http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/170 2026-08-07T23:41:52Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2882 Sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship and Its Environmental and Social Value Impact in Western Kenya Omoga, Dr. Charles Owuor; Ongang’a, Dr. Peter Odhiambo; Kosgei, Dr. Nehemiah; Mengwa, Dr. Victor his research examines the structural characteristics of Sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship (SDE) business models, the deconstruction of digital technology configurations, and the assessment of stakeholders' ecosystem in the context of generating a dual environment and social value in Western Kenya. A mixed methods research design was used in which the data collected in the quantitative phase (a snowball sample of sustainable digital entrepreneurs = 30) were triangulated with the qualitative data obtained in the second phase of the study using semi-structured interviews = 18), analysed using NVivo -14. Descriptive results show that the founding of SDEs is mainly driven by the personal ethical values of entrepreneurs (85%). Low-barrier digital tools were found to be the key enabling technologies for localised operations, having the highest value-creation impact score at 4.8/5.0. A strong positive correlation and significance at p<0.01 are confirmed through inferential statistical analysis between the variables active sustainability tracking and overall business performance. In addition, the validated conceptual model shows that digital capabilities strongly mediate the link between SDE and value creation (r=0.61); community engagement has a strong influence on this link (r=0.55); and local institutional support also plays a strong role in this link (r=0.50). From the qualitative side, there were sharp structural conflicts: high infrastructure costs and access to impact-first, which makes it always necessary to balance financial survival with mission execution. The strategic implications of the study are that in rural African ecosystems, the techno architectures that have been built with less investment are better than those built with more, and that they are more accessible than they are capital-intensive. The results point to the need for policy and institutional measures at the local level that are conducive to a green digital economy and that provide new and specific funding mechanisms with a primary focus on impact. his research examines the structural characteristics of Sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship (SDE) business models, the deconstruction of digital technology configurations, and the assessment of stakeholders' ecosystem in the context of generating a dual environment and social value in Western Kenya. A mixed methods research design was used in which the data collected in the quantitative phase (a snowball sample of sustainable digital entrepreneurs = 30) were triangulated with the qualitative data obtained in the second phase of the study using semi-structured interviews = 18), analysed using NVivo -14. Descriptive results show that the founding of SDEs is mainly driven by the personal ethical values of entrepreneurs (85%). Low-barrier digital tools were found to be the key enabling technologies for localised operations, having the highest value-creation impact score at 4.8/5.0. A strong positive correlation and significance at p<0.01 are confirmed through inferential statistical analysis between the variables active sustainability tracking and overall business performance. In addition, the validated conceptual model shows that digital capabilities strongly mediate the link between SDE and value creation (r=0.61); community engagement has a strong influence on this link (r=0.55); and local institutional support also plays a strong role in this link (r=0.50). From the qualitative side, there were sharp structural conflicts: high infrastructure costs and access to impact-first, which makes it always necessary to balance financial survival with mission execution. The strategic implications of the study are that in rural African ecosystems, the techno architectures that have been built with less investment are better than those built with more, and that they are more accessible than they are capital-intensive. The results point to the need for policy and institutional measures at the local level that are conducive to a green digital economy and that provide new and specific funding mechanisms with a primary focus on impact. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2867 Effect Of Firm Characteristics On Financial Performance Of Deposit Taking Microfinance Institutions In UASIN Gishu County, Kenya Koech, Zacharia Kipkogei Deposit taking microfinance institutions (DTMFIs) promotes the growth of the economy by increasing credit inclusion amongst the economically active poor population to make strategic investments. Financial performance of DTMFIs is adduced to firm’s resources and objectives summarized as firm characteristics which include structure, market and capital-related variables. DTMFIs in Kenya are incarnate of these variables but their financial performance is poor. This study thus examines the effect of firm size on the financial performance of Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institutions (DTMFIs) in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya financial performance, measured by Return on Assets (ROA). The research is grounded in agency theory and adopted an explanatory research design, utilizing both primary and secondary data. A sample size of 74 respondents was derived based on the Taro Yamane (1973) formula, targeting 91 respondents from all 14 DTMFIs in the county, with 70 valid responses obtained. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and document analysis, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression. The findings reveal that firm size explain 7% of the variation in financial performance (R² = 0.070, p = 0.000 β = 0.317, p = 0.027). Firm size have a statistically significant positive effects on financial performance of DTMFIs. Firms should leverage their size strategically by improving efficiency, technology adoption, and customer service, rather than just expanding scale. Smaller firms should note that they are not at a major disadvantage since size explains very little of profitability, they can compete effectively by focusing on agility, innovation, and niche markets. Future research could explore additional variables and contextual factors influencing DTMFIs' performance in diverse settings. Keywords: Firm Characteristics and Financial Performance Deposit taking microfinance institutions (DTMFIs) promotes the growth of the economy by increasing credit inclusion amongst the economically active poor population to make strategic investments. Financial performance of DTMFIs is adduced to firm’s resources and objectives summarized as firm characteristics which include structure, market and capital-related variables. DTMFIs in Kenya are incarnate of these variables but their financial performance is poor. This study thus examines the effect of firm size on the financial performance of Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institutions (DTMFIs) in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya financial performance, measured by Return on Assets (ROA). The research is grounded in agency theory and adopted an explanatory research design, utilizing both primary and secondary data. A sample size of 74 respondents was derived based on the Taro Yamane (1973) formula, targeting 91 respondents from all 14 DTMFIs in the county, with 70 valid responses obtained. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and document analysis, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression. The findings reveal that firm size explain 7% of the variation in financial performance (R² = 0.070, p = 0.000 β = 0.317, p = 0.027). Firm size have a statistically significant positive effects on financial performance of DTMFIs. Firms should leverage their size strategically by improving efficiency, technology adoption, and customer service, rather than just expanding scale. Smaller firms should note that they are not at a major disadvantage since size explains very little of profitability, they can compete effectively by focusing on agility, innovation, and niche markets. Future research could explore additional variables and contextual factors influencing DTMFIs' performance in diverse settings. Keywords: Firm Characteristics and Financial PerformanceA 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2849 Towards Transformative Impact: Assessing the Reciprocity and Effectiveness of Environmental Sustainability and Community Engagement Initiatives at Alupe University in Busia County, Kenya Jerop, (PhD) Dr. Caren; busolo, (PhD) Prof. Hillary This study investigates the current state of environmental sustainability practices and community engagement at Alupe University in Busia County, western Kenya. The study research questions were, what are the current environmental sustainability practices at Alupe University, and what key areas need improvement? how can a comprehensive green strategy that includes waste management, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource use be developed for Alupe University? And how can the university community effectively engage in sustainable practices through education, awareness programs, and active participation in green initiatives? Through a structured questionnaire administered to 163 members of the university community, the research assessed current waste management, energy use, sustainability awareness; development of a green strategy; and community involvement in environmental sustainability. The findings reveal a significant gap between the expressed desire for sustainability and current practices, highlighting challenges such as inadequate waste management infrastructure, limited adoption of energy-efficient measures, and infrastructural and resource constraints hindering the implementation of green initiatives. Despite these challenges, the study identifies strong community support for integrating sustainability into university policies and a willingness to participate in green activities. Based on these findings, the paper proposes actionable recommendations encompassing institutional policy integration, enhanced waste and energy management, green infrastructure development, robust community engagement programs, digital transition, and the establishment of a dedicated sustainability unit for monitoring and evaluation. This study investigates the current state of environmental sustainability practices and community engagement at Alupe University in Busia County, western Kenya. The study research questions were, what are the current environmental sustainability practices at Alupe University, and what key areas need improvement? how can a comprehensive green strategy that includes waste management, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource use be developed for Alupe University? And how can the university community effectively engage in sustainable practices through education, awareness programs, and active participation in green initiatives? Through a structured questionnaire administered to 163 members of the university community, the research assessed current waste management, energy use, sustainability awareness; development of a green strategy; and community involvement in environmental sustainability. The findings reveal a significant gap between the expressed desire for sustainability and current practices, highlighting challenges such as inadequate waste management infrastructure, limited adoption of energy-efficient measures, and infrastructural and resource constraints hindering the implementation of green initiatives. Despite these challenges, the study identifies strong community support for integrating sustainability into university policies and a willingness to participate in green activities. Based on these findings, the paper proposes actionable recommendations encompassing institutional policy integration, enhanced waste and energy management, green infrastructure development, robust community engagement programs, digital transition, and the establishment of a dedicated sustainability unit for monitoring and evaluation. 2025-08-16T00:00:00Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2848 Impact of Communication Strategies on Loan Repayment among Microfinance-Supported Women Groups in Alego Usonga Sub-county, Siaya, Kenya Auma, Dr. Rose; Busolo, Dr. Hillary; Shitubi, Dr. Isaac; Mulindi, Carey Adekhela Access to microcredit is a vital tool for microentrepreneurs seeking to expand their economic activities, generate employment, and alleviate poverty in developing nations. In Kenya, microfinance institutions (MFIs) have expanded access to credit for underserved populations. However, despite the communication strategies implemented by these institutions to promote financial literacy, value addition, budgeting, record-keeping, and loan management among borrowers, there has been a significant rise in loan defaults, particularly among informal sector borrowers. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the communication strategies implemented by MFIs for microfinance-supported women's groups in Alego-Usonga Sub-county, Siaya, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to examine the communication strategies employed by MFIs to communicate with their borrowers in Alego-Usonga sub-county, assess the effect of these strategies on loan borrowers' repayment behavior and to establish perceptions of borrowers and MFIs regarding the effect of the quality of communication between them. The study was grounded in Systems Theory, Transactional Communication Theory, and the Resource-Based Theory. The study employed mixed-methods research, utilizing purposive sampling and stratified sampling, and applied Yamane's formula (1967) to determine a sample size of 110 respondents. Structured questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews were used to collect data from women group clients and MFI staff, respectively. SPSS was used to analyze descriptive statistics, correlation tests and regression analysis, whereas qualitative data was analyzed thematically. A key finding was that repayment improves when communication improves. Borrowers who receive timely, understandable, and respectful information are significantly more likely to repay on time. Transactional and participatory communication models are more effective than top-down or one-way models. Channels that allow borrower input, such as face-to-face meetings, build trust and accountability. Communication strategies that do not adapt to local language, education levels and social norms tend to isolate borrowers and increase default risk. While SMS and mobile apps are efficient, they exclude some borrowers in rural areas, such as Alego Usonga Sub-County, unless digital literacy, device access, and language are considered. Further, there is limited rapport between borrowers and microfinance agents when digital communication is applied in loan recovery. Access to microcredit is a vital tool for microentrepreneurs seeking to expand their economic activities, generate employment, and alleviate poverty in developing nations. In Kenya, microfinance institutions (MFIs) have expanded access to credit for underserved populations. However, despite the communication strategies implemented by these institutions to promote financial literacy, value addition, budgeting, record-keeping, and loan management among borrowers, there has been a significant rise in loan defaults, particularly among informal sector borrowers. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the communication strategies implemented by MFIs for microfinance-supported women's groups in Alego-Usonga Sub-county, Siaya, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to examine the communication strategies employed by MFIs to communicate with their borrowers in Alego-Usonga sub-county, assess the effect of these strategies on loan borrowers' repayment behavior and to establish perceptions of borrowers and MFIs regarding the effect of the quality of communication between them. The study was grounded in Systems Theory, Transactional Communication Theory, and the Resource-Based Theory. The study employed mixed-methods research, utilizing purposive sampling and stratified sampling, and applied Yamane's formula (1967) to determine a sample size of 110 respondents. Structured questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews were used to collect data from women group clients and MFI staff, respectively. SPSS was used to analyze descriptive statistics, correlation tests and regression analysis, whereas qualitative data was analyzed thematically. A key finding was that repayment improves when communication improves. Borrowers who receive timely, understandable, and respectful information are significantly more likely to repay on time. Transactional and participatory communication models are more effective than top-down or one-way models. Channels that allow borrower input, such as face-to-face meetings, build trust and accountability. Communication strategies that do not adapt to local language, education levels and social norms tend to isolate borrowers and increase default risk. While SMS and mobile apps are efficient, they exclude some borrowers in rural areas, such as Alego Usonga Sub-County, unless digital literacy, device access, and language are considered. Further, there is limited rapport between borrowers and microfinance agents when digital communication is applied in loan recovery. 2025-08-01T00:00:00Z