Saudi Journal of Economics and Finance (SJEF)
Volume-2 | Issue-01 | 4-16
Original Research Article
Factors Affecting Dividend Payout in Listed Commercial Banks in Kenya
Mark Simiyu Wekesa
Published : Jan. 30, 2018
Abstract
Various models have been developed to help firms analyze and evaluate
the perfect dividend policy and there is no agreement between these schools of
thought over the factors that affect dividend payout. The dividend policy decision is
one of the most important decisions in any organization. This study sought to
establish the factors that affect dividend payout of listed commercial banks in Kenya.
Specifically profitability, liquidity, firm size and past dividend were determined if
they affected dividend payout among listed commercial banks in Kenya. The study
was based on the Bird in Hand Theory. A correlational research design was used to
examine relationship among the variables. The target population for this study
consisted of all listed commercial banks in Kenya. Purposive sampling procedure
was used to select listed commercial banks for the study. The study employed
secondary data which was obtained from the financial statements of the
commercial banks for a period of five years ranging from 2012 to 2016.. The study
showed that profitability, liquidity, firm size and past DPS accounted for 77.69% of
variations in dividend payout for listed commercial banks. All the four factors were
found to be significant in affecting dividend payout for the listed commercial banks.
Profitability and past dividend per share were found to be positively correlated with
dividend payout while liquidity and firm size were found to be negatively correlated
with dividend payout. The researcher recommends more research to be done taking
into consideration other factors. These include factors such as the commercial banks
management, legal environment and competition within the banking industry.