Title:
Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Performance: Evidence From Selected ICT Firms in Kiambu County, Kenya

Authors:
Dorcas Ngina Maluli, Peter Philip Wambua, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study examined the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the performance of selected ICT firms in Kiambu County, Kenya. It focused on four CSR dimensions including environmental responsibility initiatives, community engagement programs, workplace responsibility practices, and ethical business practices. The study used a descriptive and correlational cross-sectional survey design. Stratified random sampling was applied in selecting 105 of the 142 registered ICT firms, with two respondents expected per firm. The structured questionnaires led to 182 usable responses from 95 firms which is 86.7% response rate. The responses were analyzed using SPSS using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. All the four CSR dimensions correlated positively with firm performance. The strongest was community engagement (r=0.657, p<0.01), then ethical business practices (r=0.629), followed by environmental responsibility (r=0.591), and workplace responsibility (r=0.562). The regression model was significant F(4, 177) = 44.125, p < 0.001, with R² = 0.499. Community engagement (β = 0.317), ethical business practices (β = 0.226) and environmental responsibility (β = 0.215) were significant predictors, whereas workplace responsibility was not (β = 0.039, p = 0.652). The findings indicate that CSR is positively associated with ICT firm performance, even if the dimensions do not contribute equally. ICT firms need to prioritize locally associated programs and credible ethical governance, with the support of environmental initiatives.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2026.11105