The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between strategic planning and performance of NGOs in Machakos County, with a case study of Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies. The study’s anchor theory was Ansoff’s Strategic Performance Theory, supported by Resource-Based View Theory and Stakeholder Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design, with a target population of 200 respondents drawn from Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies in Machakos. A sample size of 133 respondents was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The study results showed that the implementation of strategic planning significantly impacts the performance of NGOs. Regression analysis results showed a correlation coefficient of (R = 0.737), suggesting a strong positive relationship between strategic planning and NGO performance. The coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.543, indicating that changes in strategic planning account for 54.3% of the variance in NGO performance. The study concludes that there is a substantial correlation between NGOs' performance and strategic planning hence improving it will result to positive performance. The study recommends that MEDS's management and board of directors should continue designing and adopting policies, rules, processes, governing structures, and strategic plans in line with their objectives.

The sustainability of development projects is increasingly critical in addressing poverty and promoting inclusive growth; however, in arid and semi-arid areas like Kajiado County, many community-based initiatives fail due to poor project design, with up to 65% collapsing within three years despite substantial investment. This study examined how project design influences the sustainability of the Health and Livelihood Improvement (HELI) Project in Kajiado County. Anchored on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory and supported by the Logical Framework Approach, Theory of Constraints, and ResourceBased View, the study adopted a descriptive research design targeting 1,000 stakeholders, from which 278 were sampled using simple random sampling in Olchoronyori and Oloirien villages. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews, with instruments showing strong validity (CVI = 0.81) and reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.89). Analysis using SPSS v26 applied both descriptive and inferential statistics, revealing that Project design significantly influenced sustainability. The study concluded that sustainability is best achieved through an integrated project design and recommended participatory planning, capacity building, and policy integration. Further research in other geographic and sectoral contexts was suggested to validate and expand these findings.

This study examines the impact of brand positioning on the financial performance of coworking spaces in Kenya, focusing on Nairobi Garage as a case study. Employing a descriptive and inferential research design, the study collected data from 56 employees across five Nairobi Garage branches. Findings reveal a strong and statistically significant positive relationship between brand positioning and financial outcomes, with brand positioning accounting for 68.7% of the variation in financial performance. Key factors such as service quality, consistent brand messaging, and value communication were shown to influence revenue growth, customer retention, and profitability. However, moderate scores in brand differentiation highlight the need for clearer market distinction. Grounded in the Resource-Based View and Balanced Scorecard theories, the research offers practical implications for coworking space managers, policymakers, and investors aiming to enhance brand strategy and financial sustainability. The study recommends refining value propositions, ensuring consistent branding, and aligning branding with customer expectations to improve competitiveness.

Performance Management System (PMS) is a critical tool for monitoring and evaluating employee performance against organizational objectives in both public and private sectors. Despite its adoption, limited research exists on its direct impact on organizational effectiveness. This study investigated the influence of PMS on organizational effectiveness at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), focusing on performance planning, monitoring, rating, and development. The study was guided by goal-setting theory, expectancy theory, and learning curve theory. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting 375 Secretariat Staff at TSC Headquarters. Using stratified random sampling, 30% of the population was selected, yielding a sample size of 113. Data was collected through questionnaires whose reliability and validity were confirmed. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, applying descriptive statistics (percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation and multiple regression). Findings revealed that performance planning (r=0.506, β=0.225, p<0.05), performance monitoring (r=0.831, β=0.136, p<0.05), performance rating (r=0.961, β=0.431, p<0.05), and performance development (r=0.693, β=0.105, p<0.05) all had positive and statistically significant effects on organizational effectiveness. Among these, performance rating emerged as the strongest predictor; while monitoring and planning were vital for accountability and goal alignment. Continuous employee development was also found essential for capacity building and sustaining long-term improvements. The study concludes that PMS significantly enhances organizational effectiveness at TSC and recommends further research across institutions. Policymakers should strengthen fairness, transparency, and resource allocation, while continuous training, mentoring, and integration of PMS principles in teacher preparation programs are vital for professional and institutional growth.

The sustainability of development projects is increasingly critical in addressing poverty and promoting inclusive growth; however, in arid and semi-arid areas like Kajiado County, many community-based initiatives fail due to poor Needs Identification, with up to 65% collapsing within three years despite substantial investment. This study examined how project needs identification influences the sustainability of the Health and Livelihood Improvement (HELI) Project in Kajiado County. Anchored on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory and supported by the Logical Framework Approach, Theory of Constraints, and Resource-Based View, the study adopted a descriptive research design targeting 1,000 stakeholders, from which 278 were sampled using simple random sampling in Olchoronyori and Oloirien villages. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews, with instruments showing strong validity (CVI = 0.81) and reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.89). Analysis using SPSS v26 applied both descriptive and inferential statistics, revealing that Needs Identification significantly influenced sustainability. The study concluded that sustainability is best achieved through integrated needs identification and recommended participatory planning, capacity building, and policy integration. Further research in other geographic and sectoral contexts was suggested to validate and expand these findings.

The relatively lower level of insurance penetration in Kenya has been attributed to a number of factors including lack of awareness on available insurance products, low income levels among the key consuming public, perceived low rate of returns for life policies, cumbersome claim settlement procedures, lack of trust of insurance players, and expensive premiums. The study objective was to establish the mediating effect of digital transformation on the relationship between strategic leadership and insurance penetration in Kenya. The study was guided by Strategic Leadership Theory, New Public Management (NPM) and Resource-Based Theory. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, the research targeted 58 licensed insurance companies in Kenya, employing a census sampling method to survey 232 participants, and data analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics following a pilot study to refine the questionnaire. The study results revealed a very strong positive correlation (R=0.979) between the predictors (strategic leadership and government regulations) and insurance penetration. This indicates that the combined effect of these factors significantly enhances insurance penetration. Additionally, the R2 value of 0.958 suggests that approximately 95.8% of the variation in insurance penetration can be explained by strategic leadership and government regulation. Both factors, strategic leadership and government regulations, individually contribute to increasing insurance penetration, and their combined interaction further strengthens this effect, demonstrating a substantial influence on the sector’s growth. The analysis also indicates that government regulations moderate the impact of strategic leadership, altering its direct effect on insurance penetration. These findings highlight the importance of considering both leadership and regulatory frameworks together when developing strategies to enhance insurance market penetration. The study recommends that, policymakers and industry leaders in Kenya focus on strengthening both strategic leadership and government regulations to enhance insurance penetration. Efforts should be made to foster effective leadership practices that are responsive to market needs while simultaneously developing and enforcing regulatory frameworks that support industry growth. Given that government regulations moderate the impact of strategic leadership, a coordinated approach that aligns leadership initiatives with regulatory policies will be crucial. This International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies, 2026 Volume 6 Issue 1 268 integrated strategy will help create an enabling environment that maximizes the positive effects of leadership and regulation on expanding insurance coverage across the country..

The digital transformation of African higher education is a pivotal driver for socioeconomic development, research excellence, and global competitiveness. However, this transformation is critically constrained by chronic financial limitations, technological dependence on foreign proprietary systems, and significant infrastructural deficits. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis arguing that the strategic, institutional-wide adoption of Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) is not merely a cost-cutting IT strategy but a fundamental pathway for African universities to achieve sustainable innovation, pedagogical relevance, and digital sovereignty. The research employs a multi-dimensional framework, examining the socio-technical, economic, and political aspects of FOSS integration. It meticulously details the profound benefits, which extend beyond direct financial savings to encompass enhanced academic freedom, robust local capacity building, and the fostering of an indigenous culture of innovation and problem-solving. The paper provides an exhaustive survey of FOSS applications across the entire university ecosystem, from learning management systems (e.g., Moodle, Chamilo) and administrative suites (e.g., LibreOffice, GNU/Linux) to specialized research tools (e.g., R, Python, QGIS) and library management systems (e.g., Koha). A significant portion of the analysis is dedicated to a critical and honest appraisal of the formidable barriers to adoption, including technical skills gaps, cultural resistance, concerns over support and maintenance, and overarching policy vacuums. In response, the paper proposes a holistic and actionable strategic framework for successful implementation, emphasizing the necessity of visionary leadership, phased deployment, substantial investment in human capital development, and the creation of collaborative consortia. The conclusion posits that FOSS adoption represents a paradigm shift moving from technological consumerism to academic and technological self-determination, enabling African universities to tailor solutions to local contexts, control their digital destinies, and ultimately emerge as central hubs of sustainable innovation for the continent's development. Keywords: open-source software, African universities, sustainable innovation, digital transformation, higher education, ICT4D, capacity building, digital sovereignty, Moodle, policy