Infrastructural Development and Growth of Small and Micro Enterprises in the Nairobi Section of Thika Road, in Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to answer the research question: does infrastructural development influence the growth of small and micro enterprises (SMEs) along Thika road, in Kenya. The target population of this study was 597 small and micro enterprises, located along Thika Superhighway. Simple random sampling was used to select 179 respondents from the target population. The study used primary data, which was collected by use of a structured questionnaire. The results indicated that infrastructural developments (roads, water and sewerage, telecommunication) were affecting the growth of SMEs along Thika superhighway. However, electricity had no significant influence on the growth of SMEs. The study recommends that the National government as well as County governments in Kenya should come up with policies aimed at improving infrastructure such as roads, telecommunication as well as water and sewerage as a way of ensuring SMEs growth in the country. The national government together with the county government should work hand in hand to ensure that water is made available in all the regions where SMEs are located. This will therefore enhance production activities in the SMEs thus leading to an increase in growth and development of the state’s economy.