OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND THE GROWTH OF MICROFINANCE SECTOR IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish how operational risk management strategies lead to growth of MFI sector in Kenya.Methodology: The study adopted a correlation survey research design. The population of this study was fifty seven (57) MFIs. The sampling frame was the list of MFIs provided in the AMFI website www.amfikenya.com. A sample of thirteen (17) MFIs was selected using the random sampling approach. A questionnaire and an interview schedule were the main data collection tools. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis whereas the quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) where descriptive and regression analysis were conducted to determine the relationship between enterprise risk management strategies and growth of MFIs.Findings: Findings revealed that the MFI had adequate policies and procedures to manage its operational risks and the MFI had an operations manual. The findings also indicated that the MFIs have adhered to written policies and procedures to manage operational risks in the financial operations area, procurement area, treasury area, and financial management area. Results further indicated that the MFI had effective internal control systems for detecting fraud or other significant operational risks. Finally the study findings indicated that MFI’s internal audit functions ensured effective use of resources, accurate financial reporting, and ample random spot checks of MFI branches, clients, and staff. The regression results indicated that there was a positive relationship between operational risk management strategies and MFI growth.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the MFIs to continue practicing effective operational risk management practices such as internal control framework comprising of policies and procedures. MFIs need to uphold the existence and accessibility of operational manuals. It is suggested that adherence to written policies and procedures is positive strategy and it should be emphasized.  The internal audit functions for effective use of resources and accurate financial reporting needs to be emphasized as it had a positive effect on growth. The MFIs should also benchmark their technology with that of banks to reduce human error, to produce timely and relevant data. It is recommended that implementation of know your client (KYC) requirements should be enhanced as it has an effect on growth.