Thesis:

Analysis of strategic partnership determinants on Performance of bodaboda savings and credit co-operative Societies in Thika town, Kenya

The Boda Boda industry in Kenya has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs) emerging as key players in providing financial services to Boda Boda operators. The purpose of this study was to analyze strategic partnerships on the performance of Boda Boda SACCOs in Thika Town. The research objectives of the study included; to establish the effects of capital accessibility on performance of Boda Boda SACCOs in Thika town; to determine the effects of supplier relationship on performance of Boda Boda SACCOs in Thika town and to access the effects of marketing relationship on performance of Boda Boda SACCOs in Thika town. The literature was reviewed thematically guided by research objectives. Resource Dependence Theory (RDT) and Cooperative Theory were applied in this study. Also, a conceptual framework was used to explain the linkage between the research themes. The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population in this study was all the registered Boda Boda SACCOs and all the licensed Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies Companies working with Boda Boda SACCOs within Thika town. This study used Yamane Taro’s formulae to calculate the sample size of (89).Purposive sampling method was used to sample managers of SACCOs and chairpersons of Boda Boda SACCOs and stratified sampling was used to sample members of Boda Boda SACCOs. Both questionnaires and interviews were used, where chairpersons of the Boda Boda SACCOs and SACCO managers were interviewed and questionnaires administered to Boda Boda SACCO members. Ethical considerations were observed by obtaining research permit from NACOSTI, obtaining informed consent from the participants and their identities and responses was kept confidential. The collected data was coded, and quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The analyzed data was presented in tables, frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that capital accessibility significantly impacts Boda Boda operator performance, with a positive correlation between loan accessibility and business success. However, a significant portion of respondents reported dissatisfaction with the adequacy of capital provided by their SACCOs, highlighting the need for improved financial offerings and strategic partnerships with mainstream financial institutions. Supplier relationships were found to be positively influencing performance of Boda Boda operators, emphasizing the importance of collaborative partnerships. Marketing relationships was also found to be playing a crucial role in attracting members, with a strong positive perception of current marketing strategies. A chi-square analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between marketing relationship strength and Boda Boda operator performance, indicating that strong marketing relationships lead to higher performance levels. The study recommends enhancing financial literacy programs for Boda Boda SACCO members, streamlining loan application processes, and strengthening internal capital mobilization, adoption of digital marketing tools by mainstream SACCOs and the need to focus on customer centered marketing strategies. In terms of policy, the study recommends the need for streamlining the formalization process for Boda Boda SACCOs, promoting financial inclusion through partnerships with mainstream financial institutions. Further research should focus on studies of digital financial services, barriers to female participation in Boda Boda business, and analyzing the effects of financial literacy on SACCO member satisfaction and retention.