Factors Influencing Growth of Women Owned Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (Smes) in Nyaribari Chache Sub-county

Abstract

The purpose of this study sought to investigate the Factors Influencing growth of women owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nyaribari Chache Sub-county of Kisii County. It was guided by the four objectives; To determine the extent to which levels of education influence growth of women owned SMEs; To assess the extent to which access to funds influence growth of women owned SMEs; To examine the influence of training on growth of women owned SMEs; To examine the influence of culture change on growth of women owned SMEs. Secondary information was obtained from different scholars to provide related literature of the study which was presented as per the study objectives. Primary data for the study was collected through the use of questionnaires through face to face interviews. This study was be targeting small business owners, managers, suppliers, hawkers and from employees who are working within Nyaribari Chache Sub-county. Descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study because it enabled the researcher to obtain information that described the existing phenomena through questionnaires. Simple random sampling was be used to select sample size of 200 SME employees out of the entire population of 2000. 200 questionnaires were issued to the respondents. 150 of the questionnaires from all respondents were returned realizing an instrument return rate of 75 percent, which satisfied the purpose of the study. Data analysis involved the use of qualitative and quantitative techniques in derivation of explanations and inferences from the findings through logical descriptions, and quantitative analysis through descriptive statistics and use of chi-square to test hypothesis at 5% confidence level. From the findings, the study concluded that majority of the women did not own SMEs in Nyaribari Chache Sub-county due to unfavorable cultural practices and fear of unknown. Level of education and professional training on women was critical in enhancing performance and growth of women owned SMEs. However, the fact that majority of the SMEs owners had not been trained on issues related to SMEs; they lacked expertise. The management and resource mobilization skills development strategy influenced performance and growth of women owned SMES to a great extent. The majority of the women entrepreneurs were empowered in managing their businesses through the various empowerment forums that they attended. This helped the women to better manage their SMEs and improve their profitability. The study may also inform the relevant stakeholders on the appropriate strategies to be used in increasing women productivity and sustainability of SMEs. The researcher suggested that a study to be carried out to further find out the factors influencing growth of women owned SMEs.