Larger firms’ performance is expected to be better than for smaller entities. This is due to their ability to harness market power and existence of economies of scale and scope. By attracting more customers, increasing the asset base and issuing new loans banks grow in size. As these banks grow, their performance improves and their risk diminishes (Joleski, 2017). Theoretically, it is expected that: the larger the bank, the higher the performance and the lower the risks associated with doing business. This study sought to investigate how firm size influences the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The independent variable for the research was firm size measured using natural logarithm of total assets. Credit risk, liquidity and capital adequacy were the control variables while the dependent variable was financial performance measured using ROA. The study was guided by stakeholder theory, financial intermediation theory as well as behavioural theory of firm growth. Descriptive research design was utilized in this research. The 41 commercial banks in Kenya as at December 2021 served as target population. The study collected secondary data for five years (2017-2021) on an annual basis from CBK and individual banks annual reports. Descriptive, correlation as well as regression analysis were undertaken and outcomes offered in tables followed by pertinent interpretation and discussion. The research conclusions yielded a 0.604 R square value implying that 60.4% of changes in banks ROA can be described by the four variables chosen for this research. The multivariate regression analysis further revealed that individually, firm size has a positive and significant effect on ROA of banks (β=0.484, p=0.000). Credit risk exhibited a negative effect on ROA of banks as shown by (β=-0.346, p=0.000). Liquidity and capital adequacy exhibited a positive and significant influence on ROA of banks in Kenya as shown by (β=0.318, p=0.000) and (β=0.282, p=0.000) respectively. The study recommends the need for banks to grow their asset base as this will enable them to enjoy economies of scale leading to a rise in financial performance. The policy makers such as CBK should come up with policy guidelines to direct firms on ways to enhance their asset base without risking their financial performance.

The study’s purpose was to assess stakeholder participation in ward development road projects in Westland Sub-County, Kenya. The study also sought to assess the level of stakeholders’ participation in planning of road construction Ward development projects in Westland Sub-County; examine the level of stakeholders’ participation in collection of data in road construction Ward development projects in Westland Sub-County; establish the level of stakeholders’ participation in analysis of data in road construction Ward development projects within Westland Sub-County; and examine extent of stakeholders participation in documentation, reporting and sharing of information in road construction Ward development projects in Westland Sub-County. This study adopted cross-sectional quantitative research design. The target population was all 8 project managers, 8 community leaders (village elders) 5 ward representatives, 8 beneficiaries’ representatives and 5 Members of County Assembly in Westland Sub-County, Kenya. Moreover, the study utilized census approach hence the entire population was used in the research. Moreover, the researcher utilized primary data, which was gathered via semi-structured questionnaires. Moreover, the questionnaires generated quantitative and qualitative data. Furthermore, thematic analysis was deployed in analyzing qualitative data and findings presented in narrative form. Moreover, descriptive statistics were deployed in quantitative data analysis with the help of SPSS version 24 statistical software. The study found that there was low stakeholders’ participation in the planning for PM&E in road construction Ward development projects in Westlands Sub-County. In addition, the study established that there was low participation of stakeholders in the collection of data in road construction Ward development projects within Westlands Sub-County. Further, the study established that stakeholders were lowly engaged in analysis of data in the collection of data in road construction Ward development projects in Westlands Sub-County. The study further revealed that there was low stakeholder participation in documentation, reporting and sharing of information in road construction Ward development projects within Westlands Sub-County. The study recommends that the stakeholders in road construction Ward development projects in Westlands Sub-County should participate in M&E activities including planning, gathering of data, analysis of gathered data as well as documentation, reporting and sharing information.

Today's uncertain and unpredictable situations in the environment are characterized by fast change. There is intense rivalry in the insurance market, therefore businesses operating in this sector need to implement competitive tactics to give themselves an edge. This study set out to examine Heritage Insurance’s competitive strategies and its perceived influence on the performance of the company. The research was anchored on two key theories, Industrial Organization Economics theory and the Dynamic Capabilities theory. Information was gathered through conducting interviews based on the interview guide that had been developed. Primary data was collected, and which was supplemented by secondary data which included the strategic plan, company minutes and relevant published magazines and newsletters published by the company. Content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data that had been gathered. According to the findings, the company employs a number of different competitive strategies in order to maintain an edge over its rivals. Product differentiation, cost leadership, product development, market penetration, and technology are all used as competitive tactics. The study findings suggest that Heritage Insurance company has enormous opportunities they can seize with its present capabilities and plans. Hence, in order to expand the business and be the pioneer of the market, it has to devote more resources and capital funds. According to the results, leading businesses understand the need of adopting competitive tactics to maintain their position in the market. Companies that successfully develop and execute competitive strategies have an edge in the market and are better equipped to hold on to their current clientele. The study recommends that the company to adopt innovative technologies that will enable it to exploit new markets in the fiercely competitive insurance sector environment.

Volatility of foreign exchange rate (FX) is unsolved gap in research, FX and other macroeconomic variables have significant influence on the Kenyan economic growth. The study sought to determine the association between selected macro-economic variables and FX in Kenya. Among key theories reviewed in this study included Interest Rate Parity, Purchasing Power Parity and Ricardian theories. This paper adopted use of a correlational research design and collected secondary data based on quarterly data for sixteen years between 2006 and 2021. Data was collected from the World Bank Development indicators and the Central Bank of Kenya. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Dialogistic tests of normality, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity and serial correlation were done. The outcomes depict a negative effect of interest rate on FX. Further, inflation rate had a positive but insignificant effect while GDP growth rate had a negative insignificant effect on FX. Money supply on the other hand had a positive effect on FX. The study concluded that interest rate has a negative effect on FX in Kenya. It also concluded that money supply has a positive effect on FX in Kenya. Inflation rate and GDP growth rate have no substantial effect on FX in Kenya. The recommendations include the development of policies by the state that would increase the lending rate; increase the GDP growth rate optimally; and reduce money supply within the country hence reducing the rate at which the Kenya Shilling exchanges with USD. The government policies that would increase lending rate in Kenya, would lead to decreased FX of KSh to USD. The government should also come up with policies that would increase GDP growth rate optimally; and reduce money supply within the country hence reducing rate at which Kenya Shilling exchanges with USD. From the research, future studies could be done on different timespans; and other macroeconomic variables influencing Kenyan FX against USD and different measures of FX.

Behavioural biases naturally affect real estate investment decision. It may be very detrimental to an investor's fortune to let one's behavioral biases impact their decision-making process. Because of the inherent prejudices that are programmed into our minds and bodies, human people are prone to making judgments that are not in their best interests (Gordon, 2011). An investor is presumed to be normal in behavioural finance. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of behavioural biases on real estate investment decisions by agents in Shenzhen, China. A sample of 42 real estate agents operating in Shenzhen China was selected. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered. Five distinct biases were analyzed. Overconfidence, Frame Dependence, Herding Effect and Mental Accounting. In order to determine how much agents in Shenzhen's real estate market are influenced by their own behavioral biases while making financial investments, a regression study was conducted (China). By examining the beta values, we can see that the herding bias and overconfidence bias both negatively impacted the choice to invest in real estate, while the frame reliance bias and mental accounting prejudice both positively impacted the choice. The effect of herding bias (t-value = -2.452, p-value= 0.014), overconfidence bias (t-value = -3.889, p-value= 0.000), frame dependence bias (t-value = 3.437, p-value= 0.001) and mental accounting bias (t-value = 4.239, p-value= 0.000) were found out to be statistically significant as confirmed by the high t-values and p-values of less than 0.05. The research found a significant correlation (R-value = 0.729) between the four common cognitive biases (herding, overconfidence, representativeness, and mental accounting) and the real estate investment choices made by Shenzhen real estate agents. Adjusted R Square score of 0.525 indicates that irrational beliefs and biases account for 52.5% of the total variation in Shenzhen real estate agents' investing choices. Additionally, the research found that representative bias and mental accounting bias had a negative and statistically significant influence on individual investment decision making, but herding bias and overconfidence bias had no effect. It followed that an increase in herding bias and overconfidence bias would lead to worse individual investment decisions, whereas an increase in representative bias and mental accounting bias would lead to much better decisions. The research found that representativeness bias is one of the most prevalent biases influencing investing decision-making due to the fact that individuals tend to make choices based on preconceived notions or past and anticipated securities price movements. According to the findings, real estate professionals should be aware of and prepared to deal with cognitive biases, and they should also use effective allocation procedures to calculate the relative risk and reward of potential investments.

This study strived to ascertain the effect in the urban school feeding programme (SFP) on pupils' attendance in Kibera and Mathare informal settlements, in Nairobi County and suggest any possible interventions to ensure an effective SFP in urban areas. The study employed a treatment-control approach to establish the differences that existed between schools with, and those without feeding. A total of 10 schools that were feeding in 2018 and had the programme terminated in 2019, and 4 schools that were feeding in both 2018 and 2019 were included in the study as treatment and control respectively. Data gathered was analysed using Difference-in-Differences (DiD) method. The outcome of the study disclosed that withdrawal of SFP led to an overall decline in attendance by 116 pupils for both boys and girls in both informal settlements. In Kibera a total of 113 pupils missed school compared to 139 pupils in Mathare. Founded on the study outcome, it suggested that, even with scarce and limited resources available, there is need for the government to prioritize support to urban school feeding. In addition, school management committees and head teachers must broaden the community and parental commitment in supporting urban SFP. Finally, the study suggests that an intensive comparative study might be undertaken to compare the influence of enrolment necessitated by school feeding programme and attendance in schools in urban informal settlements, in relation to schools in rural areas.

This study examined the factors affecting health insurance uptake among people living with disability in Kenya. Using the KHIBS 2015/2016 dataset a binary probit model is estimated. The findings show that being a female-headed household, employed (formal & self), education attainment, distance to nearest health facility, significantly influenced the uptake health insurance among PWDs in Kenya. Based on these findings, to increase the uptake of health insurance among households with PWDs in Kenya, national and county governments should increase support to encourage households with PWDs to pursue education, such as offer scholarships, provide personal equipment’s like wheelchairs, hearing aids and special reading materials. The government can also ensure access to UHC through strengthening devolution of health care services and subscription to National health insurance fund to every household. Larger household size is linked to a lower uptake of health insurance among PWDs, the government should the encourage and educate households with PWDs on the benefits of family planning through the use of contraception

Trying to monitor the trade on counterfeit and falsified medicines is a challenging affair; however, there exist sufficient evidence that it is not lifestyle drugs alone that are at the center of these vice. Aggressive health challenges, including near death experiences (O’Hagan & Garlington, 2018). The purpose of this study was to determine influence of global standards implementation on performance of public health procurement agency in Kenya: a case of Kenya medical supplies agency. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of Product identification implementation on the performance of public health procurement agency in Kenya; establish the influence of product capture implementation on the performance of public health procurement agency and to examine the influence of Product data sharing implementation on the performance of health procurement agency. The research design largely embraced descriptive survey design featuring both the qualitative and quantitative characteristics. According to Kothari (2004) describing facts and characteristics falls under a descriptive survey when it targets individuals, group or situations To affirm it more, Lokesh (1984) made an assertion highlighting that descriptive studies are designed to obtain precise and pertinent information in line with the status of phenomena and whenever general conclusions from the facts discovered can be drawn. Putting into focus Kombo and Tromp (2006), when we are focusing on population, we depict it as the aggregate accumulation of components about which we wish to make deductions. To ensure a high outcome is obtained, the scoped population will comprise of various technical, operational and management staff working in public health procurement agency and health regulatory agency allied to procurement operations in Kenya. The best method that was selected was purposive sampling which was appropriate in developing the research sample to be interrogated and discussed. This method which forms part of the non-probability sampling techniques (Dull & Reinhardt, 2014). The members were selected putting emphasis on their knowledge, relationships and expertise regarding the topic of Global standards and their experience in its implementation in the public health procurement agency. The study determined the sample from the population by applying Sekeran (2003) sample determination table .For a population of 75 people, based on the pre calculation done from the table by Sekaran, the sample size was 62 respondents. Following that line of thought, the researcher then selected 103 respondents from the various partner organizations. The result obtained to justify the criteria of selection was such that those staff who have been involved in public heath procurement engagements were eligible. Use of questionnaire for survey research was the best instrument for data collection (Bowling, 1997), because the information was collected at a natural setting. To achieve maximum output based on information and experiences, the questions were designed based on stakeholder experiences in public health supply chain and procurement projects. The selection of the tool was guided by certain parameters such as data to be collected, easily accessible of such data, as well as the objective of the study. The justification of use of the questionnaires was mainly due to variables that could not be easily viewed. It established the importance of Global standards implementation in procurement agency and further highlighted the positive outcome of its implementation. It further established that efficiency of procurement systems increased in the end and there was effective inventory management of procurement commodities. Furthermore, there was also a reduction of stock-outs in the public health supply chain and finally it led to the faster detection and elimination of counterfeit commodities from the legal supply chain process. Global standards implementation is key in ensuring that we will have safe, secure and reliable supply chains.

The decreasing number of expectant women seeking ANC services at twenty weeks and after is concerning, because this is the time when the expectant women should be getting the most out of their antenatal care to ensure a safe delivery. The percentage of expectant women who visit ANC clinic appointments at 10 weeks or less in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital has risen from 24 percent in 2015 to 42 percent in 2021 on average. The percentage of expectant mothers who showed up for their 20-week check-up appointment declined from 11% to 8 percent during the same period. This study sought to establish the predictors of late ANC clinic attendance among women of child bearing age (15-49) in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi County. The specific objectives are: to determine the accessibility of the ANC services among women of child bearing age (15-49) in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi County. Also to establish the socio-economic determinants for late antenatal clinic attendance among women of reproductive age (15-49) in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study utilized secondary data obtained from Kenya District Health Information System (KDHIS-II) database. Binary regression model (probit) was used in estimation. Data collected was analyzed using STATA version 15. The findings revealed that approximately 76 percent of women aged between 15 and 49 years in Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital were recorded attending ANC clinic late. Majority of the clients that is 73 percent are located less tha 5 kilometres (5kms) away from the nearby health facility implying ease of accessibility. Further, age of the woman, education levels, employment status as well as awareness on ANC services were statistically significantly and negatively associated with reduced likelihood of late ANC attendance. On the other hand, age squared and marital status had a significant but positively related with increased probability of late antenatal care clinic visit among women of reproductive age in Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital. Based on the results, the research suggests increased sensitization on timely ANC attendance across all age groups. Also there is need for women empowerment and further training or coaching through adhoc support groups or seminars and workshops on the importance of ANC attendance in time. Lastly, there is need for empowerment via public - private partnerships to promote timely adherence to ANC clinics among women of all age set.

Reducing poverty is the greatest challenge for the government as it pursues Vision 2030. According to official figures, 32 per cent of Kenyans are classified as poor, meaning they live on less than a dollar a day. Low financial literacy has been cited as one of the factors causing the high poverty levels in Kenya. Any long-term government plan must address financial literacy, which is the result of accumulated years of living in poverty. The reason someone is poor today perhaps is because they never had access to basic and advanced financial literacy education. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of financial literacy on Kenya’s poverty levels. The study was based on prospect theory, dual process theory and the goal setting theory. The independent variable was financial literacy measured using the multidimensional poverty index per quarter while the control variables were economic growth, the unemployment rate, and public debt. The dependent variable that the research attempted to explain was the poverty levels in Kenya. The data was collected on a quarterly basis over a period of twenty years (from January 2012 to December 2021). A descriptive research approach was employed in the research, with a multivariate regression model used to examine the connection between the study variables. The study's findings yielded an R-square value of 0.995, indicating that the chosen independent variables could explain 99.5 percent of the variance in Kenya’s poverty levels, while the other 0.5 percent was due to other factors not investigated in this study. The F statistic was significant at a 5% level with a P = 0.000. This suggests that the model was adequate for explaining poverty levels in Kenya. Further, the findings demonstrated that financial literacy had a negative and significant influence on Kenya’s poverty levels. Economic growth and public debt also had a negative and significant influence on Kenya’s poverty levels. Unemployment rate had a significant positive influence on poverty levels in Kenya. The research suggests the need for policy makers to make it a requirement for educational institutions to offer financial literacy as lack of financial literacy contributes to a rise in poverty levels. The study also recommends that there is need to come up with effective measures of creating employment as high unemployment rate has an adverse effect on poverty levels. The study recommends the need for future researchers to conduct a study for a longer period of time such as the last 30 years to capture the effects of economic cycles.