Inhibitors of Growth of Small-scale Women Owned Enterprises in Awendo Sub - County, Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

There has been an increase in the number of businesses owned by women, however most women enterprises are stuck in micro and small levels failing to develop to medium sized or large enterprises. The objective of the study was to determine the inhibitors of business growth of small scale women entrepreneurs in Awendo sub-county, Migori County, Kenya. The study was supported by Marxist and socialist feminism theory by Karl Marx and human capital theory. The study employed a cross-sectional survey, and was purely qualitative study. The study targeted 364 registered women businesses at Awendo Municipality. The sampling frame was created by employing purposive sampling techniques. This study utilized an interview guide enhanced by direct observation to collect the required qualitative data. The focus group discussions were used in the study and comprised of a minimum of 4 groups. This study adopted the content analysis approach to analyse data. The raw data collected from the interview guides and notes from direct observation was carefully scrutinized, edited to correct appropriately. The research concluded that starting, running, expanding and growing a business is a challenge. This is because, many factors such as capital, technology, knowledge and skills, policies, strategy planning and implementation and business environment and culture play an essential role. Poor technology and inadequate skills and knowledge were also identified to inhibit the growth of the small-scale businesses owned by women in Awendo sub-county. Poor policies in Kenya and at the county level and poor understanding of strategy planning and implementation were acknowledged to hinder the growth of businesses. From the findings of the study, it can be concluded that although, the women in Awendo sub-County have decided to break the glass ceiling and venture in male dominated businesses such as opening up hardware and wines and spirits shops, their efforts are yet to result in the growth of their businesses. More support from the society and the government must be disbursed to ensure that the women are able to expand their businesses. The study recommended that the policy makers at both County and National level need to institute proper policies that support small-scale businesses and more so those operated by women. The study also recommends that the government needs to improve the infrastructure at Awendo sub-County. The county government needs to see to it that the roads in the region are constructed and electricity installed in every household.