Effect of Enterprise Risk Management Strategies on Competitiveness of Matatu Saccos in Kajiado North Sub-County

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to examine the effect of enterprise risk management strategies on competitiveness of matatu Sacco’s in Kajiado North Sub-County. The study specifically focused on establishing the effects of operational risk management strategies, strategic risk management strategies and compliance risk management strategies on competitiveness Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kajiado North Sub-County. Methodology: The target population entailed 275 senior staff including CEOs, Marketing, Financial, Risk Managers, and Operations Managers drawn from Matatu SACCOs from Kajiado North. The Yamane formula was employed in deriving a sample size of 163 participants. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was computed to establish baseline insights. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine variable relationships and simple linear regressions was employed to establish significance levels. SPSS version 26 was used for analysis, with results presented in tables and figures. Findings: Key findings revealed that operational risk management strategies had the highest influence on competitiveness, with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.740, p = 0.000) and a significant regression coefficient (β = 0.740), indicating that a unit improvement in operational risk management increases competitiveness by 0.643 units. Similarly, strategic risk management strategies demonstrated a strong positive relationship with competitiveness (r = 0.706, p = 0.000), with a regression coefficient of β = 0.706. This means a unit change in strategic risk management enhances competitiveness by 0.696 units. Compliance risk management strategies also showed a positive and significant impact (r = 0.590, p = 0.000), with a regression coefficient (β = 0.590), suggesting that a unit improvement in compliance risk management results in a 0.589 unit increase in competitiveness. The study concluded that managing operational, strategic, and compliance risks through robust internal controls, process efficiency, technology adoption, and regulatory compliance significantly enhances the competitiveness of Matatu SACCOs. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It recommends strategic mapping of core processes, alignment of risk appetite with strategic goals, and establishment of dedicated compliance functions. Future research should explore the role of organizational culture and leadership in enhancing risk management within the Matatu SACCO sector.