| dc.description.abstract | Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are a critical sector of Kenya's trade activities
both in the urban and rural areas. Available evidence on MSEs in Kenya
demonstrates that women traders' activities such as clothing, textiles and design,
wholesale and retail outlets, food and allied products and small-scale service
industries dominate. Women MSE trade activities are among business undertakings
withpotential for the country's increased incomes and poverty reduction. Whether the
sector actualises this prospective role is subject to the extent to which credit accessed
by the women enterprise-owners is able to result into investment in the MSEs.
Credit has been known to be among women MSE's greatest tool for business and
indeed some women do access credit. This study explores the extent to which credit
results into women MSE investments. In so doing, this paper examined both
quantitative and qualitative primary data collected from a census, sample survey of
MSEs women traders and key informant interviews in Busia town, Kenya. The study
objectives cross-examined the individual MSE and its owner's characteristics, nature
of credit, kinds of investments generated in the !viSEs and the contribution of credit to
the investment.
Through the analysis of the survey data, the study established that women with credit
have been able to generate investment in their enterprises. The findings ascertained
that credit does result into MSE investment. However the investment seems limited
andfeasible mostly in low capital value assets. Conclusion arrived at indicates that
credit combined with improved women enterprise owners business skills, supportive
institutions, and policies that permit increased investment, would assist women MSE
to maximise on their business investment potential. The study recommends the
augmentation of business development skills, reinforcement of policy and institutions
which would in effect strengthen women MSE credit's assured and effective use in
MSEs investment. | en |
