Entrepreneurial Strategies and Growth of Women Micro-Enterprises in Kenya: A Case of Ongata Rongai, Kajiado North Sub County

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine entrepreneurial strategies and growth of women micro-enterprises in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado North Sub County. The study sought to establish the influence that innovation, networking, entrepreneurial training, and entrepreneurial finance have on the growth of women micro-enterprises in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado North Sub County.Methodology: The target population was three hundred and seventy-two registered enterprises in Ongata Rongai. Sample size determination table by Krejcie and Morgan (1970) was used. Hence, the sample size was one hundred and eighty-nine respondents. Questionnaires were the key data collection instrument. The collected data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive data were summarized into frequencies and percentages with the help of the SPSS and presented using tables, figures, and pie charts. On the other hand, inferential analysis helped in establishing the statistical relationship between entrepreneurial strategies and growth of Women-led enterprises. Multiple Regression model was used to present the inferential analysis.Findings: The study found that eighty-one-point seven percent variations on the growth of women-led enterprises are explained by innovation, networking, entrepreneurial training, and entrepreneurial finance. There is a positive association and significant relationship between Innovation, Networking, Entrepreneurial Training and Entrepreneurial Finance.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that there is a need for opportunities to be created that can help women entrepreneurs to network with other individuals from various professions on a regular basis. Women entrepreneurs should also seek more training in entrepreneurship skills. There is also need for mentorship and incubation programs aimed at promoting the growth of women enterprises. Financial institutions should also target women entrepreneurs through easy access to financial support. There is a need for a similar study to be carried out to establish the challenge facing the attainment of entrepreneurial skills among women entrepreneurs in rural or remote areas of Kenya.