Factors Affecting Sustainability of Women Enterprises: Insights from Kapsabet Town (KT) Experience, Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting sustainability of women enterprises. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the effects of the managerial skills on the sustainability of the women enterprises in Kapsabet town, to identify the effects of financial requirement on the sustainability of women enterprises in Kapsabet town, to analyse how legislative and legal requirement affect the sustainability of women enterprise in Kapsabet town, and to determine the cultural factors affecting sustainability of women enterprises in Kapsabet to town. It is hoped that the study results will be used by the Government through the Ministries of Youth Affairs (MOYA), Gender and social services in developing policies for the disbursement of the Youth and Women funds to the small businesses. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population under the study comprised 80 women owners of retail shops within Kapsabet town. Stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample of 40 respondents who represented the target population. Questionnaires were used as the data collection instruments. It contained closed end questions. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and presentation of the results was done in form of tables, graphs and charts. The findings revealed that, organization culture, availability of finance, legal requirements and managerial skills affect the sustainability of women enterprises in Kapasabet town. The researcher recommended that the owners of the women enterprise should possess good managerial skills, adhere to the governing laws and have good working culture to ensure the survival of their businesses. Researcher recommended a replication of the study be done in other areas to ensure generalization of findings.