Browsing School of Business and Economics by Issue Date
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Irungu, Dancan Njagi; Marwa, Simmy Mwita; Ndegwa, Joyce Watetu; WambuaKalei, Anne Favor Mumbua (International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management., June 6, 1015)[more][less]
Abstract: The main objective of the study is to determine the influence of key decision maker attributes on the internationalization of medium sized firms. Key decision maker attributes have been underscored in much internationalization literature across different contexts as a principal feature that facilitates the process of Medium Enterprises internationalization. Medium enterprises play a significant role in creating a strong economic base to any country since they greatly contribute to employment creation. There is overwhelming evidence from the literature that the key decision maker plays a huge role in the internationalization of Medium enterprises. International entrepreneurship theory is the main theoretical framework which informs the study. The main variables that are examined in the study include key decision maker education, international experience and international business vision. Descriptive research design has been used in the study. The key CEOs of the Top 100 medium sized companies in the category of 2012 were the respondents of the study. The results of the study indicate that key decision maker attributes plays a significant role in the internationalization process of medium sized firms. The study concludes that the key decision maker is a major determinant of the firm’s ability to grow from the domestic market and internationalize its operations Description: Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4169 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri (UPA, April 16, 1996)[more][less]
Abstract: 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. Description: Book URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4180 Files in this item: 1
African Crisis, Is There Hope.docx (13.97Kb) -
Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Kenyon, Wendy (Biodiversity and Conservation, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: 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 URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3655 Files in this item: 1
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Waithima, Abraham K. (KCA Journal of Business Management., 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper adopts the Hendry Model with a two-step method to model a saving function for Kenya. The Model uses a complex dynamic specification that includes lagged dependent and the independent variables. The paper finds that a 1% increase in GDP growth rate leads to a 0.5% increase in private saving in the long run which is consistent with the life cycle hypothesis. A striking result in the saving function is the positive effect that population growth rate seems to have on private savings which puts into question the notion of a smaller population as a mobilization tool for private saving. Even though consumption seems to have a significant negative effect on private savings in the short run, in the long run, it does not seem to have any significant effect. Causality tests support a uni-directional causality from per capita GDP to private saving and a bi-directional causality between Gross Domestic Saving and Investment. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3567 Files in this item: 1
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Bowen, Michael; Mureithi, Samuel (KCA Journal of Business Management, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: 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. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3649 Files in this item: 1
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Waithima, Abraham K (University of Capetown, April , 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: This thesis investigates the role of gender composition, ethnic heterogeneity and harambee on corruption. The interest is premised on the high levels of corruption in Kenya coupled with the rising ethnicization of politics and the allegation of harambee being one of the causes of corruption. In addition, there has been growing advocacy for the greater involvement of women in the public sector as an anticorruption strategy. Given this, this thesis uses experimental games which are novel in the Kenyan context to examine the extent to which individual attributes such as gender and ethnicity might ináuence the propensity to o§er or accept a bribe, or to punish individuals who engage in such activities. In addition, this thesis uses a public good game and a common pool resource game to examine the alleged link between harambee and corruption. Description: Book URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4173 Files in this item: 1
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Waithima, Abraham K. (VDM Publishing House Ltd, September 13, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The problems that have held you back are that too many resources are lost to corruption yet not a single high level official has been held to account. Institutions lack faith… Too many times Kenya is torn apart by ethnic violence manipulated by leaders… Too many young people have hit a dead end". This observation made by Joe Biden in his visit to Kenya underpins the problem of corruption in Kenya which is the main focus of this book. In this book, Abraham uses experiments to supplement findings from surveys. Abraham studies the impact of gender composition and ethnic heterogeneity on corruption. He provides evidence on how gender composition and ethnic balance may be used in the fight against corruption. Abraham revisits the impact that the institution of harambee may have on corruption. To the extent that the institution of harambee is viewed as a positive force, and one that should be protected, Abraham suggests that harambee could be utilized to harness efforts aimed at rooting out corruption and ensure the provision of public goods. This book is recommended to policy makers and experimental economists Description: Book URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4182 Files in this item: 1
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Waithima, Abraham K. (Investment Climate and Business Environment Research Fund, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper uses an experiment involving a public good game and a common pool resource game to investigate if individuals compensate their "Harambee" contributions by engaging in corruption. The results show an inverse relationship between public good contributions and common pool resource extractions, in that cooperator in public good contributions extract less from the common pool resource. To the extent that the experiment mimics the alleged link between contributions to harambee and corrupt acts of embezzlement ex-post, the basis for blaming harambee on corruption is not established by the results. Consistent with the findings documented in Henrich et al, 2001 which showed that Kenyan subjects brought their everyday experience of harambee into the public good setting, this paper also documents the fact that participants in the games brought their real life experience of harambee to bear on their decisions. This highlights the important and potentially positive reinforcing role that social norms and institutions can have on individual decisions. Description: Published Report URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3546 Files in this item: 1
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Waithima, Abraham K. (European Scientific Journal, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper seeks to determine if people’s religious affiliation matters in their propensity to act corruptly. Using a three-person one-shot sequential move corruption game, this paper finds that people internalize their religious beliefs to affect outcomes including acting corruptly. Consistent with findings by Flavin and Ledet (2010), this paper find Catholics to have a higher propensity to offer and accept bribes and be less likely to punish corruption culprits than protestants and muslims. This paper concludes that people’s religious affiliation matters in the fight against corruption URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3564 Files in this item: 1
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Arjoon, Riona; Botes, Mariëtte; Chesang, Laban K.; Gupta, Rangan (Journal of Business Economics and Management, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: The existing literature on the theoretical relationship between the rate of inflation and real stock prices in an economy has shown varied predictions about the long run effects of inflation on real stock prices. In this paper, we present some time series evidence on this issue using South African data, by applying the structural bivariate vector autoregressive (VAR) methodology proposed by King and Watson (1997). Our empirical results provide considerable support of the view that, in the long run real stock prices are invariant to permanent changes in the rate of inflation. The impulse responses reveal a positive real stock price response to a permanent inflation shock in the long run, indicating that any deviations in short run real stock prices will be corrected towards the long run value. It is therefore concluded that inflation does not lower the real value of stocks in South Africa, at least in the long run. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3646 Files in this item: 1
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Wanjau, Mary Ngima; Kyongo, Joanes Kaleli (International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: The relationship between motivation and performance is a universal concern and is often talked about but many organizations do not make concrete efforts to study it in detail. These organizations blindly apply the popular motivational theories without findings and instigators which would be the result of an intensive study on motivation. In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, understanding what fosters and forwards employee motivation and thus organizational performance is critical. Motivation is about stimulating people to action and to achieve a desired task. For organizations of all sorts to be efficient and successful, enough of every person’s drives must be stimulated and satisfied to ensure effective performance. There is more emphasizes on excellent management as a major contributor to personal effectiveness, group efficiency and business success. The concept of motivational management was there in practice since the age of slavery; however, its motivation was as a result of fear, suffering and intimidation. Today, managers have at their disposal managing instruments by which they can stimulate latent efforts and performance of their teams. The research set out to investigate the contribution of motivational management to employee performance in the Vehicle Body Building industry. Dodi Autotech (K) Limited and Two M Autotech (K) Limited were identified for the study. The researcher first reviewed the relevant literature on motivation, the role of management in motivation and in particular motivational management as a factor of motivation. Questionnaires were used to collect information from the organization’s employees. The researcher interviewed the senior managers and also spent a day in the organizations’ premises observing the workers as they worked and interacted with one another. This was to gather information on behaviour and attitudes at work and towards work in the organizations. The data collected was entered and analyzed on the SPSS software, after which it was presented and interpreted using a combination of tables, bar charts and continuous prose. The Chi-square test of association was used in testing the hypothesis of the study. The result showed that employees in the two organizations of study were to a very large extent influenced to perform by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors applied through management initiatives. The research found the following motivational variables to have significantly influenced employee retention in both organizations; challenging/interesting work; awareness of the relationship between work, organization goals and priorities; performance progress review; performance discussions and rewards for good performance. Motivational management can influence the workplace behaviour and attitudes both positively and negatively. The researcher intends to create awareness on the importance of designing and maintaining an environment that is stress free and an environment that is conducive for optimum employee performance The research was then concluded by indicating areas of improvement and recommending management methods that enhance the employee motivation that leads to increased employee performance. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3562 Files in this item: 1
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Ngima, Wanjau Mary; Kyongo, Joanes Kaleli (International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: The relationship between motivation and performance is a universal concern and is often talked about but many organizations do not make concrete efforts to study it in detail. These organizations blindly apply the popular motivational theories without findings and instigators which would be the result of an intensive study on motivation. In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, understanding what fosters and forwards employee motivation and thus organizational performance is critical. Motivation is about stimulating people to action and to achieve a desired task. For organizations of all sorts to be efficient and successful, enough of every person’s drives must be stimulated and satisfied to ensure effective performance. There is more emphasizes on excellent management as a major contributor to personal effectiveness, group efficiency and business success. The concept of motivational management was there in practice since the age of slavery; however, its motivation was as a result of fear, suffering and intimidation. Today, managers have at their disposal managing instruments by which they can stimulate latent efforts and performance of their teams. The research set out to investigate the contribution of motivational management to employee performance in the Vehicle Body Building industry. Dodi Autotech (K) Limited and Two M Autotech (K) Limited were identified for the study. The researcher first reviewed the relevant literature on motivation, the role of management in motivation and in particular motivational management as a factor of motivation. Questionnaires were used to collect information from the organization’s employees. The researcher interviewed the senior managers and also spent a day in the organizations’ premises observing the workers as they worked and interacted with one another. This was to gather information on behaviour and attitudes at work and towards work in the organizations. The data collected was entered and analyzed on the SPSS software, after which it was presented and interpreted using a combination of tables, bar charts and continuous prose. The Chi-square test of association was used in testing the hypothesis of the study. The result showed that employees in the two organizations of study were to a very large extent influenced to perform by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors applied through management initiatives. The research found the following motivational variables to have significantly influenced employee retention in both organizations; challenging/interesting work; awareness of the relationship between work, organization goals and priorities; performance progress review; performance discussions and rewards for good performance. Motivational management can influence the workplace behaviour and attitudes both positively and negatively. The researcher intends to create awareness on the importance of designing and maintaining an environment that is stress free and an environment that is conducive for optimum employee performance The research was then concluded by indicating areas of improvement and recommending management methods that enhance the employee motivation that leads to increased employee performance. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3590 Files in this item: 1
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Onono, Perez Ayieko; Wawire, Nelson W.H.; Ombuki, Charles (International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: Agricultural development policy in Kenya has emphasised the use of incentives towards increased production and therefore self-sufficiency in maize which is a basic staple for most households. The channels used to provide incentives to maize farmers over the years include setting higher producer prices; subsidisation of inputs; provision of agricultural credit, research and extension services; construction and maintenance of roads, development of irrigation and water systems; legislative, institutional and macroeconomic reforms. Despite these efforts outputof maize has remained below domestic requirements in most years and the country continues to rely on imports to meet the deficits. Studies have assessed the responsiveness of maize to output price and reported inelastic responses and have recommended policies targeting non-price incentives to complement prices for the required increased production of maize. The studies, however, did not analyse the influence of the non-price incentives on the production of the crop. The findings of those studies are therefore deficient in explaining the relative importance of different non-price incentives and how they complement prices in influencing maize production in Kenya. This study investigated the response of maize production to both price and non-price incentives. The aim of this study was to ascertain the relative importance of non-price factors in influencing production of the crops as well as complementarity between price and non-price incentives. The findings show that maize production responds positively to its output price, development expenditures in agriculture, maize sales to marketing boards, growth in per capita GDP, liberalisation and governance reforms. However, maize production responds negatively to fertiliser price and unfavourable weather conditions. The response of maize output to its price is lower with rising inflation and grain market liberalisation. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3641 Files in this item: 1
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Kangogo, Jonah; Guyo, Wario; Bowen, Michael; Ragui, Mary (European Journal of Business and Management, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: 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. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3648 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Ndikumana, L (Cambridge University Press, May 23, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: 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. Description: Book URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4179 Files in this item: 1
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Wambu, Carolyne Wanjiku; Irungu, Dancan Njagi (Wambu, C. W., Irungu, D., N., (2014). Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Information technology has become a major driver for firm performance in the 21st century. Many firms however, have lagged behind in the adoption of IT which a major drawback given the nature of global competition. The objective of the study is to determine the effects of the adoption of Information Technology on organisational performance which is a survey of firms listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Cross sectional research design was used in the study. The study targeted the chief information technology officers, information technology managers, information system managers and managers involved in policy making decisions on computing systems in all the companies listed in the Nairobi securities exchange. Both open ended and closed questionnaires instrument was used to gather the data. The study found out that competitive advantage, cutting costs, customer service and convenience, enhancing security, and financial management are the attributes that are associated with adoption of information technology and this improves the performance of the firms listed in the NSE. The study concludes that IT adoption has an effect on performance of firms listed at NSE, in addition environmental, strategic and managerial factors have an effect of IT adoption on the performance of organisations. The study recommends that firms should invest in IT capabilities and IT resources in order to spur performance. Description: Published Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3548 Files in this item: 1
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Irungu, Dancan Njagi; Mutie, Julia Mutave (European Journal of Business and Management, 2014)[more][less]
URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3549 Files in this item: 2
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Waithima, Abraham K.; Burns, Justine (Globethics.net, 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Using a one-shot sequential-move bribery game, this paper investigates the role of ethnic heterogeneity on corruption. The interest is premised on the high levels of corruption in Kenya coupled with the rising ethnicization of politics. When ethnic identity is made salient, when a potential bribe-giver and a third party are co-ethnic, the bribegiver is significantly less likely to offer a bribe to a non-coethnic bribee. Rather, a bribe-giver is more likely to offer a bribe to a co-ethnic bribee when the third party is also co-ethnic. A possible explanation for this behaviour is the bribe-giver's expectation of ingroup reciprocity from both the bribee and the third party. A bribe-giver anticipates that a bribe offered to a non-coethnic bribee might be more likely to be punished by a co-ethnic third party than a bribe offered to another co-ethnic. Thiswould be consistent with the notion of ingroup reciprocity in the sense that when a bribe is offered to a co- ethnic bribee, even though this hurts the third party, the disutility experienced is somehow less than when the bribe is offered to a non-coethnic bribee. In other words, even though the third party is adversely affected in both instances, there is some solace to be found in the fact that a fellow co-ethnic is benefitting from the bribe as opposed to a non-coethnic. The anticipation by a bribe-giver that the bribee makes a decision to accept or reject a bribe on the basis of ethnic consideration is mistaken since the bribee's decision is purely opportunistic. The bribee's decision is mainly based on the initial endowment and bribe amounts. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3565 Files in this item: 1
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Nderitu, Joyce W.; Minja, David; Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri (International Journal of Management Sciences, 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: 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. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3615 Files in this item: 1
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Kirui, Evans; Wawire, Nelson H. W.; Onono, Perez Ayieko (International Journal of Economics and Finance;, 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: This study sought to evaluate the relationship between Gross Domestic Product, Treasury bill rate, exchange rate, inflation and stock market return in Nairobi Securities Exchange Limited. The study determined the response of the stock returns to a shock in each of the macroeconomic variables. The effect of changes in each of the macroeconomic variable on the volatility of stock returns in Nairobi Securities exchange limited was also determined. Engle-Granger two step method was used to establish the co integrating relationship between stock returns and the macroeconomic variables. Threshold Genaralized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (TGARCH) model was used to capture the leverage effects and volatility persistence at the NSE. Published time series quarterly data from 2000 to 2012 was sourced from the Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Empirical results of the regression model revealed that exchange rate showed a significant relationship with stock returns. For a one percentage increase in depreciation of a domestic currency, the model predicted stock returns to decrease by 1.4 percent. Gross Domestic Product, Inflation and the Treasury bill rate indicated insignificant relationships. The effects of one standard deviation shock on each of the macroeconomic variable on stock returns revealed that shock in exchange rate was negative but eventually reverted back to equilibrium thereafter. The results of the TGARCH model for exchange rate, Gross Domestic Product and Treasury bill rate revealed that the impact of news was asymmetric and there was presence of leverage effects. There was absence of volatility persistence among all the macroeconomic variables. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3637 Files in this item: 1
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