WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT: DETERMINANTS OF GROWTH FOR WOMEN OWNED SMALL TO MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the determinants of growth for women owned SMEs in Nairobi County in Kenya.Methodology: The population of the study was 100 exhibitions which were spread across five zones in Nairobi County. The target population was 500 small businesses. Stratified random sampling technique was used to determine the sample size.  A sample size of 100 SMEs was used. This study used primary data which was collected through use of a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was employed; which included; mean frequencies and percentages.  Inferential statistics such as correlation and regression analysis were used. The analysis was done using MS-EXCEL and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 17. The analyzed data was presented in frequency and percentage tables or pie charts.Results: The study results revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship between education and training and SME’s growth, there was negative and significant relationship between access to productive resources and SME’s growth, there was negative and significant relationship between competitive environment and SME’s growth and that there was a positive relationship between gender specific factors and SME’s growth. The results also revealed that there was a positive relationship between SME’s growth and women empowerment.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that the Government of Kenya (GOK), responsible authorities and the society at large should work hand in hand with women owners/managers of SME’s to aid them in terms of education and skills, finance and competitive environment in order to empower them.