Daystar University Repository :: Browsing by Author "Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri"

Browsing by Author "Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri"

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African Crisis: Is There Hope?
(University Press of America, 1996) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
African Crisis: Is There Hope?
(UPA, 1996-04-16) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
The goal of this book is to provide practical solutions to save Africa and its people from an "African crisis" that is threatening to destroy the nation and eliminate human survival. The author, an African himself, argues that this crisis is manifesting itself in the form of social, political, and economic upheavals. He discusses major issues such as unemployment, famine, hunger, malnutrition, overpopulation, ethnic wars, power struggles, debt, democracy, colonialism, and corruption. He argues that Africa suffers from the exploitation of outsiders. Based on this argument, Muriithi develops a strategic approach for developing Africa and bringing hope to its people. The study promotes that the three key determinants of African development are positive change in its society and culture, its demography, and its economy. The author suggests that through organization, discipline, education, and coalition, such changes can be made. African Crisis: Is There Hope? will serve as an appropriate text in African Studies courses focusing on the nation's problems, development, economy, and third world crises. This detailed and reflective work will also appeal to students and scholars alike, politicians, African development agents, donors, and world leaders.
African Development Dilemma. The Big Debate. Lanham
(Cambridge University Press, 2013-05-23) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Ndikumana, L
exception of Goran Hyden, express similar sentiments about foreig donors in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Most troubling and least empir cally and realistically grounded, are Hyden's arguments that structural adjustment is the "price that Africa is paying for excess...," "an inevitab process... to get African countries to take greater responsibility for the own affairs..." and "provide [s] a sense of relief, maybe even freedom.... Service Provision Under Stress in East Africa provides a captivating and crit ical analysis of service provision in East Africa. Each chapter provides an in- depth look at central issues governments, non-governments, and ordina folks in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are facing as they attempt to provi and access needed services. The calls of contributors to clarify exactly wh privatization means in the era of SAPs is timely. It accomplishes its goal explaining interorganizational relations between the state, foreign donor NGOs, and POs. A section on gender would have been most useful in furthering our understanding of the differential impacts of privatization on women and men as different service provision and service recipient populations. I rec- ommend this book most highly to academicians, policy makers, develop- ment field workers, and students of service provision and organizational behavior.
African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Contributions, Challenges and Solutions
(European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2017) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
Small and medium enterprises (SEMs) are notably the engines that drive economic development. The businesses account for almost 90% of businesses in both leading and developing economies through job creations, employment, tax provision and contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, in Africa, besides their critical and positive role, many SMEs face numerous challenges ranging from power shortage, lack of capital, poor management skills and competencies, and inadequate information and corruption. It is notable that most African governments give very little support to SMEs thereby neglecting a vital economic trigger and should form pillars of development. This paper explored the role played by SMEs, their contributions, challenges and solutions. The paper is based on empirical evidence and current research on SMEs worldwide with a major focus on African SMEs and how to improve their operations and profitability. The paper calls for African governments to develop policies favourable to SMEs development and put them in their development agenda. With appropriate legal framework, business infrastructure, continual power supply and accessible financial supply, SMEs stand to contribute to African development and position the continent as a competitive and innovative and create jobs to unemployed communities thereby providing income and essential goods and services the 1.2 billion Africans, forming a huge market
Assessment of Challenges Facing the Implementation of the County Integrated Development Plan: A Case Study of Narok County Government
(Journal of Strategic Management , 2017) Psiwa, Jane Tipitip; Irungu, Dancan Njagi; Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
The purpose of this study was to assess challenges facing the implementation of the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) in Narok County Government. Methodology: The study utilized a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of 10 County Executive Committee Members, 22 County Chief Officers who report to CECs and 62 directorates of the respective functional sections or units of the government in Narok County. The study utilized a census technique of data collection meaning the target population was studied. Results: The major findings of the study were that NCG employees were involved in the formulation of the CIDP, the CIDP had been implemented to a moderate extent, NCG had met less than 50% of the performance targets as well as less than 50% CIDP development projects or interventions, the CIDP of NCG is comprehensive as per the requirements of the constitution of Kenya 2010, NCG indeed experienced financial-related challenges, human resource-related challenges and leadership-related challenges in the process of implementing the CIDP. The findings also revealed that national government policies and legislation and organization culture influenced the implementation of the CIDP. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: the study recommends that the national government of Kenya should disburse funds to the county governments regularly and on time, NCG should review their style of leadership to a transformational and consultative style, and that the national government should review the national legislations and policies that govern the operations of county governments.
Business Incubators: The Missing Link to Small Business Survival
(The International Journal Of Humanities & Social Studies, 2018) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Ndegwa, Catherine; Juma, Joy
Small businesses play a vital role towards world economic development as they contribute between 40% to 50% of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as 70% to 90% of employment. However, besides their critical role, small business failure rate is alarming, ranging between 50% and 95% in their early years of existence. To reverse this trend, business incubators have provided required build capacity to start-up entrepreneurs and innovators thereby assuring their survival and growth. Having their roots in the 1950s and 1960s, business incubators have offered mentorship, skills building, technical support, training, facilities and venture capital. Globally there are over 7,000 incubators concentrating in various fields from science, economics, technology, marketing to business management. The success rate of businesses incubated is evident with 84% of graduates settling permanently in the community where they start businesses. The success rate of incubated businesses is evident in different countries such as New Zealand (87%), United States of America (85%) and Germany (90%) while South Africa and Brazil both have 80% success rate. Besides the success rate of businesses incubated, the failure rate of incubator businesses is alarming being as high as 90%. The failure is associated with lack of professional management, no sustainable growth plans, inappropriate technology and funds misappropriation. However, having played the role of the missing linking between business failure and success, incubators cannot be neglected. The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of incubators, benefits, challenges and keys for their success. Based on empirical research, this paper gives an overview of the current state of incubators worldwide and their difficulties. The paper concludes with a case study of the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) Incubation Centre which is a government initiative that has successfully support the development and promotion of green enterprises.
The Chinese-African Management and Cultural Relevancy, Challenges and the Future of Chinese Businesses in Africa
(European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2017) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
The China-Africa relationship has gained momentum in last few decades with China recognised as Africa’s second largest trading partner after United States of America. The trade mostly involves manufacturing, agriculture, mining and construction. To facilitate this trade thousands of Chinese firms have invested heavily with some even relocating their activities to Africa. In terms of benefits, Africa has gained from jobs creations with 80% to 95% of local employees hired while China has profited from lower wage bills, improved government relations and local knowledge. However, although majority of African employees have benefitted from China investments, discontent continues among African elites who feel excluded from Chinese top management. Similarly, the Chinese style of management has come under scrutiny as it differs from Western management styles that dominate Africa management following century long colonial history. This paper examines the Chinese management in Africa, its implications, challenges and solutions. The paper observes that there is a strong relationship between African and Chinese cultures as both are hedged on similar cultural values systems like Ubantu and ren-yi-li respectively. The paper further acknowledges the impact of Western management and calls a hybrid management that is appropriate for African development.
Conservation of biodiversity in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Kenya
(Biodiversity and Conservation, 2002) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Kenyon, Wendy
Using an economic approach to provide a rationale for rainforest conservation has been a popular exercise in recent years. This paper uses such an approach to assess the net value of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kenya. The economic benefits associated with the forest derived by local and global populations are estimated by combining evidence from existing studies and the results of a contingent valuation study carried out by the authors. These benefits are set against the cost of preserving the forest to the Kenyan Forest Department. Even when the opportunity cost of the forest land is omitted from the costs of forest preservation, and when the revenues generated from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project are included, the costs of forest conservation outweigh the benefits. It is only when non-use and existence values are included (which are not realised by the Kenyan population) that the forest benefits exceed the costs. The paper concludes by arguing that, although some projects within the Arabuko Sokoke Forest have been successful in capturing some of the economic value associated with the forest, more needs to be done to design additional capture mechanisms so that a greater proportion of the global benefit of the forest can be realised by local populations and local governments
Effects of Electronic Human Resource Management Practices on Organizational Performance: A Case of University of Maryland Programs, Nairobi Kenya
(Journal of Human Resource and Leadership, 2020) Obama, Moureen Atieno; Keino, Dinah Chebet; Kyongo, Joanes Kaleli; Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Amata, Evans Ombima
The purpose study was to determine the effect of Electronic Human Resource Management (EHRM) practices on organizational performance at University of Maryland Programs (UMB), Kenya. The objectives of the study were to identify the existing Electronic Human Resource Management practices in University of Maryland Programs; to examine the level of performance in UMB; to establish how EHRM practices contribute to organizational performance in UMB. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The researcher used a stratified sampling technique. The sample size of the study was 107. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires. The validity and reliability of the instrument were measured by the Cronbach Alpha test. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPPS) twenty third edition. The study found that 88.7%, of the respondents were aware that e-recruitment was used at UMB to a large extent as indicated while 83.5%, of the respondents were aware that e- e-compensation was utilized at UMB to a large extent and finally 84.1% of the respondents were aware that e-recruitment was used at UMB to a large extent Secondly, the indicators of organizational performance at UMB were found by the study to include workforce’ agility, organizations productivity, organizational effectiveness and organizational flexibility as agreed by 75.3%, 61.9%, 69.0% and 67.0% of the respondents. Finally, 76.8%, 76.05%, 76.3% and 74.6% of respondents agreed that e-recruitment, e-training, e-compensation and e-performance wereimplemented had effect on organizational flexibility, organizational effectiveness, workforce agility and organizational productivity at UMB. The study recommended that UMB to focus on E-performance management since it has a significant relationship with organizational effectiveness.
Family Business Founders’ Influence On Future Survival Of Family Businesses
(International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 2016-01) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Waithira, Veronicah; Wachira, David Muturi
Small and medium sized businesses are the engines that drive economic development and contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of most countries. The roots of such businesses are the families that form their foundations. To succeed, family business founders must establish strong foundations, structures and succession plans. This paper examined the role of African and Indian business founders in determining the future of their businesses across generations. The study targeted 52 business founders (owners) and managers operating Mombasa City (Kenya) and used stratified random sampling method to identify the respondents. A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument while a documentary analysis was performed to attain secondary data. The paper found that family businesses are predominant among all respondents. It was also found that most Indian families involve family members in business during strategic development and planning. In terms of longevity, Indians businesses lasted longer while African businesses were only a few years old and rarely succeeded across two or three generations.
The Founders' syndromes, challenges and solutions
(Researchjournali’s Journal of Human Resource, 2016) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Wachira, David Muturi
Founders are remarkably innovative and creative persons driven by desire to fill critical needs in the society. The needs are addressed through creating organisations that produce goods and services that meet customer needs while at the same time fulfil founders’ dream and mission of being successful. Determined to succeed, most founders shape their organisations around their personality and beliefs, making the organisations to be synonymous with their philosophies and practices. Many founders exercise paternalistic, autocratic and overzealous leadership, making it difficult for other stakeholders to get a grip of the organisations, a behavioural pattern termed as “the founders’ syndrome.” The main characteristics of the founders’ syndrome include being self-drive, achievement oriented, resistant to change, sole-decision making and retaining the status quos. Conflict arises from those interested in seeing the organisations transit from the founders to other successor. To deal with founders’ syndrome and ensure smooth operations and smooth leadership transition, this paper provides several recommendations mong them developing strong all-inclusive leadership; building employees’ capacity to attain desired competence; practicing professionalism; establishing workable structures and succession planning mechanisms. Lastly, the organisations must be guided by relevant strategies that aid in attaining strategic positioning and competitive edge.
The Future Business Diagnostic Model: The Core to Successful Business Sustainability in the 21st Century
(European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2020) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
The doctor’s ability to diagnose the correct illness can determine life or death of a patient. Failure to do the right assessment only worsen the situation and reduce patient’s chances of survival while application of the right diagnostic test gives hope and life. However, to get the correct results, the doctor not only needs the right knowledge, skill and experience or competencies, the proper tools must be used. Like a patient, organisations must do the right assessment and use the right tools or models to correctly identify and “treat” their “diseases”. A corporate CEO must have the right tools and competency to guarantee corporate survival and sustainability. This paper examines the importance of diagnosis as a mean to assess corporate current situation and re-position the corporate to attain strategic competitiveness. The paper proposes a new Future Business Diagnostics Model which is based on decades of world-wide research of different models and applications. The Future Business Diagnostics Model is also based on current challenges facing businesses such as digital and technology, leadership and structural, and COVID-19 pandemic challenges. The paper argues that the future businesses must be driven by six pillars, namely Innovation and Creativity, Technology, Culture, People, and right Structure and Business Process, all steered by visionary Strategic Leadership.
The Impact of Covid-19 on African SMEs, Possible Remedies and Source of Funding
(European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2021) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
The negative effect of Covid-19 to the world economy is estimated to be $12 trillion by 2021. During the same period, over 400 million full-time jobs were lost globally by the second quarter of 2020. In Africa, the pandemic led to a negative growth of -5.1% by 2020 thereby plunging the continent into the worst recession in 25 years. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which employs between 70% and 90% of the population the effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been even more severe with 87% of business owners uncertain the future of their businesses. The biggest challenges to business survival were associated inadequate financing support, uncertainty, lack of government support and numerous measures meant to curb COVID-19 such as lock-downs. In Africa and elsewhere in the world, business survival, growth and sustainability is dependent on a paradigm shift and adoption of innovative business models and strategies. Such strategies include proactive planning, financial boosts, non-financial support and government incentives. For post-COVID-19 period specifically, a new thinking is essential. Such thinking including development of new business models, reshaping and redefining customer bases, an eye on business opportunities and establishment of reliable source of funding
An investigation of Challenges facing Christian universities in Kenya: A case study of Pan Africa Christian University, Nairobi, Kenya
(International Journal of Management Sciences, 2014) Nderitu, Joyce W.; Minja, David; Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
With the upcoming private universities in Kenya confirms that there is fierce competition on funds, students, and right delivery of the higher education (Barnes in Kearney, 1994). The stiff competition is especially for students, and this competition can be won only on quality grounds (Abagi, Nzomo, &Otieno, 2005). The study was to identify the challenges facing Pan Africa Christian (PAC) University in gaining sustainable competitive advantage. It was also to establish sustainable strategies that the university was using to counter the challenges it is facing. The participants included university staff, faculty and students’ leaders. Based on the findings, it was concluded that challenges facing PAC University existed and they were expressed differently by various participants. Lack of funds was expressed as a major challenge at the University. Several recommendations were made to market and support the university with finances; University also needed to come up with ways of earning money by establishing more funding bases.
The Kenyan banking industry; challenges and sustainability
(Palgrave MacMillan, 2017) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Louw, Lynette
The banking industry is a major driver of economic development for world economies. By offering different types of services, such as facilitating money transfers between countries and ensuring that savers and borrowers are brought together in well-organised structures, the industry determines countries’ economic development and long-term sustainability. Although critical to world economic stability, the last six decades have seen the industry experience severe financial challenges which have negatively affected economic performance of most countries. The main causes of financial crises have been non-performing loans, political interference, uncertain global financial trends and poor leadership. The Kenyan banking industry is considered the most mature, fastest-growing and largest in East Africa, thereby making it the regional financial leader. The industry has, however, been a victim of both global and domestic financial challenges. Between 1980 and 2000, the country’s financial industry was characterised by major financial upheavals that led to the collapse of many banks, while others were in and out of receivership. The crises were attributed to non-performing loans, weak internal control mechanisms, poor governance and poor leadership. Since the year 2000, the government has instituted tough measures to revive the industry, which have resulted in stability. As such, the industry has experienced positive and encouraging growth, contributing towards making the sector the financial hub of the East Africa region. Despite recent gains, however, the industry still faces challenges of corruption, inability to reach the majority of the rural population, fragmentation and ineffective leadership. This chapter explores the importance of enhancing and strengthening the banking internal control mechanisms and developing sustainability strategies, focusing on business practices and product development geared towards healthy economic, social and environmental activities.
Organisational Culture: The Root of Sustainable Competitive Advantage
(International Journal of Business and Management Invention, 2021) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
Today’s business world is characterized by unpredictable, high volatility and cut-throat competition. The challenge to remain competitive, highly innovative and respond to dynamic customer needs has made organisations to pay particular attention to culture as a key foundation of their survival and sustainability. Numerous research have singled out culture as a significant determinant of organisational success and sustainability. As such, leading corporates are paying special attention to cultures as a source of competitive advantage and a foundation to employees’ attitude towards innovation, leadership, management and overall performance. For these businesses, culture is seen as a root of attaining sustainable competitive advantage and a springboard for satisfying rising dynamic competitive market needs, both local and global. Organisational culture gives identity and personality to organisations and is considered an asset that can’t be imitated by rivals. It is culture forms the foundational framework that governs operations, systems and management practices. However, besides growing recognition as critical to organisational or business survival and sustainability, there still exists a gap in literaturedue toof lack of clear understanding of the relationship between organisational culture and sustainable competitive advantage. This paper establishes that there a strong relationship between organisational culture and sustainable competitive advantage. Based on empirical literature and scholarly findings, the paper explores cultural elements that are critical to organisational competitiveness. The paper brings to out an area that has been greatly misunderstood and neglected in the past decades yet without it, successful future business operations are impossible. The paper has also developed a model of culture as a source of sustainable competitive advantage. The model emphasizes the need to identify relevant resources and competencies and integrate them in the organisational cultural practices to attain desired level of competitiveness
The Relationship Between Strategic Thinking and Leadership Effectiveness among Kenyan Indigenous Banks.
(South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 2015) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Louw, Lynette; Radloff, Sarah E
: Leadership effectiveness is critical to organisational performance and survival. To be effective, organisational leaders must possess the right competencies. One vital leadership competency is strategic thinking, which is described as the ability to synthesise and utilise intuition and creativity in order for an organisation to achieve an integrated perspective. Strategic thinking remains a critical area for research, owing to lack of supporting empirical literature, and to theories that give little or no guidance to leaders.
Small And Medium Enterprises (SMEs), The Heart Of Chinese Economic Development: What Can African Governments Learn?
(European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2018) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
The last few decades have witnessed the meteoric rise of China as a world economic champion in terms of development, growth and impact, a move that seems to destabilize the economic and political dominance of the Western countries. However, the Chinese economic growth is not an accident but is a well-orchestrated plan meant to transform the country and its business enterprises. From a state controlled socialist economy, China has adopted open door policy, market oriented approach and political changes meant to navigate the country into a global market leader. At the heart of Chinese economic development is the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector. Recognising the central role played by SMEs, the Chinese Government integrated SMEs agenda in its national and social development strategic planning leading to development of numerous legislations and policies meant to promote and boost SMEs growth. Currently SME businesses are spread in all major sectors from manufacturing, constructions, agriculture to service industries. Some laws implemented to promote SMEs include eradicating barriers to growth, establishing equal level playing ground rules for all businesses, promoting scientific and technological innovations, and creation of conducive competitive atmosphere. As a strategy to ensure local and regional growth of SMEs, the government classified the businesses in terms of their absolute advantage. The move has seen categorisation of development into four main categories, namely township and village-based enterprises, private enterprises, state-owned businesses (SOEs) and joint-ventures. It is this strategy that has seen industries rise in all major regions resulting to development and employment creation across China. Comparing the Chinese Government’s role in supporting SMEs and African governments shows a sad reality. Although SMEs in Africa accounts for 95% of all businesses, 50% of GDP and 60% of employment, their rate of failure range from 50% to 90%. Unlike China, African governments have been accused of making it difficult for SMEs operations. With little or no incentives, SMEs have to contend with heavy taxes, high cost of production, lack of finances and poor legal and legislation structures. This paper presents Chinese Government as a model of how African countries can promote SMEs to steer development and transformation of their economies. The paper recommends that African governments prioritise SMEs as key pillars of economic and social development of individual countries and the continent as whole.
Start-Up Family Businesses: Lesson From Large Successful Family Businesses
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 2017-03) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
Family businesses are the backbone of the world economic where they are associated with economic and social transformation. While majority of large family businesses perform better than corporate or public organisations, there are millions of such businesses that do not survive beyond their first generation of operation. The inability to succeed is associated to several challenges among them trying to accommodate all family members in the businesses, over-specialising and under-specialising in certain functional areas and creating expertise gaps, diverting funds away from businesses and inability to manage family conflict especially relating to generation succession. However, with good strategies to manage family members’ role in businesses, acquiring appropriate expertise, effective management of success across generations, promoting cohesions and talent management, such family businesses can survive across generations and decades. This paper is based on empirical evidences from existing researches and studies aimed at generating lessons that upcoming or start-up family businesses can learn from experienced and well established successful family businesses. The paper is based on over 6000 family businesses studied by leading world scholarly and research bodies. This makes the lessons therein not only credible but very valuable for upcoming family businesses, policy makers and government bodies, all interested in family businesses.
Strategies Employed In The Cleaning Industry In An Effort To Attain Sustainable Competitive Advantage
(International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 2016-10) Wachira, David Muturi; Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Omolo, Judith A.
The service industry worldwide has seen tremendous growth and is one of the fastest growing sectors both in the developed and developing economies. The growth is attributed to growing demand of clean atmosphere both at the workplace and domestic. Similarly, the demand for good health, safe and cleaner environment has made service businesses to start both in small and large magnitude. To successfully attain competitive advantage and boost growth, cleaning service businesses require the right strategies to be put in place. This paper examined strategies used by the cleaning industry in Kenya by focusing on a leading business in the country. The study targeted 112 managers from the target business and used a census sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data while a documentary analysis was done to collect secondary data. A pre-testing of the questionnaire was also conducted in order to validate the research instrument content. The findings from the study found that certain competitive strategies, namely professional and efficient service delivery, specialised quality services, cost effectiveness and niching were used to gain competitive advantage while product development, different marketing approaches, innovation and customer relationship managers where used to boost company’s growth. The use of these strategies ensured increased profit margin, customer satisfaction, brand position and sustainable growth. It is hoped that this study contributes significantly to the Kenyan cleaning industry both to new entrants and existing companies in terms of strategies to employ in order to excel in the industry.

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