Factors Affecting The Growth Of Women-Owned Micro Enterprises In Kenya: A Case Of The Nubian Women In Nyanchwa, Kisii County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The Nubian women-owned micro enterprises continue to encounter structural

challenges despite multi-intervention strategies aimed at providing conducive

environment for their growth. This study sought to assess the factors that affect the

growth of Nubian women-owned micro enterprises in Nyanchwa, Kisii County. This

study’s specific objectives were; to interrogate the impact of the nature of the

business, the Nubian women socio-economic characteristics, gender ideology and

legal framework on their micro enterprises. The independent variables were nature

of business, Nubian women socio-economic and cultural characteristics and the

legal framework. Micro enterprise growth was treated as the dependent variable

while politics and ethnic exclusion were the intervening variables. The study

findings will be used to inform policy formulation, empowerment strategies and

long-term remedies on challenges faced by Nubian women micro-entrepreneurs. The

study employed a cross sectional survey design that was largely qualitative and

quantitative in nature. The target population was all the 78 registered and nonregistered

micro enterprises owned by the Nubian women of Nyanchwa. The study

sampling technique was a survey census of all the Nubian women enterprises in

Nyanchwa. Primary data was collected by the help of semi-structured questionnaires

with closed and open-ended questions. Data was collected through interviews and

observation by the researcher. Interviewing was done during site visits to the Nubian

women micro enterprises. Secondary data was obtained from journals, books,

government documents, women group data and business enterprise records. Data

reliability was enhanced through test re-test method. This test validated the tools for

use and helped to improve the instruments where necessary. Pilot study was also

conducted with 10 women entrepreneurs before the final survey was undertaken.

The pilot study was useful in ascertaining the reliability of the research instruments

in relation to the research objectives. Collected data was subjected to both

qualitative and quantitative analysis. Analysis entailed transcription, editing, coding,

and establishing patterns and interpretation. The analysed data was presented by use

of themes, bar graphs, frequency tables and charts. The study established that

limited access to finance, the nature of the enterprise, the socio-economic

characteristics of the Nubian women entrepreneurs as well as the legislative

framework impede the growth of the Nubian women-owned micro-enterprises in

Nyanchwa, Kisii County. The study recommended that various stakeholders to

undertake multi-intervention strategies to mitigate on the challenges facing Nubian

women micro entrepreneurs. The Nubian women micro entrepreneurs need to

register their micro enterprises, the national government need to fast track issuance

of identification documents to the Nubians. Both the national and county

governments to implement empowerment policies and programmes for Nubian

women micro entrepreneurs. Developmental agencies need to have regular training

and mentorship programmes targeting the Nubian women micro entrepreneurs.

Financial institutions need to adopt flexible lending policies to accommodate Nubian

women micro entrepreneurs. The study recommends for a detailed analysis of the

factors affecting the performance of other marginalised women-owned micro

enterprises in Kenya.