| dc.description.abstract | The impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the MSE sector in Kenya is alarming. MSE operators are affected directly or indirectly by the epidemic, which cuts the supply of labour, while the labour costs are rising making it difficult for re-investments. Individually owned MSEs are more vulnerable to business closure due to illness or death of the operator threatening livelihoods and productivity of the enterprises. Extra costs are incurred because of HIV/AIDS, especially from recruitment and training costs to replace lost workers, lost time due to illness, drug costs and funeral costs, and other medical expenditures. Enterprises are losing productivity and reducing investments.
This project paper examined the role of MSE associations in addressing HIV/AIDS related problems. The paper looks at Kibuye market metal and wood business characteristics, characteristics of the MSE associations, and the motivating reasons for joining, the forms of support offered to business to cope with HIV/AIDS, and lastly the challenges faced by the associations as well as the coping strategies.
The analysis indicates that most MSE operators were male, married and above 25 years of age. They had been in business operation for over 10 years, and they all belonged to an association. The motivating reasons for joining associations were: financial and funeral support; business trainings and obtaining business sites. The study found a range of services provided by associations, namely welfare support, financial suport, and advocacy and business related services. MSE operators received support from associations when they fell sick, or when bereaved. Operators, whose dependants lacked school fees, were offered support. All this improved their general well-being.
Financially, association offered credit and loan services and saving scheme plans. They also organised for grants and hence an increased business investment. Associations advocated for business sites from local authorities for operators affected directly by HIV/AIDS, thus reducing harassment. Business trainings and information on effects of HIV/AIDS on business were some of services support offered by associations.
The reported challenges in a bid to address HlVI AIDS related problems include the following: inadequate funds by associations to address the problems, poor management, bad leadership by some leaders, lack of commitment by association members and busy schedules by the MSE operators, and limited time to attend to organised meetings. Association addressed these challenges through collaboration with outside institutions such as NGOs and MFls, for more capacity building as well as integrating HIY/AIDS sessions with business meetings.
The paper has made some recommendations. Establishing-and strengthening existing networks is important to improve on support offered to businesses affected by (HIV/AIDS problems. There is also need to reinforce the relationship between MSE associations and the local authorities to improve on the services, especially for HIV/AIDS affected operators. | en_US |
