Determinants of Rates of Return and Financial Performance of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Western Kenya

Thesis Title.  Determinants of Rates of Return and Financial Performance of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Western Kenya.

Student’s Name.  WANYONYI COLLINS FESTUS 

Supervisor’s Names.

1. Abraham Malenya
2. Brian Singoro

ABSTRACT

Savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOs) have become a crucial source of financial services for low-income households in developing countries, offering savings, credit, insurance, and financial education to their members. This study examined the determinants of rates of return on financial performance of SACCOs in Western Kenya, focusing on share capital, membership growth, and asset quality, with the regulating environment as a moderating variable. The target population consisted of SACCOs operating in Western Kenya. A correlational research design was adopted and data collection was through questionnaires. Theory of cooperative Societies, stewardship theory and agency theory anchored this study.  The findings revealed significant insights into the factors affecting SACCO financial performance. Regarding share capital, 63.6% of respondents strongly agreed that the share capital of their SACCO was sufficient to meet members’ financial needs. Statistical analysis showed that share capital had a mean rating of 3.425 (68.5%) and a linear regression standardized coefficient of 0.241 with a t-value of 3.235, statistically significant at the 0.05 alpha level, indicating that share capital positively influences SACCO financial performance, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis that share capital has no significant effect on SACCO financial performance in Kenya. Membership growth had a linear regression standardized coefficient Beta of 0.475 with a t-value of 7.148, statistically significant at the 0.05 alpha level, concluding that membership growth positively influences SACCO financial performance in Western Kenya. The overall level of satisfaction with asset quality on SACCO financial performance in Western Kenya was 78.4% (mean = 3.92) with a standard deviation of 0.12 and a standard error of 0.61. Statistical analysis showed that asset quality had a linear regression standardized coefficient Beta of 0.239 with a t-value of 3.284, statistically significant at the 0.05 alpha level, indicating that asset quality positively influences SACCO financial performance, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis that asset quality has no significant effect on SACCO financial performance in Kenya. The regulating environment as a moderating variable revealed a statistically significant association with an F-value of 10.668 and a p-value of 0.00, concluding that the regulating environment moderates the relationship between determinants of rates of return and SACCO financial performance in Western Kenya. Based on the findings, the study recommends that SACCOs should improve their share capital to enhance financial performance, increase membership to leverage the positive impact on financial performance, and enhance asset quality to ensure high financial performance. In conclusion, share capital, membership growth, and asset quality are critical determinants of SACCO financial performance in Western Kenya, and their effects are moderated by the regulating environment. Addressing these factors can help SACCOs achieve sustainable financial performance and better serve their members.