Factors influencing the efficiency of clearing and forwarding firms in Kenya: Case study of Inland container depot Nairobi
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Date
2020
Authors
Muiruri, Geoffrey Mbugua
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
KESRA/JKUAT - Unpublished research project
Abstract
The objective of this study was to establish the factors affecting the efficiency of clearing and forwarding agents in Kenya. Its specific objectives were to: determine the effect of infrastructure on the efficiency of clearing and forwarding agents in Kenya; establish the effect of staff competence on the efficiency of clearing and forwarding agents in Kenya; examine the effect of ICT on the efficiency of clearing and forwarding agents in Kenya. The study was founded on three theoretical foundations namely: agency theory; the theory of constraints and; Kano’s theory of attractive quality. The research design used was descriptive survey. The sample size for this study was 146 firms. Data was collected with a structured questionnaire comprising of closed-ended questions. First data collected was, cleaned, sorted and collated. Data analysis was thereafter conducted using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). Descriptive statistics was employed in organizing and summarizing the data while regression and correlation analysis were used to test the study hypotheses by establishing the relationships proposed in the study. Form the regression analysis, the study found that Transport Infrastructure (β1=0.249, p= 0.000), Staff Competence (β1=0.285, p= 0.000) and Information & Communication Technology (β1=0.619, p= 0.000) have a positive and significant effect on Efficiency of Clearing & Forwarding Firms. The study concluded that Efficiency of Clearing & Forwarding Firms relies on the effectiveness of Transport Infrastructure, Staff Competence and Information & Communication Technology if its benefits is to be fully realized. From the findings, it is recommended that the government should ensure that there is proper transport infrastructure so as to enable C & F firms to be efficient in carrying out their clearing and forwarding activities with ease. Furthermore, C & F firms should have quality customer care services so as to respond to all emerging needs of customers. There should also be large scale adoption of ICT skills so as to enhance the efficiency of C & F companies operations. In addition, C & F firms should have progressive training so as to enhance the competence of their staff. This is vital since it can go on to enhance the efficiency of clearing and forwarding firms in Kenya.
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Keywords
Clearing and forwarding, Depot