Socio-Cultural Factors and Growth of Women-Owned Micro and Small Enterprises in Likuyani Sub County, Kakamega County

Abstract

Purpose: This study focused on the social- cultural factors and growth of Micro and Small enterprises owned by women in Likuyani Sub County, Kakamega County, Kenya. The study sought to investigate the social –cultural factors that influence the growth of women-owned MSE enterprises in Likuyani sub County, Kakamega County, Kenya. The specific objectives for the study were :-To determine the influence of literacy on the Growth of women-owned MSEs in Likuyani Sub County, Kakamega County, determine the influence of discrimination on the Growth of women-owned MSEs in Likuyani Sub County, Kakamega County, find out the effects of domestic commitments on the Growth of women-owned MSEs in Likuyani Sub County, Kakamega County and to establish the influence of social networking on the Growth of women-owned MSEs in Likuyani Sub County, Kakamega County.Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study targeted a population of 729 women-owned MSEs in Likuyani Sub County who were sampled using Stratified sampling to arrive at an adequate sample of 252 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used as a tool to collect primary data. Validity and reliability tests were done on the research tool through piloting before administration. The data collected was analyzed using quantitative analysis to produce descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to predict a study model.Findings: The study findings showed that; literacy, discrimination, domestic commitments and social networking, had a significant positive influence on the Growth of women-owned MSEs in Likuyani Sub County. In conclusion, the study revealed at 5% level of significance, 67.7% of variation in Growth of women-owned MSEs in Likuyani Sub County being explained by literacy levels, discrimination, domestic commitments, and social networking.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that; women in Kakamega County should seek to access basic secondary school education at minimum to attain some basic entrepreneurial skill and business skills access; the county government of Kakamega should take stringent measures for ensuring that section of the constitution of Kenya relating to gender equity and rights of women are keenly observed for eliminating discrimination; there should be equal sharing of domestic commitments and promotion of women rights through equal gender division of labour between husband and wife or within the family, women within the county should build strong social networking