Kenya Women Entrepreneurs and Access to Micro Finance Services Case Study of KWFT (Kiambu)

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between income-generating activities and social empowerment of women. The author outlines the constraints that women face throughout the developing world, narrowing down to Kenyan women entrepreneurs. The issues that the research considered include the opportunities and constraints that micro finance offers to women entrepreneurs and the use of loan money. These issues resonate on a global level and are of critical importance. Women's work can no longer go unaccounted for, because it is integral and perhaps driving force behind many processes of development. This study used a quantitative and qualitative approach. Questionnaires, interviews and secondary data were used and data was collected from the target population made up of women entrepreneurs in Kiambu, women leaders, community leaders and staff of KWFT Kiambu. The study concluded that the women entrepreneurs in Kiambu rely on farming as their main source of income. Further the research found out that there is a positive impact felt by the women due to the loans. This impact is mainly felt in these women's homes. The study recommends that KWFT designs financial products that are unique to the women entrepreneurs in Kiambu, given that majority of the women are farmers.