Journal of Environmental Sustainability Advancement Research

EFFECTIVENESS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY IN ENHANCING SELF EFFICACY AMONG GENDER BASED VIOLENCE SURVIVORS IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA

2025-12-15T15:48:16+03:00

Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors experience negative psychological and physical
outcomes associated with various types of abuse, depriving the GBV survivors of selfefficacy, which is an indicator of mental well-being. Meru County has a rising prevalence of
GBV; therefore, if the mental well-being of GBV survivors is not addressed, it can prolong
the mental health crisis. Psychotherapy is one of the interventions that results in social adjustment and psychological well-being, whose main aspects the study sought to explore.
Meru County, through the Ministry of Health, offers a Brief Psychotherapy to the GBV survivors in an attempt to enhance mental well-being. This study sought to bridge this gap by
empirically examining the effectiveness of psychotherapy in enhancing self-efficacy among
GBV survivors in Meru County, Kenya. The target population was 1468 respondents comprising GBV survivors and 9 counsellors in Meru County. The study was carried out in selected sub counties, which have the highest number of GBV survivors in Meru County,
Kenya. Meru County was selected because the number of GBV survivors has risen from
520 reported cases in 2022 to 1468 cases in 2023. This study employed quasi-experimental
research design where a total of 304 participants were selected via simple random sampling
and equally distributed into experimental (n = 152) and control (n = 152) groups. A standardized self-efficacy assessment scale was administered at baseline and following the intervention. The experimental group received a Brief psycho-therapeutic intervention, whereas
the control group was not exposed to any treatment. To analyze the differences between the
experimental and control groups, the independent samples t-test statistic was used to determine if there were any significant differences in mean scores of the experimental group and
control group before and after the psychotherapy intervention. The findings indicated that
survivors of GBV who received brief behavioral intervention showed statistically significant
improvement in self-efficacy compared to the control group hence demonstrating that psychotherapy led to significant improvements in the mental wellbeing. These findings demonstrate the importance of psychotherapy in enhancing self-efficacy among GBV survivors.
There is need for appropriate training for counselors or the GBV focal persons on skills of
psychotherapy to enhance the therapy provided to the GBV survivors in Meru County

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-MASTERY EXPERIENCES AND MANAGEMENT OF QUARTER-LIFE CRISIS AMONG FOURTH-YEAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE EASTERN REGION OF KENYA

2025-12-15T15:30:56+03:00

University students often face quarter-life crisis which is a developmental experience that typically occurs to
emerging adults during the transitional period from adolescence to adulthood. It is a period of uncertainty and
questioning that typically occurs when students in the university feel trapped, uninspired, and disillusioned in
their early twenties. The study sought to examine the relationship between self-mastery experiences and management of quarter- life crisis among fourth year students in public universities in the eastern region of Kenya.
The correlational research design was adopted for the study with a population of 9,006 made up of fourth year
university students and student counsellors. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were used to select a
sample of 368 respondents with 358 university students and 10 student counsellors. The instruments used for
data collection were, self-mastery scale, students’ questionnaire and an interview guide. Prior to data collection, ethical clearance was done, the necessary permits obtained and respondents assured of confidentiality as
well as voluntary participation. The data were analyzed using correlational analysis, descriptive statistics and
thematic analysis by use of SPSS version 21.0. The findings indicated that there was a weak positive relationship between self-mastery experiences and management of quarter-life crisis among fourth-year university
students in public universities in the upper eastern region of Kenya. The findings affirmed that self-mastery
experiences are revealed through university students’ ability in making informed decisions with confidence,
having self-awareness, exercising self-control, adaptation to unforeseen situations and applying problem solving skills effectively aided in managing quarter-life crisis. Based on the findings it is recommended that university students to enhance their self-mastery experiences decision making, self-control, realistic goal setting, effective problem -solving and emotional regulation. Enhancing these competencies promotes selfmastery experiences that enable the students to manage setbacks, uncertainties and well-being thus managing
quarter-life crisis. University psychologists and student counselors to develop and establish comprehensive
student development programs focused on self-mastery experiences which can be achieved through workshops, and seminars, mentorship and skill-building activities. The policy makers in the Ministry of Education
and university administration to adopt an integrated psychosocial and developmental approach that promotes
student’s self-mastery, resilience and adaptability through supportive and empowering educational policies.

DIAGNOSTIC CHARACTERIZATION OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT PATHOGENS IN CHRONIC WOUNDS AT MERU TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KENYA

2025-12-15T16:29:57+03:00

Chronic wound infections remain a significant public health concern, driven by trauma, diabetes, and inadequate hygiene, often with polymicrobial colonization and rising antibiotic
resistance. This study at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, in Kenya, used a crosssectional design to analyse 68 wound swabs from 293 patients (8 months) for outlining bacteria in chronic wound infections to identify and understand both known and new pathogens, thereby enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and expanding knowledge of infectious
agents, using standard culture and automated identification/AST, with ethics approvals from
all relevant ethical committees.The findings revealed that the highest infection rates were
among patients aged 21–30 years (22%) and 51–60 years (19.2%). The most frequently isolated organism was Staphylococcus aureus (26.6%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(13.2%) and Escherichia coli (10.3%). Less common but clinically significant multidrugresistant (MDR) isolates included Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus hauseri, Morganella
morganii, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterococcus faecalis. Despite clinical signs of
infection, 20.5% of the wound samples had no bacterial growth. This could be as a result of
non-infectious causes or fastidious organisms that were not detectable with the media used,
though other bacterial or microbial agents that have not been identified may also be at play.
This study demonstrates 50% of Staphylococcus aureus strains are resistant to beta-lactams
and fluoroquinolones, while resistance in Meropenem ranges from 0% to 11%. E. coli recorded 78% resistance to ciprofloxacin and 100% resistance to ampicillin/sulbactam and
amoxicillin/clavulanate. Despite exhibiting 50–100% resistance, Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp. are still mostly sensitive to meropenem, a reserve antibiotic. Meropenem resistance was rare in coagulase-negative staph; however, it ranged from 60% to 100%. Morganella was resistant to ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (%?? respectively), whereas Proteus exhibited 40–60% resistance. These findings highlight the complexity
and resistance of persistent wound infections, the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance,
and the pressing need for advanced diagnostic instruments to guarantee precise pathogen
identification. Strengthening diagnostic abilities, endorsing antibiotic stewardship, and implementing regular regional surveillance are essential to combat resistant infections effectively, guide suitable therapy, and improve patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.

FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING AND SHAREHOLDERS’ WEALTH OF FIRMS LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE, KENYA

2025-12-15T15:15:24+03:00

Financial restructuring is essential for maximizing shareholders’ wealth. However, financial
restructuring may also lead to diluted shareholders’ value and increased debt that commits
firms to payout future cash flows thus reducing the funds available for investment purposes
hence lowering shareholders’ wealth. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effect of
financial restructuring on the shareholders’ wealth of firms listed at the Nairobi Securities
Exchange (NSE). The study was anchored on agency, resource-based view and static trade
off theory and a causal research design was adopted. The target population consisted of 64
listed firms at the Nairobi Securities Exchange as at 31st December 2023. However, adequate data for 54 firms was obtained yielding 534 firm-year observations for the period
2014 to 2023. Secondary data was obtained from the individual firms audited annual reports
using a data collection sheet for ten years. Descriptive statistics summarized the study data
and confirmatory factor analysis ascertained the goodness of fit of the structural equation
modelling. Diagnostic tests were undertaken to ensure that the assumptions of the structural
equation modelling were met. Inferential statistics including correlations and structural
equation modelling were used to test the hypotheses at 5% significance level. The results
revealed that financial restructuring exerts a statistically significant positive influence on
shareholders wealth of listed firms in Kenya (β = 1.160, p = 0.001). The study expands the
existing base of knowledge on financial restructuring and shareholders’ wealth by ensuring
that strategic use of financial restructuring such as refinancing expensive loans, repurchasing undervalued shares, or issuing new equity should be guided by policies and practice of
the listed firms to enhance shareholders’ wealth.

ASSESSMENT OF HYGIENE PRACTICES AND DETERMINANTS OF FOOD SAFETY COMPLIANCE IN BUTCHERIES ACROSS COUNTIES IN EASTERN KENYA

2025-12-15T16:11:58+03:00

Poor hygiene in meat handling and distribution contributes significantly to contamination
and foodborne disease outbreaks. Although Kenya has established meat safety regulations,
compliance among butcheries remains poorly documented. This study assessed hygiene
practices, storage conditions, and demographic predictors of food safety behaviour in butcheries across Embu, Meru, and Tharaka-Nithi counties. Random sampling was applied in a
cross-sectional survey of 26 butcheries in Tharaka-Nithi, 51 in Meru and 32 in Embu counties bringing the total sample size to 109. A structured questionnaire was developed based
on WHO’s Essential Food Safety Requirements. Data was analysed using R software
(version 4.5.0), employing descriptive and logistic regression analysis. Results showed that
71% of butcheries kept meat on-site for over 48 hours, and 77% refrigerated meat overnight. Refrigeration varied by county, with Embu recording the highest usage (51.7%). Only
12.8% of butcheries practiced species separation during storage, and sterilization of equipment or premises was inconsistently applied, 43% in Embu, with lower rates elsewhere. Although all personnel had food handler certificates, less than half had undergone medical
check-ups within the recommended three-month interval. Only 40% of butcheries used a
separate cashier, indicating widespread concurrent handling of meat and money. Logistic
regression revealed that age and education significantly influenced hygiene practices. Personnel with secondary education had over ten times higher odds of practicing species separation (OR = 10.17, p < 0.001), while those with primary education also showed increased
odds (OR = 5.15, p = 0.005). Individuals aged above 50 were less likely to separate meat
species (OR = 0.14, p = 0.016). Sterilization was more likely among those aged 31–40 (OR
= 3.94, p = 0.044) and 41–50 (OR = 6.68, p = 0.007). The study concludes that significant
gaps persist in hygiene compliance, with demographic characteristics influencing key practices. Targeted training and stricter enforcement of regulations are recommended to enhance
meat safety in butcheries.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONSTRUCTIVIST GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND LANGUAGE LITERACY IN PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION IN SOUTHERN NYANZA REGION, KENYA

2025-12-15T13:34:02+03:00

The study aimed to examine how constructivist guiding principles used by the teachers relate to learners’ language literacy outcomes among pre-primary education in Southern Nyanza Region, Kenya. The study determined the relationship between the principle of opportunity, excellence and differentiated curriculum and
learning, and language literacy outcomes among pre-primary learners. The study employed correlational and
descriptive survey designs, guided by Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism Theory. The target population was
9,224 participants including: teachers, headteachers and county ECDE directors in southern Nyanza region
which comprised Homabay County, Kisii County and Nyamira County. A proportional sample of 384 respondents was selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data collection involved questionnaires, validated through expert judgment and reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.83.
Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27.0, applying descriptive statistics and logistic regression at α =
0.05. Findings indicated that constructivist guiding principles significantly predicted language literacy (Waldꭓ²
(1) = 4.400, p = 0.036, Exp(B) = 2.117). The findings showed that teachers who effectively implemented constructivist guiding principles had a positive and significant contribution to language literacy. The study concluded that constructivist guiding principles play a critical role during language instructional process, enhancing literacy skills among pre-primary learners. The study recommended that, teachers should enhance the implementation of constructivist guiding principles to promote interactive teaching practices during language
literacy leaning, targeted teacher training and recruitment.

HIGH BURDEN AND WARD-SPECIFIC PATTERNS OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE IN BACTERIA FROM CHRONIC WOUND INFECTIONS AT MERU TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KENYA

2025-12-15T16:00:36+03:00

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens in chronic wounds presents escalating therapeutic challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings such as
Kenya, where ward-level resistance surveillance data remain scarce. This study aimed to
investigate multiple antibiotic resistance patterns among bacterial isolates from chronic
wound infections at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study analyzed
68 bacterial isolates from chronic wound infections collected between October 2024 to June
2025. A bimodal age distribution (21 - 30 years: 22%; 51 - 60 years: 19.2%) and near-equal
gender prevalence (53% male, 47% female) were observed. Identification and antimicrobial
susceptibility testing were performed using standard microbiological methods and the VITEK 2 system according to CLSI guidelines. Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) indices
were calculated, with values >0.2 indicating high-risk resistance sources. Findings revealed
marked resistance heterogeneity, with MAR indices ranging from 0.00 to 1.00. Klebsiella
pneumoniae (MAR = 0.76–1.00) and Acinetobacter baumannii (MAR = 1.00) exhibited the
highest resistance levels, predominantly in burn units. Enterococcus faecalis (MAR = 0.65)
and Morganella morganii (MAR = 0.75) were also highly resistant across multiple wards.
The burn unit recorded the highest resistance burden, while the wound clinic displayed the
widest MAR spectrum (0.0–1.0). These results underscore the urgent need for ward-specific
antimicrobial stewardship and infection control interventions, particularly in burn and
wound care units, to prevent further resistance escalation.

EFFECT OF PORTFOLIO RESTRUCTURING ON SHAREHOLDERS’ WEALTH OF FIRMS LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE, KENYA

2025-12-15T12:42:54+03:00

In a contemporary globalized economic landscape, competition for shareholders’ wealth is
becoming increasingly intense thus companies must strive to offer adequate rate of return to
investors to remain relevant and ensure continuous funding. Portfolio restructuring aims to
optimize portfolio performance, enhance portfolio returns and manage risk thereby boosting
shareholders’ wealth. However, portfolio restructuring may also lead to increased cost such
as advisory and service fees, transaction cost, tax implications, loss of synergies and reduced
economies of scale that may lower shareholders’ wealth. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effect of portfolio restructuring on the shareholders’ wealth of firms listed at
the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The study was anchored on agency theory and resource-based view theory and a causal research design was used. The target population consisted of 64 listed firms at the Nairobi Securities Exchange as at 31st December 2023. However, adequate data for 54 firms was obtained yielding 534 firm-year observations for the
period 2014 to 2023. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Structural equation modelling was fitted for the analysis. The study found that portfolio restructuring positively influences the shareholders’ wealth of firms listed at the NSE (β = 1.433, p
< 0.001). The study recommends that managers of listed firms should adopt a strategic approach to portfolio restructuring by continuously evaluating their business units or investments to identify areas for divestiture or reinvestment. This helps concentrate resources on
core profitable areas while eliminating operational inefficiencies associated with underperforming or non-core segments to maximize shareholders’ wealth.

THE INFLUENCE OF ADOPTION OF FARM-BASED FOOD RESILIENCE STRATEGIES ON LIVELIHOOD OUTCOMES AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA

2025-12-15T15:40:13+03:00

Kenya faces persistent adverse livelihood outcomes, including food insecurity, which is aggravated by climate
variability, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and economic constraints. Limited empirical evidence exists on
the influence of the adopted Farm Based Food Resilience Strategies (FBFRS) in improving household livelihoods in Makueni County, Kenya, thus making it difficult to design targeted interventions that can enhance
sustainable livelihoods. The study sought to establish the influence of the adoption of FBFRS on livelihood
outcomes among farming households in Makueni County, Kenya. FBFRS included strategies related to crop,
soil, water, and livestock management, while livelihood outcomes were assessed through food security, income stability, and related dimension. A sample size of 399 rural households was drawn from three subcounties (Mbooni, Makueni and Kibwezi West) through multistage sampling, comprising stratified, purposive
and simple random sampling techniques. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design to meet the
research objective. Data was analyzed using descriptive and regression analysis. The regression results revealed that FBFRS had a positive and statistically significant influence on livelihood outcomes among farming
households in Makueni County, Kenya, at a 5% significance (β = 0.559, p < 0.001), explaining 42.3% of the
variation in livelihood outcomes (R² = 0.423). This implies that increased adoption of farm-based strategies
enhances household livelihood outcomes. It was concluded that adoption of FBFRS significantly improves
household livelihood outcomes in Makueni County. However, challenges such as unpredictable weather, pests
and diseases, high input costs, limited water access, inadequate funds and low technical knowledge undermine
these gains. The study recommends strengthening farmer training and extension services, promoting climatesmart technologies, subsidizing agricultural inputs, improving water access, and enhancing market linkages to
maximize the benefits of FBFRS and promote sustainable rural livelihoods in Makueni County.

EFFECT OF MANAGEMENT FEE ON EFFICIENCY OF MONEY MARKET UNIT TRUST FUNDS IN KENYA

2025-12-15T15:21:10+03:00

Management fee is a compensation to fund managers for their professional asset management services. However, there is an ongoing debate whether fund managers charge fees that are commensurate to the services they
offer. Management fee is justified when fund managers earn high risk adjusted returns, outperform benchmarks and increase fund value because it would translate to efficiency. On the contrary, high compensation to
fund managers that is not justified would be an evidence of agency problem where managers seek to pursue
their self-serving interest instead of focusing on risk management, portfolio monitoring and cost management
thereby resulting to fund inefficiency. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the effect
of management fee on fund efficiency. The study was guided by agency theory and X-efficiency theory. The
study adopted a causal and longitudinal research design. Secondary data was collected from 25 money market
unit trust funds (MMFs) over the period 2018 to 2024 yielding 122 fund year observations. Descriptive statistics provided simple summaries of the population. Inferential statistics and panel data regressions were utilized
for testing of statistical hypotheses. A two-stage analysis was adopted whereby in the first stage, efficiency
scores were computed using Data Envelopment Analysis and in the second stage, Generalized Method of Moment was used to determine the dynamic relationship among study variables. The findings revealed that, during the study period, MMFs were not 100% efficient. Further, management fee had no significant effect on
fund efficiency (β=0.266, p-value>0.05). The lagged efficiency score was positive and statistically significant
meaning there was persistence in fund efficiency (β=0.203, p-value<0.05). The results revealed that the rate of
management fee to income charged by the fund does not influence its efficiency level. Further, a fund’s past
efficiency level has an influence on the current level of efficiency.

AN ECO CRITICAL READING OF REBECCA NJAU’S THE SACRED SEED

2025-12-15T16:16:26+03:00

Environmental degradation is a global issue that threatens sustainability of human life; thus
it has attracted scholarly attention globally over the years. This paper discusses the depiction of ecological themes in Rebecca Njau’s novel The Sacred Seed. The main argument is
that Njau’s novel employs multifarious literary strategies and character representations to
open up a discussion on the role of literature in the discourse of environmental conservation.
Through negative representations of perpetrators of environmental degradation the novel
castigates perpetuation of crimes against nature such as: deforestation and encroachment on
natural resources. The moral vision of the author is evident in the way the text highlights the
benefits of nature to humanity, such as the viability of herbal medicine as a possible alternative to contemporary medicine. This study is based on the understanding that since literature
bears the potential of influencing the attitudes of its consumers; exposure to ecologically
conscious texts such as The Sacred Seed is likely to sensitize society on the need for preservation of nature.

EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ADJUSTED SCHOOL CULTURE AND INTERACTION ON STUDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOLING IN PUBLIC BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THARAKA-NITHI COUNTY, KENYA

2025-12-15T15:06:17+03:00

Schooling participation is a critical determinant of social learning, shaping students’ interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, identity development, and civic dispositions. COVID-19 pandemic had irreversible effects
on school interactions and culture, emanating from the resultant mitigation measures which had a profound
impact on people around the world. This study sought to identify effects of covid-19 adjusted school culture
and interaction on students’ participation in schooling in public secondary schools in Tharaka-Nithi County in
Kenya. The study used adopted Functionalist Theory. The study employed an ex-post facto and descriptive
research design to examine the relationship between COVID-19-adjusted school culture and students’ participation in schooling among secondary schools in Tharaka-Nithi County. Data were collected from 300 respondents (teachers and curriculum masters) using questionnaires and interview guides, analyzed through descriptive
and inferential statistics, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess significance in participation changes. The findings revealed that before COVID-19, schools had a vibrant, interactive culture characterized by
active teacher-student engagement, strong peer relationships, and robust co-curricular activities that enhanced
student participation. However, the pandemic disrupted these interactions, limiting physical contact, communication, and extracurricular activities, thereby weakening students’ sense of belonging and participation. Despite this, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no statistically significant difference in participation levels
before and after the COVID-19 adjustments (Z = -0.256, p = 0.798), suggesting resilience within the school
system despite cultural disruptions. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education develop a crisis
management policy to safeguard learning continuity during pandemics, strengthen co-curricular programs to
foster emotional and social development, and conduct further research on the roles of teachers and parents in
supporting students’ adaptation during crises

FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES AMONG READY -TO-EAT MEAT RETAILERS IN MERU, EMBU AND THARAKA-NITHI COUNTIES, KENYA

2025-12-15T16:05:56+03:00

In Kenya, weak enforcement of food safety regulations and limited awareness among meat
value chain actors heighten outbreak risks, but limited data exists about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of RTE meat retailers outside Nairobi posing a possible foodborne disease outbreak. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and
practices of RTE meat retailers in Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi counties and determine
their association with demographic characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was conducted
among 107 randomly selected RTE meat retailers, using a structured and pre-tested KAP
questionnaire administered in hotels and retail outlets between May and August 2025. Data
were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U tests in
STATA version 18 to examine associations between demographic characteristics and KAP
scores. Results showed that males constituted 53.3% (57) of retailers, with secondary education being the most common level attained (41.1%, 44). Overall, food safety knowledge was
satisfactory in hygiene (mean score 23.1 ± 8.0), while attitudes (51.0 ± 7.6) and practices
(22.3 ± 3.2) were rated as neutral in hygiene. Education level, food safety training, and possession of a valid food handling certificate were significantly associated with significant
KAP scores (p < 0.05), whereas gender, age, and work experience showed no significant
effects. Across counties, Meru recorded the highest (Mean = 25.4) knowledge scores, while
Embu had the highest attitude (54.1) and practice scores (23.6). Food safety training consistently emerged as the strongest predictor of improved KAP. Although most RTE meat
retailers demonstrated satisfactory food safety knowledge, gaps in attitudes and practices
remain, posing a potential public health risk. Regular, practical, food safety training and
strict enforcement of certification requirements are recommended to enhance safe RTE meat
handling.

MODERATING EFFECT OF FUND SIZE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION AND EFFICIENCY OF MONEY MARKET FUNDS IN KENYA

2025-12-15T12:58:08+03:00

Recent increases in market volatility, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, have magnified investment risks. Therefore, fund managers need to adopt successful investments strategies and efficient operations
so as to manage risks and protect investors’ interest. Portfolio diversification as an investment strategy would
facilitate the creation of an optimal portfolio resulting in fund efficiency. However, fund size influences resources availability, managerial compensation and operation costs which would affect a fund’s ability to create
well diversified portfolios and eventually a fund efficiency. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the moderating effect of fund size on the relationship between portfolio diversification and fund efficiency. The study was anchored on modern portfolio theory, capital asset pricing theory, and economies of
scale principle. Secondary data was collected from 25 money market funds (MMFs) over the period 2018 to
2024 yielding 122 fund year observations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize fund characteristics.
Inferential statistics and panel data regressions were utilized for testing of statistical hypotheses. A two-stage
analysis was adopted whereby in the first stage, efficiency scores were computed using Data Envelopment
Analysis and in the second stage, Generalized Method of Moment was used to determine the dynamic relationship among study variables. The findings revealed that, over the study period, MMFs were not 100% efficient.
Further, portfolio diversification had a significant positive effect on fund efficiency (β=0.520, p-value<0.05).
Fund size had a statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship between portfolio diversification
and efficiency (β=0.522, p-value<0.05). The results implied that small funds are better placed in creating well
diversified portfolios and achieving efficiency. The study recommends that fund managers should create welldiversified portfolios so as to maximize fund efficiency. Funds should operate at size whereby it is easy to
manage and allocate resources and to keep operations at a low cost in order to achieve efficiency.