The operations of small scale enterprises in residential areas. A case study of the Dandora project in Nairobi.

Abstract

The study addresses itself to the small scale enterprises in the urban areas. However, the main focus of the study is on the small scale enterprises in the residential areas. It has been established that the small scale enterprises are geographically distributed in the urban areas, and thus have got varying problems. In this study, attempts have been made to investigate on the constraints hampering on the proper development of the small enterprises in residential areas. The efforts of the study are directed towards the incorporation of the small enterprises within the residential areas without disturbing the planned structure of the estates In the study it was established that small scale enterprises has not been fully understood. The characteristics of the small scale enterprises has not been fully defined and it is difficulty to pin them down , In examining the policy and legal environment of the small scale enterprises. The study established that there is a conflict between policy and the legal controls of the small scale enterprises. The policy designed for the small enter?rises seeks to promote in favour of employment and Kenyanisation of the economy. The legal control eracted for the small scale enter?rises as was observed sought to maintain the aethestic within the city environments. The two contrasting aims of the policy and the legal controls it was established in the study explains the disparity between policy implementation and the actual practice observed. The study also established that the small scale enterprises were highly regarded as a source of employment. However, the study established that the enterprises receive inadequate attention and there is always a breakdown in the administration of their interest and needs. It was established in the study the uncordinated efforts of agencies involved creates unconducive, environment for the small enterprises. In this study is was also established that small scale enterprises are a real source of employment. It was found that the small enterprises are not inadequate an type of employment. The operations of the enterprises were poorly organised and production was on subsistence basis. It was established that the state of these enterprises was a result of lack proper organisation, marketing "and training. The entrepreneurs are little equipped with the necessary knowledge of running a small enterprise efficiently. In the conclusion, a summary of the study has been presented and it from it that planning issues are discussed. There are suggestions of problems which are hampering the small enterprises in the area. A number of recommendations are made on how to deal with the problems identified. The study also suggests a number of alternatives of incorporating the small enterprises in the area. The conclusion remarks of the study are made which proposes that further research should be made in creating centres which specialize on less formedised ways of assisting the small scale enterprises