Financial Inclusion and Bank Stability of Commercial Banks Listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

Abstract

Following the global financial crisis of 2007-2009, policy makers, regulators and financial institutions have heavily invested in initiatives and reforms aimed at improving the financial stability of the banking sector. However, despite these initiatives, many of the listed commercial banks in the recent past have continued to report dismal performance. Additionally, the stability levels of the banks remain low despite implementation of financial inclusion policies which raises concern. The study sought to determine the effect of financial inclusion on bank stability of Commercial banks listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the effect of financial availability, financial accessibility, financial usage, and service delivery on bank stability. The study employed a descriptive research design and targeted 11 commercial banks listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. The period scope was year 2014 to year 2018 and purposive sampling was applied in picking a sample of 55 respondents. Primary data was collected using questionnaires while secondary data was gathered utilizing a document review guide. Multiple regression analysis, correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics were applied in the data analysis. The study found that financial availability (p=0.033), financial accessibility (p=0.015), financial usage (p=0.039) and service delivery (p=0.023) all had significant effects on bank stability of commercial banks listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. The study concludes that financial availability, financial accessibility, financial usage, and service delivery play a crucial role in fostering stability of listed commercial banks in Kenya. The study recommends that central bank should ensure compliance on Central Bank of Kenya policies that govern capital adequacy to avert risks associated with Non-Performing Loans. Commercial banks listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange are recommended to embrace latest technologies in service provision. In addition, financial institutions need to invest in customer service by first providing employees with the right skills and technology to provide exceptional customer service. Further, banks are recommended to put in place strong lending policies as well as debt recovery measures which will improve their stability levels.