaps in existing research and provide insights for enhancing retention strategies. The primary objectives included examining the age diversity's effects on staff retention intention within multinational corporations in Kenya, examining the impact of ethnic diversity on employee retention intention among multinational firms in Kenya, as well as the role of gender diversity on employee retention intention in these corporations. Sample survey research design was the type of research design used. The study's population consisted of 38 manufacturing-based MNCs in Kenya. The research distributed questionnaires and the analysis used descriptive and multiple regression This study was guided by the Reasoned Action Theory and the Social Identity Theory. One hundred and seventy workers were given questionnaires for the survey, and SPSS version 22 was used to do multiple regression analysis. The overall significance of the regression model was determined, as anticipated. Findings revealed positive perceptions of age diversity, with significant correlations between age diversity and retention intention, emphasizing the importance of inclusive practices for retaining employees. Similarly, positive perceptions of gender diversity and its strong correlation with retention intention highlight the need for gender-inclusive policies and decision-making processes. Ethnic diversity also positively influences retention intention, despite challenges related to cultural conflicts and disparities in career opportunities based on ethnicity. Effective diversity management is crucial for enhancing employee retention within multinationalcorporations in Kenya. Strategiessuch as ensuring balanced age distribution, promoting gender equality, and addressing cultural conflicts can strengthen retention efforts and contribute to organizational success. The study underscores the importance of fostering inclusive environments that value age, gender, and ethnic diversity for long-term growth and sustainability. Policymakers should develop comprehensive diversity and inclusion programs addressing age and ethnicity disparities, while management should foster gender equality and communication to create inclusive cultures. Continued research on workplace diversity and employee retention is recommended to explore additional insights and strategies for enhancing organizational performance and employee satisfaction.

Pp2 creative activities

This project presents a detailed study titled "Architectural and Structural Design of a G+3 commercial Building: Case Study of Kisii Central district" The study focuses on a G+3 commercial building at Kisii Central station that measure 207,775m x 158,64m, comprising essential features like balconies, agency office, restaurant, shops, bus parking, kitchens, bathroom, offices. Each floor stands at a height of 4 m. The structural analysis employed fundamental civil engineering principles to meticulously design key elements, including beams, slabs, columns, foundations, and stairs. Longitudinal beams, with a depth of 500 mm, width of 200 mm, and a flange width of 907 mm, utilized Ø16 mm reinforcement bars at both top and bottom. Slabs were diversified into three types (continuous and discontinuous), each with a 25 cm thickness and reinforced with Ø12 mm bars. Columns incorporated Ø25 mm bars with Ø8 mm links at 144 mm center to center. Foundation design adhered to a bearing capacity (Pb= 350 KN/m2), resulting in foundations measuring 1500*1500*500 mm, reinforced primarily with Ø20 mm bars. Stairs facilitating interfloor access were crafted with a 265 mm going, 180 mm riser, 200 cm flight height, and a pitch of 32.530. Reinforcement comprised Ø16 mm bars at the bottom and Ø8 mm bars at the top. This dissertation offers a comprehensive exploration of the structural intricacies involved in designing a G+3 commercial building. Through meticulous analysis and design, it provides valuable insights into construction practices, particularly within the unique context of Kisii Central district.

Quantum mechanics is the fundamental theory in physics that explains the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic scales, where it deviates from the laws of classical physics. Key concepts include wave-particle duality, where particles like electrons can act as both waves and particles, and quantum superposition, where a quantum object can exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured.

Virology is a field within microbiology that encompasses the study of viruses. Medicalvirology deals with the study of medically important viruses and the diseases they cause ortheir effect on human beings. Viruses are particles consisting of protein and nucleic acid (anRNA or DNA genome). Lack both cellular structure and independent metabolic processes.They replicate solely by exploiting living cells based on the information in the viral genome.