| dc.description.abstract | The objective of the study was to identify the strategic responses adopted by the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the NCBD to changes in their environment. The research design adopted was descriptive survey to assist the researcher to identify the strategic responses used by the SMEs. This research design was appropriate for the study as it was concerned with specific predictions, narration of facts and characteristics concerning an individual, group or situation.
The study population comprised of all SMEs with formal premises registered with the Nairobi City Council operating within the NCBD. The main source of data was primary data. The primary data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire with both open and close ended questions developed by the researcher. The structured questionnaire was administered through personal interviews with the business owners or those in charge of the businesses.
The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. This involved the use of frequency tables, percentages, rank ordering and mean scores. Frequency tables were used for arraying data obtained to facilitate working out percentages in order to address the objective of the study.
SMEs in Kenya are sole proprietorships and are mostly operated by young people who have at least a secondary level of education and in most cases college education. Most businesses have a clearly defined vision for their future and prior set objectives. Competition is very strong in all the areas of operation. The strategies adopted in order to have a competitive edge were product differentiation, price wars, speed of service delivery and customer service. Most of the business operators regularly reviewed their business strategies in order to remain competitive in their respective areas of operation. Economic factors such as business cycles, interest rates and inflation were the most significant factors influencing business operations in Kenya. | en |
