FIXED INCOME INVESTMENTS AND THE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF CATHOLIC WOMEN RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI

Abstract

Catholic women religious congregations in the Archdiocese of Nairobi face persistent financial challenges due to declining donor support, rising operational costs, and limited long-term planning. This study examined the role of fixed income investments in enhancing financial sustainability among these congregations. Grounded in Modern Portfolio Theory, the study adopted a positivist research philosophy and a descriptive correlational design. Out of 122 congregations in the Nairobi Archdiocesan Directory, a random sample of 93 bursars was picked. Structured questionnaires were used to detect primary data. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics and the postulated relationships were tested using multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that the impact of fixed income investments on financial sustainability is noteworthy and positive, the study also emphasized the necessity of developing internal financial capabilities, enhancing governance frameworks, and proactively overseeing investment portfolios. These results can be applied to the nonprofit religious sector and offer guidance to religious congregations, church leadership, and policymakers interested in sustainable, mission-appropriate investments through the application of the Modern Portfolio Theory.