Implementation of Jua-kalis-empowerment Programme, Risk Management Practice and Performance of Micro-small-entrepreneurial Projects in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Empowerment is one of the growing development concept and theoretical framework that is shaping socioeconomic policies and practices in modern economies. Governments are dedicating huge resources towards empowerment of entrepreneurs due their enormous contribution to resource mobilization, employment and wealth creation and general economic development. The purpose of this study was to investigate how implementation of Jua-kalis-empowerment programme contributes to performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects in the County of Nairobi County and the way the relationship is moderated by risk management practice. The research objectives were to: establish how installation of worksite facility influences performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects, determine the extent to which entrepreneurship training influences performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects, establish how promotion of sales influences performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects, examine extent to which implementation of Jua-kalis-empowerment programme influences performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects, investigate the how risk management practice influence performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects, and assess how risk management practice moderates relationship between implementation of Jua-kalis-empowerment programme and performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects. There were six null hypotheses tested at 95% confidence interval. Theories of constraints and system organization founded this study. Pragmatic paradigm that considers knowledge as a complex of multiple realities guided the inquiry. Cross-sectional and correlational survey designs were used. The inquiry targeted a population of 350 (327 Jua-kali entrepreneurs and 23 managers of the programme) from which 186 respondents were selected using stratified sampling method. Questionnaires and informant interview guide were instruments used for collecting data. Validity and reliability of the data collection instruments were enhanced through a pilot study in Kirinyaga County where related Jua-kalis-empowerment programmes were implemented. Qualitative data was analysed using transcribing, coding and theme generation. Descriptive statistics used for analysis of data included: frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Corelational analysis and regression analysis were the inferential statistics used. Fisher (F) test was used to test the hypotheses at α=0.05. In order to eliminate invalidation of statistical results, all statistical assumptions were tested prior to data analysis. The results revealed that installation of worksite facility (H01) and entrepreneurship training (H02) separately and jointly (H04) had significant influence on performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects for P=0.000<0.05. However, promotion of sales (H05) had no significant influence on performance of Micro-Small for Entrepreneurial Projects for P=0.000<0.05. Nonetheless, risk management practice (H06) is a significant influencer of performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects when treated as a moderator for P=0.000<0.05. The study recommends for Government to institute an expansion policy for the establishment of production and training facilities to support more Jua-kali entrepreneurs. Also, there is need to develop need-based training curriculum for entrepreneurs so as to effectively address the right capacity needs. The training interventions should impart knowledge and skills related to business planning, marketing, stock management, record keeping, technical skills in production, communication skills and informational technology skills. Since promotion of sales had no significant influence on performance of Micro-Small-Entrepreneurial Projects, future studies explore whether promotion of sale acts as a moderator or mediator in execution of empowerment programmes for Jua-kalis.