MUT Institutional Repository (IR)

MUT IR serves as the home for the intellectual output of MUT academic communities, and will ultimately include digital dissertations, faculty publications, digital special collections, open access publications, open educational resources and much more.

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1. Journal Articles 1444 2. Books and Book Chapters 103 3. Theses & Dissertations 150 4. Conference/ Workshops /Seminar/ Proceedings 88 5. Institutional Memory 43 6. Speeches and Lectures 39 7. Policies / Reports / Statutes 3 8. Projects & Business plan 0 9. Government publications 0 Patents 3

Recent Submissions

Access status: Open Access ,
Effects of County Government Transparency Branding Strategy on Small and Medium Enterprises Satisfaction in Bungoma County, Kenya
(American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, 2025-10-20) Barasa , Didmus Wekesa; Muthoni, Nancy; Omariba, Alice
Government transparency branding strategies are increasingly recognized as critical tools for enhancing stakeholder satisfaction, particularly within decentralized governance systems where counties play a central role in service delivery. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as key drivers of local economic development, are highly dependent on efficient, accountable, and transparent government systems to access services, infrastructure, and markets. Yet, in many devolved units in Kenya, inconsistencies in transparency and accountability continue to undermine SMEs’ confidence and satisfaction with county level service delivery. This study examined the impact of government transparency branding strategies on service delivery satisfaction among SMEs in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study targeted 1000 SMEs in Bungoma County, with a sample size of 287 respondents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to SME owners and interviews with key government officials, including the Ministers for Finance, Trade & Industry, Youth Affairs, five Members of the County Assembly serving on the Finance and Business Committee, and Members of Parliament from the county’s nine constituencies. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24, applying descriptive and correlation analyses, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that transparency in financial records and decision-making significantly enhances SME trust and satisfaction by improving service delivery efficiency. Government accountability mechanisms were also positively associated with SME confidence, though doubts persisted regarding their effectiveness. Furthermore, clear, timely, and accessible communication was shown to be critical in enabling SMEs to engage with county policies and services. The adoption of digital platforms further improved service delivery by streamlining processes, although gaps remained in tailoring technology to SME needs. Political influence emerged as a significant moderator, at times undermining the benefits of transparency branding due to shifting political priorities and patronage. The study recommended that Bungoma County should strengthen transparency initiatives by ensuring timely disclosure of financial records, institutionalizing robust accountability frameworks, and improving communication strategies. Greater investment in SME-focused digital platforms is also necessary. Importantly, political dynamics must be carefully managed to safeguard the gains of transparency branding. By adopting these measures, county governments can create a more transparent, accountable, and SME-friendly environment, thereby enhancing service delivery satisfaction and promoting business growth in devolved contexts
Access status: Open Access ,
The Moderating Effect of Business Networking Skills on Relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation and the Growth of Youth Owned Enterprises in Kenya
(Journal Entrepreneurship and Project Management, 2024-09-22) Mwangi , Robert Maina; Ngugi, Patrick K.; Kihonge, Ephantus
Purpose: Youth businesses play a key role in poverty alleviation when run based on entrepreneurial orientation. However, these micro and small enterprises face a mix of achievement and frustration, with previous findings showing that three out of five companies fail within the first few long periods of activity, despite government efforts to improve the sector. This study aims to assess the moderating effect of business networking skills of communication, coordination, and relationship skills between entrepreneurial orientation and the growth of youth-owned enterprises in Kenya. Methodology: The study is supported by networking theory-Resource Based View. A stratified sampling technique was employed to obtain 397 SMEs from 55,300 SMEs registered by the seven selected counties in Kenya namely; Nairobi, Murang’a, Nakuru, Machakos, Mombasa, Kisii, and Isiolo counties. A cross-sectional survey methodology was utilized. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings indicated that the association between entrepreneurial orientation and expansion of youth-owned businesses in Kenya was positively moderated by networking skills. Conclusion: The study concludes that networking skills, as measured by communication,coordination, and relationship skills lessen the overall influence of entrepreneurial orientationon the expansion of youth-owned businesses. The study suggests that founders of youth businesses should continue to hone their networking skills. In particular, they should be clear in communication just like other players in the market to effectively convey the right message, and apply relationship skills respectively.
Access status: Open Access ,
Relationship Between Risk-Taking and the Growth of Youth Owned Enterprises in Kenya
(Journal Entrepreneurship and Project Management, 2024-09-22) Mwangi , Robert Maina; Ngugi, Patrick K.; Kihonge, Ephantus
Purpose: Youth businesses play a key role in poverty alleviation when run based on entrepreneurial orientation. However, these micro and small enterprises face a mix of achievement and frustration, with previous findings showing that three out of five companies fail within the first few long periods of activity, despite government efforts to improve the sector. This study aimed to examine the relationship between risk-taking and the growth of youth-owned enterprises in Kenya. Methodology: The study is supported by expected utility theory. A cross-sectional survey methodology was utilized which incorporated qualitative and quantitative research methods. A stratified sampling technique was employed to obtain 397 SMEs from 55,300 SMEs registered by the seven selected counties in Kenya namely; Nairobi, Murang’a, Nakuru, Machakos, Mombasa, Kisii, and Isiolo counties. Data was analyzed using descriptive and regression analysis. Results: The study findings demonstrate that risk-taking had a positive association with the growth of youth-owned enterprises in Kenya. Conclusion: The study concluded that risk-taking helps youth-owned businesses in Kenya to expand. The study suggested that owners of youth businesses should focus on how to carry out a thorough risk assessment and oppose any risk related to financial, social, and psychological risk respectively.
Access status: Open Access ,
Influence of Entrepreneurial Opportunities and the Growth Sustainability of Motorcycle (Boda-Boda) Industry for Economic Development in Murang’a County, Kenya
(Journal Entrepreneurship and Project Management, 2024-09-30) Mwangi, Robert Maina
Motorcycle businesses play a key role in poverty alleviation when run based on entrepreneurial opportunities. This research study was carried out in rural population of Murang’a County, Kenya. The study aimed to provide relevant insights into how the boda-boda service business has influenced growth sustainability towards the economic development of Murang’a County. The research investigates the entrepreneurial opportunities and the growth sustainability of motorcycle industry for economic development in Murang’a County. The study aims to examine the influence of an entrepreneurial mindset and the growth of motorcycle industry on economic development in Murang’a County. The study is supported by dynamic capabilities theory. A cross-sectional survey methodology was utilized which incorporated qualitative and quantitative research methods. During the selection of the sample, particular attention was paid to age, gender, education, income, household, and community. A stratified sampling technique was employed to obtain 359 motorcycle riders from 3500 licensed riders by the seven selected sub-counties in Murang’a county namely; Mathioya, Kangema, Kiharu, Kandara, Maragua, Gatanga, and Kigumo sub-counties. The study concluded that an entrepreneurial mindset helps motorcycle industry to sustain growth for economic development in Murang’a, Kenya. The study suggested that motorcycle riders should focus more on creativity, entrepreneurial alertness, and propensity for risk-taking respectively.
Access status: Open Access ,
Effect of Decision-making on Growth of Youth-Owned Enterprises in Kenya
(Journal of Entrepreneurship and Project Management, 2022) Mwangi, Robert Maina; Ngugi, Patrick K.; Kihonge, Ephantus
Youth enterprises play a key role in poverty alleviation and if they are run based on entrepreneurial management skills. Despite their significance, statistics, however, show that in Kenya, three out of five youth run small enterprises fail within the first three years of operation, and among those that continue 80 percent fail before the fifth year. This study sought to investigate the effect of decision-making on the growth of youth-owned enterprises in Kenya. The research design used followed a cross-sectional survey. The target population included 55,300 youth-led micro and small enterprises in Kenya. A sample size of 397 youth-led micro and small enterprises was used. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation,and linear regression analysis. The findings indicated that decision-making (β=.501, P <.000)had a positive and significant influence on the growth of youth-owned enterprises in Kenya.The study concluded that decision-making contributes positively to the growth of youth-owned enterprises in Kenya.