Effect of Corporate Governance on Financial Performance of SACCOS in Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to find out the effect of corporate governance on financial performance of savings and credit cooperatives.. The study looked at five theories related to corporate governance namely: agency theory, stakeholder theory, stewardship theory, simple finance model and the political model. It looked at work by others in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Korea. There are 121 Sacco's in Nakuru, out of which there are fifty active Sacco's. The study did a survey of three Sacco's which have the majority of Sacco members. The study targeted all employees of the Sacco's. The study adopted a census method. They were availed to the respondents so that they could fill and return them. The study was carried out between May 2013 and December 2013. The study used Spearman’s rank correlation to analyze and present findings in tables showing percentages, frequency distribution, and also bar graphs, and pie charts. The study found out that there was a significant relationship between financial reporting and financial performance of savings and credit cooperatives. Sacco’s with more frequent financial reporting structures showed better financial performance. The study found out that there was a significant relationship between management style and financial performance of savings and credit cooperatives. Participative management with democratic leadership enhanced the financial performance of Sacco’s. The relationship between size of the board and financial performance was insignificant at 5% significance level. The study recommended that financial reporting should be done as frequently as possible, and management should use a leadership style that is most comfortable to employees and Sacco size should be kept where financial performance is least affected adversely. The study further recommended that studies should on corporate governance be carried out in other areas such as microfinance institutions, commercial banks and the financial sector as a whole.