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Capital structure is one of the fundamental aspects to the success of Deposit Taking Savings (DPS) and Credit Cooperative Societies (CCS) as it influences the realization of its objectives and goals. The study intended to determine the effect of two capital structure determinants; liquidity and dividend payout, on financial performance as measured by Return on Assets of DPS and CCS, in Kenya. The study was grounded on the Pecking order and Free cash flow capital structure theories. The study utilized a mixed research design using primary and secondary data for the period 2013 to 2017. The population of the study was 174 DPS and CCS. Stratified and purposive sampling technique was employed. Descriptive statistics and a regression model were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that liquidity and dividend pay-out had a significant and positive effect on the financial performance of DPS and CCS in Kenya. The study concluded that liquidity and dividend pay-out play a significant role in the financial performance of DPS and CCS. The study recommends having in place an Assets and Liabilities Committee in each DPS and CCS that would help manage the assets and liabilities of the institution, ensuring adequate liquidity and cash flow management. Having in place a robust dividend policy that addresses; the basis of the rate of payments and activities that would require funding of which internally generated funds by way of dividend retention, is also critical.

The study established the relationship between corruption and capital flight in Kenya over the period 1998 to 2018. Quarterly time series data for calculation of capital flight and for GDP growth rate and exchange rates were collected from the Central Bank of Kenya and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Corruption perception index data was collected from the Transparency International website. Two Autoregressive Distributed-lagged models were fitted. Regression coefficients for corruption were -0.114 and 0.066 in the short run and -0.501 in the long run and the p values were 0.523 and 0.691 and 0.558 respectively, indicating no significant relationship. Regression results showed a coefficient of 0.01 and 0.003 for the Gross Domestic Product growth rate in the short run, and 0.049 in the long run. The p values were 0.670, 0.855 and 0.578 respectively denoting no significant relationship. Regression results showed a coefficient of 0.002 and 0.003 for the exchange rate in the short run, 0.43 for the exchange rate in the long run. The p values were 0.891 and 0.584 and 0.095 respectively indicating that a one % increase in the exchange rate would lead to a 0.043 % increase in capital flight in the long run. Regression results of lagged capital flight on capital flight showed a coefficient of 0.904. The p-value was 0.000 meaning that a one % increase in lagged capital flight would lead to a 0.904 % increase in capital flight. The study recommended that the government devises policies that would prevent further capital flight and generate capital flight reversal.

Critical to the success of financial institutions' performance is there Capital Structure. The study aimed to, investigate the effect of two capital structure determinants, leverage, and firm size on financial performance as measured by Return on Assets of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya. The study was grounded on Tradeoff, Pecking order, and Mogdiliani and Miller capital structure theories. A positivist approach was adopted utilizing a mixed-method research design. The population of the research study was 174 Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies from whom primary and secondary data was collected. A stratified and purposive sampling technique was employed. Descriptive statistics and a regression model were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that firm size had a significant and positive effect on financial performance, whereas Leverage, had a significant but negative effect on financial performance. The study recommends having in place an Assets and Liabilities committee in each Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Society that would help manage the assets and liabilities of the institution, ensuring sound liquidity and cash flow management. Critical factors that contribute to a firm size such as increased membership, deposits mobilization amongst others need to be addressed.

This study sought to establish the effect of mobile credit on operational efficiency in commercial banks in Kenya. The study utilized primary as well as secondary data on access to mobile credit and its effects on the performance of the organization. A questionnaire was the primary data collection tool and composed of open ended and closed ended questions. Data collected was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis at a 95% confidence interval. Analyzed data was presented using tables and figures for ease of interpretation. Operational efficiency is the goal of any manager in a customer service driven sector. Some of the strategies to achieve operational efficiency include managerial behavior change, promoting operational optimization and use of technology. Mobile credit introduction improved operational efficiency in commercial banks. Mobile credit introduction enhanced operational efficiency in loans collection, returns on shareholders. The operational efficiency performance indicators utilized in this study were: return on assets, earnings per share and proportion of non-performing loans. On the other hand, proportion of non-performing loans declined after the introduction of mobile credit indicating increased operational efficiency in debt collection. The introduction of mobile credit significantly enhanced organization efficiency as measured by metrics such by brand image building, ability to adapt to market changes and perceptions of reliability in the customer’s mind. Mobile credit introduction improved operational efficiency in commercial banks. Mobile credit introduction enhanced operational efficiency in loans collection, returns on shareholders. Overall, it has been accepted that the use of technology is one of the major strategies used to enhance operational efficiency. The findings of this study propose that the use of mobile credit has enhanced debt collection efficiency and revenue generation efficiency.

This study intended to investigate the influence of the effect of capital allowance incentives on the performance of EPZ firms in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive and explanatory research design. The study used a stratified sampling approach because the number of the EPZ firms in Kenya was categorized into 4 strata. The total numbers of firms used in the study were 86 registered EPZ firms in Kenya according to Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA). The study adopted a census survey design. Census survey was adopted because the population of interest was small. A sample size of all the 86 registered EPZs firms was used in this study. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires. Secondary data from the registered firms was collected on; ROA, number and value of jobs created and the length of stay of the firms. The secondary data was collected from operating EPZ firms in Kenya annual report. The study assessed the performance of EPZ firms against the tax incentives they benefited for the last ten years. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to conduct data analysis. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations while inferential statistics were correlations and regression analysis. The study findings revealed that at 5% significance level, capital allowance tax incentive had a positive and significant relationship with performance of EPZ firms measured using ROA, number of jobs created and length of stay. The study concluded that increase in capital allowance tax incentive resulted to increase in both ROA of the firms and the number of jobs and length of stay. The study recommended that stakeholders in tax policy should reconsider the economic value of capital allowances.

The contemporary world is characterized with intergovernmental competition for the sole purpose of attracting multinational companies and this has made fiscal incentives to become a global phenomenon. Poor African countries rely on tax holidays and import duty exemptions, while industrial western European countries allow investment allowances or accelerated depreciation. It is for this reason that this study intended to investigate the influence of effect of corporate income tax incentive on the performance of EPZ firms in Kenya. The research design was correlation research design. Correlation research design was best suited since panel data was used. Census survey was adopted because the population of interest was small. A sample size of all the 86 registered EPZs firms was used in this study. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires. Secondary data from the registered firms was collected on; ROA, number and value of jobs and the length of stay of the firms. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to conduct data analysis. The results of study revealed that at 5% significance level, corporate income tax incentives had a positive and significant relationship with performance of EPZ firms measured using ROA. The results further revealed that at 5% significance level corporate income tax incentives were found to have positive and significant effect on number of jobs by EPZ firms and length of stay. The study concluded that increase in corporate income incentive led to an increase in the ROA, number of jobs and length of stay of the EPZ firms in Kenya. The study recommended that stakeholders in tax policy should reconsider the economic value of corporate tax incentive.

Purpose: The main aim of the study was to examine the effect of cash reconciliation on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Methodology: The research was carried out through a descriptive survey research design. The study population was all the 43 commercial banks registered and licensed to operate in Kenya. A multi stage sampling approach was used. In the first stage, a census of all the 43 commercial banks was conducted, that is, the units of analysis were the commercial bank. In the second stage, purposive sampling was used where two respondents from every organization were taken. The study used both primary and secondary data for analysis. Primary data was collected using questionnaires while secondary data was obtained using secondary data collection template. A multiple linear regression model was used to link variables. Findings: The study findings indicated a positive correlation between cash reconciliation and financial performance of commercial banks. Cash reconciliation was positively and significantly related to both ROE and ROA. The study concluded that cash reconciliation is positively and significantly related to financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that commercial banks and other financial institutions involved in handling of cash should put in place proper reconciliation practices. The commercial banks should focus on increasing the number of times books are reconciled, increase the regularity of auditing the cash books, put in place and implement a policy on cash reconciliation, training its staff on conducting cash reconciliation and segregating the duties of cash reconciliation other duties so as to evolve specialization. The study recommended further studies to establish the effect of cash handling practices on financial performance of other financial institutions other than commercial banks. This will be crucial in comparison of the results and identification of more research gaps for future studies.

Purpose: The objective of the study was to establish the employee’s perception of strategic change management at Tourism Fund. Methodology: The study population are all employees of the Tourism Fund (CTDLT) Kenya. The respondents were 100 employees. This formed the population. The collected data was analyzed using quantitative procedures. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The descriptive statistics involved frequencies, standard deviation and means. Results: The study findings indicated that the organization had established a sense of urgency in the need of change, it also created the guiding coalition for all employees to follow during the process and the company developed a vision and strategy that can be achieved. Results further revealed that the organization ensured there was good communication strategies for communicating the change vision to all employees, and ensured that all employees were empowered with broad-based action which helped the employees feel empowered to adopt the new changes. The study findings also indicated that the company ensured that it generated short-term wins, consolidated gains and producing more change and anchored new approaches in the culture. This was to ensure that the employees felt as part of the process to make it a success. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that managers at Tourism Fund can use the results to craft strategies on which areas to improve and which areas to excel at. For instance, the managers may highlight the toughest challenges so that they may find ways to improve on the drivers of the weaknesses and also identify the drivers of Strengths with an intention to excel in these areas. It is also suggested that since the employee perceptions were that formation of strategic change management have brought about competitive advantages, it may be important to consider investing in the area of change management with a hope of building and enjoying further competitive advantages. This investment would take the form of more human and financial resources allocated to strategic change management.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the factors affecting adoption of donor funded ICT projects in the public sector. Methodology: The research was carried out through a descriptive survey research design. The sampling frame of this survey was a list of state owned enterprises in Nairobi County. The study targeted a population of all the 205 state owned enterprises in Kenya out of which 67 are located in Nairobi County. Results: The relationship between technological factor and adoption of donor funded ICT projects was positive and significant. The findings imply that technological factor has significant effect on adoption of donor funded ICT projects. The relationship between Infrastructural factor and adoption of donor funded ICT projects was positive and significant. The findings imply that Infrastructural factor has significant effect on adoption of donor funded ICT projects. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It was recommended that government should consider implementing a robust public sector policy that aims at enhancing ICT use, the development of donor funded ICT project and making ICT hardware and software accessible and affordable to majority of individual and firms. It is recommended that the government considers improving the adoption of donor funded ICT project in public sectors through training in school and institution of higher learning. The management of public sectors should also continue to adopt new forms of technology that would assist in improving donor funded ICT projects. Management of companies should appreciate that in adoption of donor funded ICT project there are benefits of first adapters or first movers.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of mergers and acquisitions strategies on financial performance of firms in the financial services sector in Kenya.Methodology: The study adopted a mixed methodology research design. The study population included all the 51 merged financial service institutions in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used. Primary data was obtained from questionnaires and a secondary data collection template was also used. The researcher used quantitative techniques in analyzing the data. Descriptive analysis for the study included the use of means, frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics such as correlation analysis was also used. Panel data analysis was also applied. Further, a pre and post merger analysis was used.Results: Cost efficiency was found to have a positive and significant effect on financial performance of merged institutions. Diversification had no significant effect on financial performance of merged institutions. Synergy had a significant relationship with financial performance of merged institutions. Board size had a significant relationship with financial performance of merged institution and there was a significant relationship between the moderating effect of economic growth and financial performance of merged institutions.Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that policy makers (government) should be able to create or promote the enabling environment for facilitating mergers and acquisitions that concerns infrastructure provision, as a way of achieving cost reduction that could motivate similar mergers in other institutions in Kenya, stakeholders are to identify where their most immense profit pools lie and focus on improving those units responsible for them, the management of the financial services institutions should embrace diversification and financial innovation on product strategies as this will help in generating more income for the banks.

Purpose : The purpose of the study was to determine the moderating effect of economic growth on financial performance of merged institutions Methodology: The study adopted a mixed methodology research design. The study population included all the 51 merged financial service institutions in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used. Primary data was obtained from questionnaires and a secondary data collection template was also used. The researcher used quantitative techniques in analyzing the data. Descriptive analysis for the study included the use of means, frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics such as correlation analysis was also used. Panel data analysis was also applied. Further, a pre and post merger analysis was used. Results: There was a significant relationship between the moderating effect of economic growth and financial performance of merged institutions. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The government and Central Bank of Kenya to come up with strategies and policies to protect the financial services sector due to its immense contribution to the economy of the country by formulating policies aimed at controlling the effects of rapid fluctuations of the macro economic factors and their effects on the sector.

A general rise in the cash holding levels by firms internationally in the recent years has led to an increase in interest in cash holding research as cash is an asset that typically yields low return. Empirical research has produced mixed results and often little research has been carried out on the subject in developing countries. This paper thus looks at the determinants of cash holding of 44 non-financial firms listed in Nairobi securities exchange (NSE) for the period 2002 to 2013 using secondary data in annual reports and financial statements. We test for trade off, pecking order and the free cash flow theories using correlational and non-experimental research design. The results of OLS with year and industry dummies and panel data models shows that there exists significant positive and negative relationship between cash holding and cash flow and leverage respectively and insignificant relationship between cash holding and market-to-book value and firm size. Interest rests were found to be a significant mediator of the relationship between cash holding and MTB, size, leverage and cash flow. Industrial sector of a firm’s main activity influences its cash holding policies. This study adds to the frontier knowledge on the determinants of cash holding by helping managers decide on their firm’s optimal cash holding while also serving to inform investors on whether portfolio managers are adopting the right cash holding practices.

Cash is essential for firms to support their day-to-day operations, take care of uncertainties in future and to take advantage of profitable opportunities that arise. However, setting the optimal cash holding by firms is not an easy task for managers and continues to be a hotly debated subject especially after the latest development in the global financial system. Empirical evidence in Kenya on the subject is scant, and the purpose of the paper is to establish the determinants of cash holding among firms listed in Kenya’s Nairobi Securities Exchange(NSE) from a manager’s perspectives. 168 questionnaires were administered to senior and finance executives in 44 non-financial firms listed on NSE. The respondents agreed with the statements on the expected relationship between Cash holding and Interest rates and industry sector and disagreed with the constructs on size,levarage,cashflow and Market- to- book value (MTB). The results may point to some agency problem in Kenyan listed nonfinancial firms.

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of liquidity on the financial performance of agricultural firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Methodology: The research design adopted was descriptive and causal (explanatory). A census approach was adopted and all the seven listed agricultural companies were taken as the population. The respondents’ sample was from finance departments at all levels and 220 questionnaires were administered. Primary data was collected using questionnaires while the secondary data was collected using data collection sheets from the firms as well as from the Nairobi Securities Exchange and CMA records. The particular inferential statistic was regression and correlation analysis. Panel data methodology was employed using a multivariate regression model to test the hypotheses and link the variables Results: The study found out that liquidity has a positive influence on return on assets (ROA). In addition, the findings revealed that liquidity has a positive influence on return on equity (ROE). Further the results indicated that liquidity has a positive influence on earnings per share (EPS). The influence of liquidity on EPS is not statistically significant Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that financial managers should ensure that there is no mismatch between the current assets and current liability. If this happens, the mismatch will affect the firm’s profitability.

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to establish to establish the influence of interest rate on the financial performance of agricultural firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Methodology: The research design adopted was descriptive and causal (explanatory). A census approach was adopted and all the seven listed agricultural companies were taken as the population. The respondents’ sample was from finance departments at all levels and 220 questionnaires were administered. Primary data was collected using questionnaires while the secondary data was collected using data collection sheets from the firms as well as from the Nairobi Securities Exchange and CMA records. The particular inferential statistic was regression and correlation analysis. Panel data methodology was employed using a multivariate regression model to test the hypotheses and link the variables. Results: The findings revealed that interest rate has a positive and significant relationship with ROA, ROE and EPS. In addition, the findings from the interaction of the independent variables and the interest rate revealed that interest rate moderate the effect of financial performance of agricultural firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that financial institutions and banks in Kenya should assess their clients which include agricultural firms listed in NSE while setting up interest rates policies, as ineffective interest rate policies can increase the level of interest rates and consequently cost of borrowing and negate financial performance of the borrowing firms. The study also recommends that the Central Bank should apply stringent regulations on interest rates charged by financial institutions so as to regulate their interest rate spread.

Purpose : The purpose of this study was establishing the effect of board size on the financial performance of merged institutions. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed methodology research design. The study population included all the 51 merged financial service institutions in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used. Primary data was obtained from questionnaires and a secondary data collection template was also used. The researcher used quantitative techniques in analyzing the data. Descriptive analysis for the study included the use of means, frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics such as correlation analysis was also used. Panel data analysis was also applied. Further, a pre and post merger analysis was used. Results: Board size had a significant relationship with financial performance of merged institution. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It was recommended that, firms are place a remarkable degree of emphasis on the area of corporate governance and to some extent embark on eliminating CEO duality. The study also recommends a board size (6 and 8) for better financial performance. This will reduce the problem of free rider and enhance effective monitoring and decision making. It will also bring about cohesion among the board members.

Purpose : The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of diversification on the financial performance of merged institutions. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed methodology research design. The study population included all the 51 merged financial service institutions in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used. Primary data was obtained from questionnaires and a secondary data collection template was also used. The researcher used quantitative techniques in analyzing the data. Descriptive analysis for the study included the use of means, frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics such as correlation analysis was also used. Panel data analysis was also applied. Further, a pre and post merger analysis was used. Results: Diversification had no significant effect on financial performance of merged institutions. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study findings call for a re-assessment of the literature on diversification. Further research is necessary to study why sometimes the diversification-performance relationship is positive, others negative, and often quadratic. Further research is needed to investigate whether diversification effects on performance depends on the industries considered. This study recommends that companies with a weak and unstable capital base should seek to consolidate their establishments through mergers and acquisitions. Through mergers and acquisitions, these companies will be able to extend their market share and revenue base hence increase their profitability. In addition, mergers and acquisition leads to a higher CAR which improves the financial soundness of the companies.

Purpose : The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of synergy on the financial performance of merged institutions. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed methodology research design. The study population included all the 51 merged financial service institutions in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used. Primary data was obtained from questionnaires and a secondary data collection template was also used. The researcher used quantitative techniques in analyzing the data. Descriptive analysis for the study included the use of means, frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics such as correlation analysis was also used. Panel data analysis was also applied. Further, a pre and post merger analysis was used. Results: Synergy had a significant relationship with financial performance of merged institutions. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that institutions should critically evaluate the overall business and operational compatibility of the merging institutions and focus on capturing long-term financial synergies. They should increase their scope to create high performing supply chains with significant long-term upside that provide sustained value for customers and stakeholders.

Housing plays a very important role in the social economic development of any nation. One set of factors that impacts on the funding of the supply-side of housing are economic factors comprising market forces, cost of inputs, the macro economy and the cost of funding. This paper sets to establish the relationship between economic factors and funding of the supply-side of housing in Kenya and also the effect of the major stakeholders on such a relationship if it exists. Using an explanatory form of approach in research design a survey was conducted where primary data was collected by self-administered questionnaires from a random sample of 212 branches in Nairobi of financial institutions drawn from a population of 43 commercial banks, 9 deposit-taking MFIs and three major financiers of housing development. Factor analysis, correlation analysis and ordinal logit regression were used to determine the relationship between funding of housing and economic factors. Results indicated a negative relationship between economic factors and funding of housing development. It was also established that there exists a positive moderating effect of stakeholders on the relationship between economic factors and funding of housing development. The implication being the government and policy makers should ensure that interest rates and inflation rates are kept at a level that will encourage investments in housing, with the government acting then more as an enabler.

Mergers and Acquisitions deals that create value constitute at least one or a combination of financial and operational synergy. This paper investigates the effect of synergy on financial performance of merged institutions in the financial services sector in Kenya. The paper adopted a mixed research design, pre and post-merger secondary data was collected from 40 (forty) institutions in the Kenyan financial services industry that had concluded their merger processes by 31 December 2013. Financial synergy was proxied using the liquidity ratio while operating synergy was measured using growth in sales. Primary data was used to explain the results of the secondary data. Panel data analysis was used to determine the change in the study variables and trends over time between 2009 and 2013, event window (pre-merger and post-merger) analysis was used to test for any significant difference in performance means before and after merger as a result synergy, while regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between synergy and profitability. Results show that there is a positive relationship between performance, operating synergy and financial synergy, and that there was significant improvement in performance post-merger. From these findings, the study recommends that institutions should critically evaluate the overall business and operational compatibility of the merging institutions and focus on capturing long-term financial synergies as this has a positive effect on the performance.

Company/firm size is among the many variables that is significant in assessing the profitability of a company. Therefore, this paper seeks to evaluate the effect of company size on the financial performance of listed agricultural companies in Kenya. The theory of economies of scale that links benefits arising from company size, cost management and production volumes was utilized. Secondary data was extracted from the annual reports comprising of financial statement from the period 2003 to 2013 and analyzed using a pooled OLS model. Company size was measured using the total assets (Log of assets) while financial performance was measured by return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and earnings per share (EPS). The regression results present the goodness of fit for the regression between log total asset and ROA, ROE and EPS as 0.112, 0.113 and 0.074 respectively. The overall model of ROA, ROE and EPS was significant with F statistic of 9.334, 11.096 and 5.901 respectively. The relationship between log total asset and financial performance measures was positive and significant for ROA (b1= 0.033, p value, 0.003) and ROE (b1= 0.049, p value, 0.001) and. EPS (b1= 3.866, p value, 0.018). These results indicate that company size as measured by total assets affects financial performance of agricultural companies listed in NSE positively and significantly. Company size had positive and statistical significance on all the three indicators of the financial performance disclosing that large companies were found to have a competitive advantage over small firms.

Theory holds that firms merge to benefit from economies of scale, diversification and synergy, which are realized through cost efficiency. Empirical studies on the other hand report mixed findings with regard to the theoretical underpinnings given the changing financial and technological environment. This paper sought to determine the cost efficiency ratios of merged firms in the Kenyan financial services industry and establish the effect that those ratios have on profitability (inferred using the rates of return on assets and equity). Using a mixed research design, pre and post-merger secondary data was collected from 41 firms in the Kenyan financial services industry that had concluded their merger processes by 31 December 2013. Primary data was used to explain the results of the secondary data. Panel data analysis was used to determine the change in the study variables and trends over between 2009 and 2013, event window (pre-merger and post-merger) analysis was used to test the difference in cost efficiency means before and after the merger while regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between cost efficiency and profitability. Results indicate that cost efficiency improved after merger and resulted to the growth in the rate of return on assets and equity, which was attributed to the efficiency in the use of labour, financial resources and managerial effort.