School of Business and Economics

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African Christian Organizations and Socioeconomic Development
(Orbis books, Maryknoll, New York., 2017) Bowen, Michael
How can religious institutions contribute to the promotion of socioeconomic development? In their contribution to the common good, Christian organizations do not exist in a vacuum. Even on the level of religious expression, they are part of a wider group of institutions known as faith-based organizations (FBOs). Julia Berger (2003) defines FBOs as formal organizations whose identity and mission are derived from the teachings of religious tradition and which operate on a nonprofit basis to promote articulated ideas about the public good at different levels. FBOs are often connected with the faith community through personnel and have religiously oriented mission statements (Wuthnow 2004, 2009). Clarke and Jennings (2008) offer a broader definition of an FBO as “any organization that derives inspiration for its activities from the teachings and principles of the faith.” According to Pew (2010), the majority of people in sub-Saharan Africa identify themselves as adherents of Christianity or Islam, and approximately 75 percent of Africans trust their religious leaders. These findings indicate opportunities to leverage the influence of religious leaders and religion in promoting socioeconomic development. The Millennium Development Goals succinctly articulate the purposes of socioeconomic development: to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; combat diseases; and ensure environmental sustainability, among others. This chapter focuses on some of these and derives its themes from the Millennium Development Goals. In our research we asked over eight thousand African Christians to identify the African-led Christian organizations that they felt were having the most impact on their communities. Based on the frequency with which respondents listed them, we identified several dozen organizations 115 116 Michael Bowen29 here. as having significant positive impact. From these, we selected twenty-nine 30 and 32 organizations for more in-depth qualitative research, carrying out strucearlier. Check tured interviews with one or more leaders from each. The interviews were all references to this number and make correct throughout book. transcribed, and supplementary online and print information was solicited. A ten-page single-spaced report was prepared on each of the organizations following a pre-established interview protocol. Of the twenty-nine Christian institutions whose leaders we interviewed, five focused exclusively on spiritual matters, while twenty-four (82.8 percent) focused on one or more socioeconomic concern. This chapter focuses on those twenty-four organizations. Our interview data indicates that over half of these FBOs (54.2 percent) provide health services with the same percentage providing income/employment generation services, and also education and leadership development, which, for purposes of this chapter were included only if the education and leadership development focused more broadly on social and/or economic arenas rather than purely spiritual areas. One-third include a central focus on environment and/or agriculture. A smaller number (17.2 percent) prioritize community water provision. Nearly half (45.8 percent) of the FBOs prioritize other social services such as peacebuilding, gender equity, good governance, human rights, service to the vulnerable such as the physically challenged and elderly, drug-abuse awareness and support, training in life skills, or involvement in politics. Most FBOs that we examined do not limit their focus to a single socioeconomic area. Out of the twenty-four FBOs with a socioeconomic focus, twelve focus on three or more distinct areas. This focus on multiple areas of service may be due to the complementarity of the activities or to the need for a broader scope and impact. Alternatively, this pattern may also be responsive to the expectations of those that fund the FBOs. opportunities And AdvAntAGes in socioeconoMic development. Christian organizations are moral institutions that foster socioeconomic development. Over time, such organizations earn the trust of communities based on past performance and the teachings and practices arising from their faith. The faith motivation of these FBOs is a driving force in carrying out their development activities and is a response to Jesus Christ’s command to serve others, especially the poor and disadvantaged. Hefferan, Adkins, and Occhipinti (2009) are of the view that Christian organizations bring a distinctive perspective to development by adopting a philosophical approach and contextualizing poverty within religious frameworks. These organizations perceive development as saving people in line with biblical teachings, which goes beyond merely saving them from poverty to saving souls and promoting human dignity. For Christian-based. African Christian Organizations and Socioeconomic Development 117 organizations, therefore, development goes beyond material conditions of poverty and extends into the spiritual dimension. Furthermore, Christian organizations have some advantages over other institutions in bringing about development. Some of these advantages include the ability to mobilize local communities and resources at the lowest level of society. Such organizations often have local and international networks that give them an edge in development activities. Another key opportunity for Christian organizations that engage in socioeconomic development is the trust that society has in them. Such trust is normally earned over a period of operation. Their grassroots presence is another distinct advantage. This enables them to identify accurately community needs and propose appropriate interventions. Below I present each of these distinct advantages, beginning with literature from other scholars and supporting it with data from the Christian-based organizations that we researched.
The effects of business strategies on growth of market share in the telecommunications industry in Kenya: a case study of Telkom Kenya
(European Journal of Business and Strategic Management, 2017) Ndambuki, Andrew; Bowen, Michael; Karau, James
Purpose: To analyze the business strategies of Telkom Kenya Limited and how this has helped the company gain market share. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. Findings: The results from the study show that the effects of strategies to gain market share have been successful. Strategies such as culture change, retrenchment, product differentiation, product modification, and aggressive marketing campaigns have had a major impact on the market share of the company. Further results show that the strategies at Telkom Kenya positively affect the company profits. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings of this study will benefit a number of interest groups. Foremost, the management of Telkom Kenya Limited as a reference point will benefit from the research and recommendations on areas to improve on. Secondly, the study will benefit managers of other firms who can learn from the TKL case. For academicians, my research will contribute to the general body of knowledge and form a basis for further research on the effects of business strategies on any given industry. Investors, shareholders, suppliers and the general taxpaying public can also gain insight on the company and its strategic position within the mobile industry which can assist them in determining the viability of their investments. Finally, the government can also use the results to monitor how the industry is performing and help it formulate policies and mechanisms that will assist in expanding it in order to improve revenue collections in terms of taxes.
Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Beliefs (KAPBs) on Kala-azar among the Residents of Marigat Sub-County, Baringo County
(2015-12) Kiarie, Martha; Nzau, Anastasia; Ngumbi, Philip; Waithima, Abraham K. ; Bowen, Michael; Nzunza, Rosemary; Ingonga, Johnstone M.; Ngure, Peter Kamau
A survey on knowledge, attitude, practices and beliefs (KAPBs) was conducted in Marigat sub- County, Baringo County. The sub- County is divided into 37 sub-locations and of these 8 herein referred to as villages is considered for this study. A total of 670 households were randomly drawn from the 8 villages and this formed the sample population. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and in depth interviews of key informants. The result findings indicated that the respondents were well informed on kala-azar; the cause and treatment and had favorable attitude towards the disease. They were aware that the disease was curable and sought treatment from health facilities as opposed to traditional alternatives. In seeking treatment, the residents were faced with challenges such as the long distance to the health facility, long period of treatment and the attendant cost of caring for a leishmaniasis patient. The respondents were aware that the disease was spread by an insect however, they were not aware of preventive measures. Most live in destitute houses which predisposed them to the infective bite of the vector. Most of the respondents are not employed and the cost of treatment, in addition to attendant costs places a heavy economic burden on them. The results showed good awareness of leishmaniasis, positive attitude and practices among the respondents which are important attributes in community participation. These findings were quite encouraging to researchers planning control programs because such a community would be more receptive to suggested control measures.
Management of Business Challenges among Small and Micro Enterprises in Nairobi-Kenya
(KCA Journal Of Business Management, 2009) Bowen, Michael; Morara, Makarius; Mureithi, Samuel
Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) play an important economic role in many countries. In Kenya, for example the SME sector contributed over 50percent of new jobs created in 2005 but despite their significance, SMEs are faced with the threat of failure with past statistics indicating that three out five fail within the first few months. This study sought to understand how SMEs manage the challenges they face. These challenges seem to change (evolve) according to different macro and micro conditions. This study employed stratified random sampling to collect data from 198 businesses using interviews and questionnaires. The data was analysed descriptively and presented through figures, tables and percentages. The findings indicate that SMEs face the following challenges; competition among themselves and from large firms, lack of access to credit, cheap imports, insecurity and debt collection. Credit constraint seems to be easing up when compared to previous researches. Relevant training or education is positively related to business success. The SMEs have the following strategies to overcome the challenges; fair pricing, discounts and special offers, offering a variety of services and products, superior customer service and continuously improving quality of service delivery. The research concludes that business success is a consequence of embracing a mix of strategies.
Prevalence of Pathological Internet Use among Adolescents in Secondary Schools: A Case of Ruthimitu Mixed and Dagoretti Mixed Sub-County Secondary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya
(African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2020) Nyaga, Kimaru; Munene, Alice; Bowen, Michael
Internet use is an integral part of our daily undertakings; but, Internet use may become pathological and harmful in some cases. Pathological Internet use (PIU) lures adolescents away from school tasks that require resilient mental effort so they can spend their lives on social networks or virtual betting/gaming. PIU, also referred to as Internet addiction, insistently triggers adolescents to use internet-enabled gadgets at the expense of engaging with family, and other vital real-life activities. In Kenya epidemiological studies on secondary school adolescent samples with Internet use disorder or pathological use of Internet are lacking. Yet, understanding the prevalence of PIU is paramount in devising appropriate treatment. The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of PIU among students in selected secondary schools in Dagoretti Sub-county, Nairobi County. Two self-administered measures were used; a socio-demographic questionnaire and Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS). Data was collected from 360 adolescents who were screened for PIU symptoms using PRIUSS. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. This study found that the prevalence of PIU among respondents was 74.4%. The proportion was higher among males at 42.9% compared to females at 31.5%. The frequency was more among respondents aged 17-19 at 54.6% than those aged 14-16 at 43.5% and 20-22 at 1.9%. This meant that the male students used Internet in a more pathological manner than their female peers. However, both genders are at risk of becoming pathological Internet users. Therefore, appropriate prevention programs and treatment for those affected are vital, especially in secondary schools. Enhancements in family relations and stricter parental supervision, especially when mothers have active job employment, are also recommended.
The Role of Agency Banking in Improving Financial Access in Kenya: Case Study of Langata Constituency
(Journal of Developing Country Studies, 2016) Kitilit, Juddie Cheyech; Bowen, Michael; Amata, Evans Ombima
Purpose:The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of agency banking model on financial access in Kenya, especially for the lower income spectrum of the society. Methodology:A mixed method descriptive research design was used, which involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study used purposive and stratified random sampling method. Statistical package for social science programmewas also used to analyze the data. The researcher used frequency distribution, histograms and percentage to present the data. Results:Study findings revealed that agency banking plays a major role in the convergence of various banking and non-banking players to provide financial services to all end consumers of financial services. In addition, it increases the number of access points that provide financial services. Further the study indicates that the level of utilization of agency banking was high. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It is highly recommended that the regulator of banks to encourage more banks to come up with agency banking as this would increase financial access. The banks also need to be more supportive to agency units through minimizing system down times as this would increase the utilization of agency banking services
Supply chain disruption in the Kenya floriculture industry: A case study of Equator Flowers
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2013) Kangogo, Jonah; Guyo, Wario; Bowen, Michael; Ragui, Mary
The floriculture industry is one of the most crucial sectors in Kenya’s economy. It contributes a significant percentage of the Gross National Product (GNP) and employs tens of thousands of workers. The industry has, however, faced a decline over the last five years. This empirical research had the overall objective of investigating the factors contributing to supply chain disruption in the industry and used Equator Flowers Limited in Eldoret, Kenya as a case study. The research applied descriptive survey research design and employed random sampling technique. The data collection was done with the aid of structured and semi-structured questionnaires containing relevant questions on the supply disruption phenomenon. The study found that the most significant amongst the factors contributing to supply chain disruption in the floriculture industry in Kenya are natural disasters, logistics process design, labor union actions and finally production function mechanics. To address supply chain disruptions, the study recommends: implementation of comprehensive business continuity plans to mitigate against the supply chain effects of natural disasters, development of logistical process redundancies, formulation of creative policies to contain labor unions agitations and investment in research to develop resilient and scalable production function mechanics.

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