PurposeThe overall purpose of this study is to investigate impact of managerial characteristics on key performance indicators in the Kenyan hotel industry.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional survey research design was used to gather primary data using self‐administered questionnaires. A sample of 160 hospitality managers was selected proportionately by simple random sample method from six hotels in Nairobi and Mombasa. A custom factorial univariate analysis of variance was used to analyze the data.FindingsHospitality managers in Kenya are still focusing on financial and result measures of performance while ignoring non‐financial and determinant measures. Managerial demographic characteristics; age, education, current position, functional area, and performance appraisal influence managers' choice of key performance indicators.Research limitations/implicationsThe model violated assumptions of homogeneity of variances. Literature review revealed a severe lack of Kenyan‐based research in tourism and hospitality industries on performance measurement practices hence the need for future research in this area.Practical implicationsThe hotels need to invest in comprehensive performance management systems suitable for Kenyan hospitality industry that will incorporate both financial and non‐financial performance measures.Originality/valueThe study focuses on level of use of performance indicators and level of importance attached to performance indicators in the Kenyan hospitality industry. Managerial demographic characteristics influence on key performance indicators are examined in leading service industry in a growing economy thus contributing to a new body of knowledge in management literature in Africa.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to identify emerging critical generic managerial competencies in the Kenyan hotel industry. Design/methodology/approach -A cross-sectional survey research design was used to gather primary data using self-administered questionnaires. The population was composed of hospitality managers from ten five-star hotels in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya. A sample of 160 hospitality managers was selected proportionately by simple random sample method. Findings -Several critical generic management competencies are emerging in the Kenyan hospitality industry. However, there is a gap between utilization and importance of managerial competencies in Kenya. Managers do not value human relations competencies. Practical implications -Hotels and training institutions need to enhance acquisition of generic managerial competencies in their management development programs and curricula, respectively. Originality/value -The paper focuses on both the level of utilization of managerial competencies and the level of importance attached to managerial competencies. It contributes to a new body of knowledge in management literature in Kenya. The paper has value to researchers, hospitality graduates and students, hospitality educators and human resource managers in Kenya.

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Effective implementation of crediting strategy is paramount to the growth of Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) worldwide. Crediting provides adequate amount of initial capital needed by entrepreneurs to establish and operate their businesses. The government of Kenya having realized this scenario initiated the formation of Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) in 2007 as a micro credit to provide financial credit to women entrepreneurs throughout the country. Despite this, many women micro traders have inadequate access to credit to start and expand their SMEs. The specific objective of this study was to assess the influence crediting strategy on the growth of SMEs in Kenya. This research used a descriptive survey based design. The study’s target population constituted 2032 women group leaders from which a sample size of 335 respondents was selected randomly. Primary data was collected by use of structured researcher administered questionnaires. Data collected was analyzed by use of both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, by the aid of SPSS version 24. Both Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Linear Regression Analysis were computed to correlate the study’s variables. The study established a positive relationship between crediting strategy and the growth of SMEs. The findings of this study will help the government of Kenya in formulating and implementing crediting strategies that would make credit accessible and therefore boost growth of SMEs in the country. The study recommends that the government establishes policies that will necessitate accessibility of credit to SMEs in the country.