Factors Affecting the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Jua Kali Sector In Nakuru Town, Kenya

Abstract

-It is generally accepted that SMEs are becoming increasingly important in terms of employment, wealth creation, and the development of innovation. However many problems encounter SMEs and as a result, many firms perform dismally and fail to grow. In addition it is generally known and accepted that there is a high mortality rate of SMEs within the first two years. Given this high failure rate, it becomes vital to research the factors required to enable the SMEs to survive and indeed progress to the growth phase of the organizational life cycle. The study sought to establish the factors affecting the performance of small and micro enterprises (SMEs) traders at Limuru town market in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design to achieve the objectives. The target population under study was the 965 licensed SMEs by Limuru sub-county operating in Limuru Market in 2014. The study used a questionnaire to collect the required data from a sample of 274 SMEs. The data collected was coded, quantified and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data was analyzed by the use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study concluded that access to finance and availability of management experience are the key socio-economic factors affecting the performance of businesses in Limuru Town Market. The other key factors that were found to affect businesses in Limuru Town Market positively are: access to business information, access to infrastructure and government policy and regulations. The study recommended that the government should start offering basic business and financial management skills as this will enable entrepreneurs to make informed investment decisions as well as enhance their entrepreneurial skills that enable them to recognize and exploit the available business opportunities.