Publications & Research

Academic Contributions & Scholarly Work

A portfolio of research bridging academic theory and practical application in finance, with focus on emerging markets, financial performance, and risk management.

15+
Publications
Academic papers & articles
2
Advanced Degrees
Ph.D & Master's research
10+
Conference Talks
Research presentations
50+
Citations
Academic references

Doctoral Dissertation

Comprehensive research examining firm-specific factors and their impact on financial performance

Firm Specific Factors and Financial Performance of Insurance Firms in Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyDecember 2022

Research Duration: July 2014 - December 2022

Research Objective: Examine the relationship between firm-specific characteristics and financial performance in Kenya's insurance sector

Key Variables Examined:

Firm size and performance impact
Capital structure and leverage effects
Liquidity management and working capital efficiency
Underwriting risk and risk management practices
Management efficiency and operational effectiveness
Market concentration and competitive dynamics

Methodology:

Panel data analysis, multiple regression modeling, statistical hypothesis testing

Key Findings

Identified significant relationships between specific firm characteristics and financial performance, providing valuable insights for insurance industry stakeholders

Academic Contribution

Contributed new knowledge to academic literature on insurance firm performance and provided empirical evidence from emerging market context

Master's Thesis Research

Groundbreaking analysis of capital structure decisions in microfinance institutions

Influence of Capital Structure on Financial Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Kenya

Kenya Methodist UniversityJuly 2013

Research Duration: January 2011 - July 2013

Research Focus: Relationship between capital structure decisions and financial performance in Kenya's microfinance sector

Key Research Questions:

How does debt-to-equity ratio affect financial performance?
What is the optimal capital structure for microfinance institutions?
How do capital structure decisions impact profitability and sustainability?
What factors influence capital structure choices in the microfinance sector?

Research Outcomes

Provided practical guidance for capital structure optimization and contributed to understanding of financing decisions in microfinance sector

Published Research Papers

Peer-reviewed publications contributing to academic literature and practical applications

Effect of Firm Characteristics on Financial Performance of Insurance Firms in Kenya

Authors: Kamau, A. M., Olweny, T., & Muturi, W. M.

Publication: The International Journal of Business & Management, 9(6)

Year: 2021

Abstract

Research examining the effect of firm-specific characteristics on the financial performance of insurance firms in Kenya using panel data analysis.

Key Findings

  • Identified significant relationships between firm characteristics and performance measures
  • Provided empirical evidence on key performance drivers in insurance sector
  • Offered practical guidance for insurance company management

Methodology

Quantitative research using secondary data from insurance companies, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis

Practical Implications

Practical implications for insurance management, policy guidance for regulators, investor decision-making support

Financial Performance of Insurance Firms. Does Leverage and Liquidity Matter? Evidence from Kenya

Authors: Kamau, A. M., Olweny, T., & Muturi, W. M.

Publication: Eastern Journal of Economics and Finance, 6(1), pp. 1-14

Year: 2021

Abstract

Detailed analysis of how capital structure decisions and liquidity management practices affect firm performance in Kenya's insurance sector.

Key Findings

  • Specific impact of leverage and liquidity on financial performance
  • Empirical evidence from panel data regression analysis
  • Practical insights for financial management decisions

Methodology

Panel data regression analysis using data from Kenyan insurance companies over multiple years

Policy Implications

Informed regulatory policy regarding capital adequacy requirements and liquidity management standards

Underwriting Risk, Firm Size and Financial Performance of Insurance Firms in Kenya

Authors: Kamau, A. M.

Publication: Eastern Journal of Economics and Finance (Forthcoming (2021))

Year:

Abstract

Research examining the relationship between underwriting risk, firm size, and financial performance in Kenya's insurance sector.

Research Objectives

  • Analyze relationship between underwriting risk and financial performance
  • Examine how firm size moderates the risk-performance relationship
  • Provide guidance for risk management and strategic planning
  • Contribute to academic understanding of risk-performance dynamics

Current Research Interests

Ongoing research initiatives exploring emerging trends and challenges in financial markets

Financial Technology and Innovation

Research examining the impact of financial technology on traditional financial services, including digital payment systems, mobile banking, and fintech innovations

Research Focus Areas:

Digital payments
Mobile banking
Fintech innovations
Technology adoption

Sustainable Finance and ESG

Investigation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in financial decision-making and their impact on firm performance

Research Focus Areas:

ESG integration
Sustainable investing
Climate risk
Corporate governance

Corporate Governance and Performance

Ongoing research examining the relationship between corporate governance practices and firm performance in emerging market contexts

Research Focus Areas:

Board effectiveness
Governance frameworks
Regulatory compliance
Performance metrics

Risk Management and Financial Stability

Research focusing on risk management practices, financial stability, and systemic risk in emerging market financial systems

Research Focus Areas:

Systemic risk
Risk modeling
Financial stability
Regulatory frameworks

Conference Presentations

Sharing research findings and insights with academic and professional communities

Firm Specific Factors and Insurance Performance in Emerging Markets

International Conference on Finance and Economics
2022
Academic Conference

Presented doctoral research findings to international audience of finance scholars and practitioners

Capital Structure Optimization for Microfinance Institutions

African Financial Services Summit
2021
Industry Conference

Shared research insights with financial industry professionals and microfinance institution managers

Risk Management Practices in Kenya's Insurance Sector

East African Insurance Conference
2021
Professional Conference

Provided practical guidance to insurance industry professionals on risk management best practices

Research Methodology

Rigorous analytical approaches ensuring robust and reliable research findings

Analytical Approaches

Quantitative Analysis

Advanced statistical methods including econometric modeling, regression analysis, and hypothesis testing

SPSSStataExcelEViews

Panel Data Analysis

Specialized techniques for analyzing longitudinal data from multiple entities over time periods

StataRPythonEViews

Financial Modeling

Development and testing of financial models to analyze performance drivers and risk factors

ExcelPythonMATLABFinancial calculators

Data Sources

  • Financial statements and regulatory filings
  • Market data and industry reports
  • Survey information and questionnaires
  • Academic databases and research repositories

Quality Assurance

  • Rigorous peer review process
  • Methodological transparency and reproducibility
  • Ethical research practices and data protection
  • Continuous validation and verification processes

Research Impact

Dr. Kamau's research continues to influence academic literature, inform policy decisions, and provide practical guidance for financial institutions across Kenya and beyond.

50+
Academic Citations
10+
Policy References
25+
Practical Applications