International Journal of Professional Practice

Securing Judicial Information: Assessment of Records Security in Nyahururu and Nakuru Law Courts

2023-08-02T12:37:53+00:00

Records play an integral role in the administration of justice and overall protection of human rights. Court records provide information, testimonies and evidence about cases presented; thereby, impacting the promptness and fairness of judgments rendered by judicial officials. Nonetheless, security breaches in handling of court records have resulted in the occurrence of missing files and inadvertent exposure of confidential information. These breaches have led to delays and significantly impacted the efficient administration of justice. This study examined the measures put in place to secure records in a bid to foster administration of justice at the Nakuru and Nyahururu law courts. The Records Continuum Model (RCM) guided the study. A descriptive survey design was utilized, targeting the 72 staff members from Nakuru and Nyahururu law courts. Due to the small population size, a census sampling technique was employed, resulting in a sample of 72 staff. Both questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. Pretesting was done to check the validity and reliability of research tools, in tandem with expert review. Percentages and frequencies analyzed the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used on the qualitative data. The findings revealed that law courts have implemented measures to protect court records. Nevertheless, there is room for further enhancement of measures put in place to ensure security of court records. The study concluded that there is a positive correlation between security measures and the promotion of judicial justice administration, and the need to therefore up-scale security measures. It recommends a comprehensive approach to revamp security measures at the law courts; integration of robust policies and innovation technologies in the protection of records; professional development programs for staff to enhance their competencies in handling security protocols; and regular monitoring and auditing of user access in order to detect and address unauthorized activities promptly.

Effect of Risk Assessment on Financial Performance of SACCOs in Meru County, Kenya

2023-08-18T13:16:16+00:00

In the quest for competitive advantage and higher profitability, financial institutions have focused on accountability. For instance, Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs) have been at the forefront in seeking competitive advantage through enhanced accountability. Effective internal audits help SACCOs to identify and manage risks, improve their operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulations and best practices. Despite the presence of internal auditors who review the organization’s internal control systems, some SACCOs experience liquidity problems and loss of funds through non-performing loans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of risks evaluation on the financial outcomes of SACCOs in Meru County, Kenya. The study utilized descriptive survey research. The investigative research focused on 42 SACCOs that have operated in Meru County for a minimum of ten years. The study was a census. Data was gathered through a structured questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS - Version 24) was utilized to analyze data. The researchers used a simple linear regression model and Pearson product-moment correlation to examine the relationship between SACCOs' financial performance and risk assessment. The findings indicated a significant relationship between risk assessment and financial performance of SACCOs in Meru County. It was concluded that effective risk assessment can help SACCOs to reduce operation costs, improve their efficiency, and enhance their financial outcome. The management of SACCOs should implement effective risk assessment policies to mitigate risks, reduce operational costs and enhance financial performance. The findings of this study are anticipated to help SACCO management, the members, and the regulator to appreciate the importance of quality audit systems in minimizing operations costs and mitigating risks.

Factors Determining Successful Adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) in University Libraries: A case of Catholic University of Eastern Africa Library

2023-07-20T09:27:24+00:00

The potential of Internet of Things technology to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness has been recognized across various sectors. However, its adoption in Kenyan university libraries remains limited. The primary aim of this study was to examine the factors that contribute to the successful adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technology at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa library. The ultimate goal was to identify these factors and provide recommendations for best practices in implementing IoT in the library setting. The Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use served as the guiding framework. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, this study focused on a target population of seven section head librarians and five hundred library patrons. Employing a qualitative approach, data was collected through interviews with a purposively selected university librarian, five section head librarians, and six focus group discussions (7 each), involving simple randomly sampled library patrons. Document analysis was also conducted. Content analysis and thematic categorization were used for data analysis. The study found that IoT adoption in CUEA libraries is limited by infrastructure challenges, training gaps, and organizational barriers. Robust infrastructure, user acceptance, staff training, and organizational support are key success factors for IoT adoption. The study recommends that CUEA libraries should partner with university departments to allocate resources for IoT implementation and establish training programs to enhance staff skills. The university administration should support libraries by removing organizational barriers, facilitating budgets, and creating a conducive environment for seamless IoT integration. Implementing these recommendations will enhance knowledge management capabilities and contribute to research and learning environments. This study's novelty lies in its focus on university libraries and its actionable recommendations for improving operations and services through IoT technology.

Influence of Technology Alliances on Performance of Telecommunication Organizations in Kenya: A Case of Safaricom Limited

2023-08-30T10:17:22+00:00

Strategic alliances are a common scenario in businesses and organizations. This is attributable to the rising number of business collaborations anchored on affiliations that have caused enormous changes to business culture and the running of organizations. In Kenya’s telecommunication industry, three of the four main operators have not matched the performance of the industry leader through the years. This has partly been associated with the level of involvement in strategic alliances. This paper sought to establish how technology alliances influence performance of telecommunication organizations in Kenya; particularly, at Safaricom PLC. A descriptive research design, case study method, was employed. Six thousand staff working at Safaricom headquarters formed the target population. The sample comprised those in top management and departmental management positions. Stratification was done according to the management level in the organization. A sample size of 105 respondents was selected via simple random sampling. Primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was sourced through survey, using questionnaires. Data was analyzed descriptively and using inferential techniques. Descriptive analysis involved generating first and second order averages. Inferential analysis was done using regression and correlation analysis. Results were presented in tables. Results showed a direct and statistically significant relationship between organizational performance and technology alliances. The study recommends telecommunication firms to invest heavily in technology since their products are dependent on technology which is diverse and dynamic. Further, telecommunication firms should target technology alliances that help bring about robust innovation, research and development, as well as invest in trained and skilled manpower to keep up with global trends and dynamism of the sector. There was a statistically significant high degree of positive correlation result between technology alliances and organizational performance, a perspective that deviated from earlier findings

Influence of Liquidity Risk Hedging on Performance of Real Estate Firms in Meru County, Kenya

2023-07-14T17:44:56+00:00

Real estate investments are long-term and capital intensive projects which outperform other asset classes attracting many investors. Real estate contributes greatly to the gross domestic product of many nations. However, financial risks, such as liquidity risk, may largely affect the performance of real estate firms. Though financial risks are global, Kenya experiences high uncertainty of returns due to market volatility and economic fluctuations. This study aimed to assess the influence of Liquidity risk hedging on the performance of real estate firms in Meru County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and was anchored on the liquidity preference theory. Questionnaires and secondary data schedules were used to collect data from 24 real estate firms. Using stratified random sampling method, a sample size of 131 officers was derived using Krejcie and Morgan formula. The senior managers and financial, operations, risk, sales and legal officers from the 24 real estate firms constituted the respondents. To test the reliability and validity of the instruments, 14 questionnaires were pretested in 3 real estate firms in Tharaka Nithi County. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 23, and results presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that liquidity risk hedging had the highest positive influence on NOI, ROE, but less influence on ROA. The study recommends that banks and the financial market players train the real estate firms on available financial innovations so as to hedge risks. The findings challenge the existing paradigms and offers a new perspective on the use of derivatives in hedging real estate liquidity risk. This research aligns with the Kenyan government housing project agenda, and provides a platform for a further discussion on pitfalls to avoid in real estate investments, and the available opportunities

The Role of Laity in Fostering the Integration of Christian Faith into Daily Living: A Case of the Methodist Church in the Kaaga Synod

2023-09-11T14:36:12+00:00

The Church is expected to infuse the world and provide moral compass to her followers. Laity is key in this infusion. However, there is a noticeable gap in laity as regards fostering the integration of faith in daily living. This paper aims to assess the role of laity in fostering integration of Christian faith into daily living within the Methodist Church in the Kaaga Synod. The purpose of the study is to suggest measures for addressing the disengagement of the laity’s lives from Christian teachings. The study proposes a constructivism paradigm, and adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 39,000 members of the 205 churches in 27 circuits that make up Kaaga synod. The sample size was 380 respondents consisting of 339 church members, 32 lay leaders (including men, women, youth and circuit stewards), 8 superintendent ministers /clergy, and 1 synod Bishop. Data was collected using open-ended questionnaires for church members, interviews for lay leaders, focus group discussions for superintendent ministers, and documentary analysis for synod reports and minutes. The quality of data was ensured by checking content, construct, criterion, bracketing, and testimonial validities. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Kenya Methodist University, ethics review committee. Data was analyzed thematically. The study found out laxity among church members to receive Christian teachings, and deficiency of personal responsibility in the practice of Christian teachings as well as individualism that negatively affected implementation of laity programs. The study recommended laity to focus on their individual spiritual development and also engage in social activities that promote justice, peace, and a balance between their spiritual and social dimensions.

Influence of Feeding on Indigenous Commercial Poultry Production in Mandera County, Kenya

2023-09-12T11:44:52+00:00

Indigenous poultry thrive in arid and semi-arid lands since they require less care, are hardy, and can scavenge on free range. However, supplementation of poultry feeds with commercial rations has been shown to give better results. A number of obstacles in feeding indigenous chicken restrict their production, especially in arid lands. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplementary feeding on commercial indigenous poultry production in Mandera County, Kenya. Descriptive study design was used. The study population was 3,971 poultry keeping households in Mandera County, from which 363 respondents were purposively selected. Purposive sampling technique ensured that poultry keepers with over 100 indigenous chickens for commercial purposes and those practicing supplementary feeding were selected. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. Focus group discussions were used for qualitative data and triangulation of results. Reliability of instruments as ascertained by Cronbach alpha value. The findings revealed that feeding had a positive and significant effect on poultry production (β=1.108, p=0.000). Person’s correlation coefficient on influence of poultry feeding on indigenous commercial chicken production was positive, high (r=584^**) and significant. The study concluded that poultry feeding experienced challenges. Further, due to lack of technical advisory services, majority of commercial poultry producers result to traditional poultry feeding practices which stagnated their production. The study recommends county governments to recruit additional livestock extension specialists, and to create an enabling environment for businessmen to invest in commercial poultry feeds production. The study proposes further research on factors that affect supplementary feeding, their effects on the commercialization of indigenous poultry production.

Influence of Market Penetration Strategy on Growth of Restaurants in Nairobi County

2022-10-24T14:06:42+00:00

Failure of application of market penetration strategy is the lead cause of poor growth of restaurants across Nairobi County, specific adaptation of this marketing strategy can create advantage over the larger market; adjust the price levels; increase rate of consumption; take competitors customers; or convert nonusers of the product or service. Out of desperation, managers stuck to non-traditional methods of operation without adapting to the current changes in business environment to improve efficiency and effectiveness. However, there is minimal data in Kenya and Nairobi County to help managers penetrate new markets. The objective of this study was to determine the perceived influence and possible effect of market penetration strategy on restaurant growth in Nairobi County. Descriptive survey was utilized to enable reveal the underlying problem in restaurant growth. Purposive sampling technique was used to carry out the census. Data was obtained from 30 respondents (food and beverage managers) using questionnaires administered through drop-and-pick method. It was cleansed, coded and manually keyed in SPSS version 26, then summarized using frequency and percentages and presented using tables and charts. Results indicated a significant association between market penetration strategy and the restaurant growth in Nairobi County. Factors found to have strong influence on market penetration were; sales promotions 18(78.2%); free trial offers and give-a ways 18(78.222%); credit terms on products or services provided 19(82.6%); PR strategies of marketing 20(86.9%); mail or telemarketing strategies 21(91.3%); and bought a competitor company or restaurant 19(82.6%); decision generated from Boston Matrix to decide whether the product or service is worthy continued investment or must be disregarded 20(86.9%). Market penetration strategy was found to be statistically significant and positively related to restaurant growth Y(β₂ =0.766, P=.001). The study concludes that market penetration strategy is statistically significant in assessing the restaurants’ growth.