Women Enterprise Fund Allocation and the Performance of Women Enterprises

ABSTRACT The study examined the relationship between Women Enterprise Fund Allocation and The Performance of Women Enterprises in Kimilili District in Bungorna County, Western Kenya and was based on four specific objectives: a) to determine the profile of respondents in terms of gender, age and level of education, b)to determine the level of Women Enterprise Fund allocation, c)to determine the level of performance of the funded Women Enterprises, and d) to determine the significant relationship between Women Enterprise Fund allocations and Women Enterprises performance. The study used a descriptive correlation research design. Questionnaires of the SAQ type were used to collect primary data from 102 out of 136 sample size that had been arrived at using Slovin’s formula. Data was processed and analyzed using SPSS’s frequencies and percentages; means and PLCC. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents were the females, dominant age range was 40-59 years old and of secondary school level of education. PLCC revealed that there was significant relationship between Women Enterprise Fund allocation and Women Enterprises Performance in Kimilili district. It indicated that WEF allocation in the regression model contribute over l1% towards variations in WE5 performance in Kimilili district. Basing on the findings, the researcher made the following recommendations; Have an active monitoring and evaluation team to follow up projects right from the onset so as to avoid diversion of funds, Train members to understand the difference between them and the business, Have representatives from every sub location to join up the committee so as to monitor the allocations from the grassroots, Give loans to needy individuals at a reduced interest rate so as to a void collective responsibility of repaying the loans in groups, Educate members on the available financial services and where/how to get them, A void using politicians in the funds allocation committees and let them be watchdogs, Deposit funds directly to the groups accounts other than using banks that charge processing fee.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

Preliminary page

Declaration A ii

Declaration B iii

Approval Sheet iv

Dedication v

Acknowledgement vi

Abstract vii

List of Tables vii

ONE THEPROBLEMANDITSSCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research Objectives 4

General 4

Specific 5

Research Questions 5

Hypothesis 5

Scope of study 6

Significance of the Study 7

VII

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 8

TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 10

Concepts/Ideas, Opinions from Authors/Experts 10

Theoretical Perspectives

Related Studies 20

THREE METHODOLOGY

Research Design 35

Study Population 35

Sample Size 35

Sampling Procedure 36

Research Instrument 37

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 37

Data Gathering Procedures 38

Data Analysis 39

Ethical Considerations 39

Limitations of the Study 40

FOUR DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 41

Respondents Demographic Characteristics 41

Level of WEF allocation 42

Level of WEs performance 45

Relationship between WEF allocation and WEs performance 49

FIVE SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS 51

Summary of the findings 51

Conclusions 52

VIII

Recommendations 53

Areas for further studies 54

REFERENCES 55

APPENDICES 60

Appendix IA: Transmittal Letter 60

Appendix IB: Transmittal Letter 61

Appendix II: Informed Consent 62

Appendix III: Research Instrument 63

Appendix IV: Content Validity Index 68

Appendix V: sampling 69

Researcher’s Curriculum vitae 71