Manufacturing is critical to any country's economic development, and Kenya is no exception. The direct and indirect externalities from manufacturing range from increased industrialization, job creation, multiplier effect, and direct contribution to a country’s Gross Domestic Product. The primary goal of this research is to identify the factors that influence the technical efficiency of Kenyan manufacturing firms. The specific objectives are as follows: to determine the level of technical efficiency of Kenyan manufacturing firms and to identify the factors that influence the technical efficiency of Kenyan manufacturing firms. This research is informed by the firm theory, production theory, and efficiency theory. The World Bank Enterprise Survey Data for the year 2018 was used in this study because it is the most recent data available for manufacturing firms in Kenya. This data reports on various indicators of technical efficiency for individual firms and industries, as well as information on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of these manufacturing firms. The variables that have been focused on in this study include the age and size of the firm, the managerial experience of the top executive, the structure of ownership, the exporting status of the firm, the location of the firm, the industry the firm is in, and finally, whether or not the firm undertakes research and development activities. In this study, the parametric Stochastic Frontier Analysis approach was used to assess efficiency. It is preferred to other methods like Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) because when compared to DEA, SFA is better as it accounts for the noise, or random effects and is also able to provide a structure to figure out the causes of inefficiency in production and the causes of varying levels of productivity which are of great use while making conclusions of how inefficiency can be reduced and productivity increased. The model estimated that the technical efficiency of Kenyan manufacturing firms is 42.54%, implying that Kenyan manufacturing firms operate at a level 57.46% lower than their optimal level of operation. The study has finally analyzed the factors that influence this level of technical efficiency and has given recommendations on how the government can address these factors.

Organizations operate in a turbulent and dynamic environment that bring about various challenges and increased competition. As a result of intense competition and increased challenges, organizations need to adopt new strategies to stay competitive. The purpose of the study was to explore strategies adopted by Carrefour Limited to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in Kenya. This research was guided by Porter's theory of competitive advantage and the resource-based view. The research made use of a qualitative research design. A Case study was utilized since the study’s focus was a single organization. Data was collected using interview guides with open ended questions that facilitated collection of more information. The collected data was subjected to an analysis using content analysis. This enabled the researcher draw realistic comparisons and make inferences. The study established that Carrefour had adopted the following cost cutting measures: elimination of non-critical company undertakings by merging various departments, leveraging on their personnel to be effective and industrious, reduced the number of staffed employees, capitalizing on merchandisers and reduced the number of outsourced parties. The retail store has participated in immense research and design because it operates in different geographical areas with different cultures, tastes and preferences. The study concluded that cost leadership was the primary strategy being implemented while differentiation and focus were implemented as their secondary strategies. The research also concluded that cost leadership influenced competitive advantage to a greater degree. It is of importance for Carrefour to invest in growth competencies, resources, research and technology because so as to keep evolving in order to guarantee sustainable advantage. The study concluded from the findings that the company had attained economies of scale and its service design is tailored to meet customer needs. The retail store undertook research and design in order to understand customer needs in terms of quality and preference. The study’s limitations were due to the scope of the study which was limited since other industry players were not included in the study. There were other challenges like misunderstanding of the interview questions and delayed responsiveness from the respondents. The respondents could not share some information in depth due to the company’s stringent policies and fear that information will be shared to their rivals. The study recommends that Carrefour should deploy a variety of competitive advantage strategies that complement each other in the quest to attain competitive advantage besides the generic strategies The researcher also recommends Carrefour to considers both its internal and external environmental factors as they are critical in determining strategic choices since this will dictate the capabilities and the potential of a firm. By focusing excessively on external factors, a company becomes reactive rather than proactive.

This was a comparative study between Viwandani and Buruburu residential areas, where demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics were used to assess the contribution of street food vendors to urban food access. The objectives of the study were to; a) compare the demographic and socio-economic characteristics (education, income, gender, age, marital status and experience) of the street food vendors, b) Map and characterize the street food types sold in Viwandani and Buruburu, c) Assess the contribution of street foods to urban food access, d) Analyze the sources of food sold in the study area. Primary data were obtained from a census survey administered to one hundred and four street food vendors in the study region. Geographic Information Systems were used to examine the mapping data, while descriptive statistics were utilized to evaluate the socioeconomic data. The results showed that vendors were concentrated along the main roads, railway line and footpaths forming a linear pattern. Women comprised majority (73%) of food vendors in Viwandani, and 68% in Buru Buru. The majority of the food vendors in Buru Buru were more educated than their counterparts in Viwandani. In addition, 55% of the food vendors in Buru Buru have worked in the street food business for 2 to 5 years while those in Viwandani were the most experienced having worked for over 10 years. An observation was made that the food sellers failed clean fresh food appropriately. Food vendors interviewed prepared their foods in unhygienic environmental conditions near dusty roads. Th e y sourced their food from formal markets, informal markets, shops, farms, and wholes. The government is recommended to invest in the street foods as it generates jobs and provides inexpensive food to urban dwellers.

Infrastructure's importance in promoting global trade and international relations among countries has been a major research topic, especially in the context of developing countries. By promoting commerce and providing alternate export and import transportation routes, key transportation infrastructure can improve regional ties, economic growth, and industrial development between nations that share a border. TAZARA, an infrastructure railroad that connects the ports of Dar es Salaam and Kapiri Mposhi, connects Tanzania and Zambia. Because there is a dearth of literature on the impact of TAZARA on Tanzania and Zambia's bilateral relations in terms of promoting trade, transportation, and natural resource exploitation, the study aims to determine how Tazara is affecting the Tanzania and Zambia's bilateral relations. The study is guided by the following objectives: to determine the influence of Railway Infrastructure in facilitation of domestic and international trade Among Tanzania and Zambia, to investigate the impact of Railway Infrastructure in offering both freight and passenger transportation services between and within Tanzania and Zambia and finally to assess the impact of Railway Infrastructure in exploitation of natural resources in Tanzania and Zambia. For a better understanding of the case study under inquiry, the researcher used a descriptive research design. The study's target population included the TAZARA railway line's administration as well as users who rely on the railway for their everyday needs. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data because they were easier to administer and allowed the researcher to get a lot of information from respondents. The study's findings revealed that Tazara is confronting both managerial and market obstacles, and that corrective action is required to address the issues. It was also discovered that Tazara has had a significant impact on internal and international trade, which has boosted both countries' economic prospects. Tazara has had an impact on passenger and freight transit across countries, according to the study, because it is highly reliable, comfortable, and economical. As a result, many passengers and traders rely significantly on it for transit. Finally, Tazara has had a positive impact on natural resource exploitation, as evidenced by increased agricultural and settlement activities in Tanzania's south-western and north-eastern regions, increased deforestation rates, and the development of hydro-power generation and irrigation schemes in transit development areas. As a result, Tazara is a critical infrastructure that has aided rural Tanzanian and Zambian development. According to the study, railway networks improved trade facilitation by harmonizing export and import processes. Furthermore, the transportation infrastructure affects natural resource extraction along the transit route. Tazara should improve its management and operational practices, according to the research, to ensure timeliness and efficiency. Tanzania and Zambia should also give additional money to Tazara in order to update the railway infrastructure and implement new security and operational programs to prevent cargo loss and delays. Finally, the findings show that the Tazara is a critical aspect in Tanzania and Zambia's bilateral relations, since citizens hold the railway in high regard.

Regulatory reporting shows that microfinance banks are struggling to rebound after the COVID 19 pandemic, with the number of accounts declining by four percent and total assets declining by two percent to Ksh.74.9 billion from Ksh.76.4 billion for 2019. Further, the regulator reports that net advances declined by 5 percent. These inadequacies motivate this study which examined the effect of firm-level factors and regulatory capital on MFI’s profits. The agency and efficiency structure theory were the study’s basis. A positivist research philosophy was applied together with a quantitative descriptive research design. The study targeted three (3) large microfinance banks, five (5) medium microfinance and six (6) small MFB licenced by the Central Bank of Kenya and collected panel data published by the MFBs between 2010 and 2020. Descriptive and inferential techniques were used in analysis. The correlation tests established that liquidity, market share and regulatory requirements do not have a significant effect on Kenyan MFB’s ROA. Further, it was established that firm age and size have a significant positive effect on MFB’s ROA. The study findings support the conclusion that while firm-level factors and regulatory requirements have a positive and significant effect on Kenyan MFBs profits, liquidity levels do not have a significant influence and market share had a negative but insignificant effect. Further, firm age negatively impacted the MFB’s profits. The research recommends that the microfinance banks should employ more robust liquidity management policies that will improve their capacity to meet their financial obligations. Further, the firms should routinely review their compliance to regulatory requirements to ensure they maintain a healthy capital adequacy position. The study recommends that firms review their current market outreach programmes to leverage on their market position and experience to drive financial outcomes. Lastly, the firms should maintain their asset management strategies which will be key to improving the firm value and their overall financial performance.

The objective of this study was to research on the foreign market entry strategies adopted by Kenya Reinsurance Corporation Limited when entering foreign markets and its financial performance of in foreign markets. The research made use of a case study research design. The researcher collected primary data by conducting interviews. The study relied on qualitative data corrected by the researcher. The researcher employed an interview guide since it enabled the collection of first hard information regarding the study phenomena. In this study, the researcher relied on primary data collected from three managers of Kenya Reinsurance Corporation Limited. Interviews were conducted with the finance manager, business development manager and the research and strategy manager. The primary data collected was qualitative in nature. Content analysis was employed to analyze the data that was collected through conducting interviews on the three managers. The study findings showed that Kenya Reinsurance Corporation uses foreign market entry modes such as exporting, strategic alliance and foreign direct investment. The study also concludes that financial performance of the corporation has improved since it started entering foreign markets due to positive contribution of revenue and profits from foreign markets. The study also established that Kenya Reinsurance Corporation relies on market research to select its foreign market and the modes of foreign market entry. The study established that exporting of reinsurance services and signing of strategic partnerships were preferred by the corporation as the first modes of foreign market entry since they involved less commitment of capital. The study established that involvement of employees and key stakeholders of the corporation is key to the success of foreign market entry process. The study main limitation was interviewees unwillingness to give much information without exposing the corporation’s confidential information. This was mitigated by assuring the respondents that the information was purely for academic use. The study recommends the use regular updates to communicate the process of foreign market entry and financial performance of the corporation in foreign markets. The study recommends continued market research at predetermined intervals to ensure that the adopted foreign market entry strategies remain relevant. Further research can be done by combining both primary and secondary data and investigating the impact of foreign market entry strategies on the corporation performance using correlation analysis. A similar study can also be done on other Kenyan reinsurance companies.

The competitive climate in which businesses currently operate forces them to concentrate on distinctive strategies that provide them an edge. Globalization, technical advancement, and the quick spread of new technologies all contribute to the competitive business climate. By defining their core competencies, businesses may focus on areas that provide them an edge over rivals and a competitive advantage. This research was aimed at the performance of beverage companies in Nairobi, Kenya in respect to distinguishing capabilities. Competitive advantage, dynamic capability and resource-based theory served as the foundation for this investigation. Twenty two beverage industries were the study's target population. Descriptive research design was used and through the use of a standardized questionnaire, primary data was gathered. The survey findings shows that firms have progressed beyond product quality standards compliance to enhance firm performance. Organizations are undertaking research and development projects to create cutting-edge innovation for long-term market competitive advantage. To elicit a positive response from the target consumer, businesses use marketing to determine the requirements and desires of the target market and to convey the company's brand image and product value. The majority of workers in diverse firms focus more on producing the greatest outcomes for the business and demonstrate tenacity, ingenuity, and a sense of mission in doing so. Based on the results, the research suggests that beverage firms acquire those unique capabilities that are appropriate for them and fit the shifting market need to guarantee that they obtain a competitive edge. Additionally, businesses should invest in the creation of new products and the implementation of effective, eco-friendly production techniques. Last but not least, the study suggests that companies make sure that before setting their price, they undertake research on costs in order to establish a price that is agreeable to both present and new consumers.

Resource allocation is an applied economic concept that emanates from the scarcity of resources due to limited supply has given the need to meet unlimited population needs and wants. Various means are used in allocating resources, including markets in free economies and planning through political processes in mixed economies. Modern macroeconomic theory and policy rest on the assertion of John Keynes's mixed economic system on the role of government in solving market problems and promoting welfare. Harvey, J. (1981), through his analysis of the relationship between public sector growth and labor force expansion, acknowledges economies embracing the case for public sector spending in providing adequate interventions to access public goods. The government in a mixed economy is constantly under pressure to quench the ever-growing demand for public goods and services to improve society's welfare level (Montibeller & Franco, 2011). The paradox of efficiently allocating public resources rests on fiscal budgets as a tool for public sector spending and determining the services' value for money financial expenditure avenues (Barroy & Gupta, 2020). The unique nature of a government in mixed economies is in its combination of markets and planning considerations in allocating resources to public goods and services, including healthcare, education, defense, and fire emergency services. According to (Nafziger, 2021), sufficient food, entrance to primary education, basic health services, adequate and consistent water supply, proper sanitation, and safe and affordable housing is the set of basic needs of a population fulfilled through public service in mixed economies. However, the considerations and deliberations that inform public resource allocation and distribution decisions vary from different factors that come into play to the weights attached to the mandatory and essential variables (Kakungu, 2013). Over time, empirical studies and rigorous research activities have been aimed at generating and improving existing resource allocation avenues to achieve more effective and efficient public spending within the government, the New Zealand (Treasury, 2018) study. Different governments have explored different approaches to allocate resources efficiently (Allain et al., 2015). The standard cost approach in resource allocation utilized in Australia is anchored on total expenditure broken down by function and jurisdiction; calculations on the average cost per capita of providing a particular service across different locations form the public resource allocation basis. Modifications of this approach have been applied in Japan and Sweden. 1Informing Public Resource Allocation Criteria in Kenya Local authorities in the United Kingdom apply a regression-based approach, an improved standard cost approach in resource allocation. A model of public resource allocation is determined by performing a regression analysis on explanatory variables such as population size, deprivation, and others that portray regional differences, which are viewed as needs indicators to explain past public spending variations (Dolan, Layard, & Metcalfe, 2011). Different approaches utilized include the Outcome-based method that is applied by Wale and the Bottom-Up cost approach for the Netherlands. Despite these deliberate efforts, no unanimous concession has been reached on how governments can efficiently resource allocation to maximize societal welfare

The study sought to investigate the steps being taken by NGOs to resolve conflict in Kenya, with a focus on evaluating the role of NGOs in resolving ethnic conflict, a case of Kenya. examine the efficacy of NGOs in conflict resolution in Kenya and identify impact of NGOs socially, politically and economically during conflict and after conflict resolution in Kenya. The study has noted that NGO has lobbied, supported, and advice the government to implement recommendations and provide the needed security from other mediating and peace-making forums and initiatives. The NGOs within the Kenya territory are known to play some preventive roles due to the advantages they tend to have, particularly when they are in contact with the grassroots movements and being familiar with the local conflicts. By gathering the different supplementary information, they also play some vital roles, especially in the areas where there is a lot of anxiety regarding human rights abuse. Through engaging in small-scale projects, strengthening the social and the social systems, they attempt to achieve their peace building roles and training the local leaders on how they could interact with other groups. According to the United Nations, this simply means that these NGOs are capable of supporting the communities by ensuring that there is the creation of some general conditions that will promote and develop peace building. The study established that in every ethnic conflict happening in Kenya, nongovernmental organizations have been actively involved in initiating peacemaking programs. The major non-governmental organizations, as they have been pointed out in this chapter, are; the Red Cross, the World Vision, the United Nations, and the Humanitarian groups. In 2007 post-election violence, the African Union represented by Kofi Annan played a vital role in restoring Peace among Kenya's ethnic communities. The Red Cross has currently been offering immediate responses to the victims of ethnic differences. In the conflicts happening in Laikipia, the World Vision creates awareness to the ethnic communities about the importance of peace and stability in a country. For that matter, it can be concluded that non-governmental organizations have effectively mitigated ethnic conflicts in Kenya. The study found that NGOs play critical roles during conflict and after conflict resolution. They are mostly known for initiating peacemaking programs to strengthen any country's political, social, and economic activities. The United Nations is the major non-governmental organization that intervenes during conflict and after the conflicts. The NGOs peace-making programs affect social activities such as; healthcare, school, sports, and family settings, among others. They also affect political activities such as; leadership, law/policymaking, and corruption. Finally, it affects economic activities such as; trading, gross domestic production, and taxation. The study recommends inclusion of NGOs in all steps of conflict resolution this is because the study has found NGOs to be effective in resolving conflict. The study also recommends that Independent institutions must be strengthened to the point where influential persons, political parties, the presidency, and the legislature cannot interfere with their mandate. Only by establishing a more inclusive and representative system—along with democratic political socialization—can Kenya's toxic mixture of poorly managed ethnic variety be avoided.

The business environment is highly amorphous characterised by high competition, unpredictable economic shifts, and the constantly changing customer preferences. To be able to survive and manoeuvre through such turbulent business environment, organizations need to formulate strategies that constantly match institutional capabilities to the prevailing external environmental requirements. This study investigated the response strategies adopted by motor vehicle dealers in Kisumu city, to external environmental changes. The study objective was to investigate the response strategies adopted by motor vehicle dealers in Kisumu City, external environmental changes. The study was modelled according to descriptive survey research design with mixed methods. Quantitative data was collected among 33 respondents drawn from 33 motor vehicle dealers operating in Kisumu using structured questionnaires. The data was then analysed through descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation statistics of SPSS software. The study findings indicate embracing technology strategy (Mean= 4.93), cost leadership (Mean= 4.43), market development and penetration (Mean= 4.18), and diversification (Mean= 4.02) as the most frequently applied response strategies by the motor vehicle dealers in Kisumu against the external environmental changes. The findings also indicated that embracing technology (Mean= 4.92), followed by diversification (Mean= 4.75), market segmentation (Mean= 4.46) and cost leadership (Mean= 4.31) as the most effective response strategies adopted by motor vehicle dealers in Kisumu City. The study therefore concluded that embracing technology, cost leadership, market development and penetration and diversification strategies are the mostly applied and effective response strategies by the motor vehicle dealers in Kisumu City against external environmental changes. This study further recommends that policy makers should invest more on research and environment scanning, develop policies adaptable to changing environment and offer training to motor vehicle dealers on strategic thinking. It is also recommended that management of motor vehicle industry embrace strategic management and strategic thinking aimed at innovation and adoption of strategies that are flexible and aligned with their environment. The motor vehicle industry should embrace technology development, invest in diversification opportunities, adopt differentiation strategies and be innovative in order to stand out competitively and be successful in the volatile market.