Influence of Crediting Strategy on Growth of Small and Micro Enterprises in Kenya: A Case of Women Enterprise Fund

Abstract

Effective implementation of crediting strategy is paramount to the growth of Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) worldwide. Crediting provides adequate amount of initial capital needed by entrepreneurs to establish and operate their businesses. The government of Kenya having realized this scenario initiated the formation of Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) in 2007 as a micro credit to provide financial credit to women entrepreneurs throughout the country. Despite this, many women micro traders have inadequate access to credit to start and expand their SMEs. The specific objective of this study was to assess the influence crediting strategy on the growth of SMEs in Kenya. This research used a descriptive survey based design. The study’s target population constituted 2032 women group leaders from which a sample size of 335 respondents was selected randomly. Primary data was collected by use of structured researcher administered questionnaires. Data collected was analyzed by use of both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, by the aid of SPSS version 24. Both Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Linear Regression Analysis were computed to correlate the study’s variables. The study established a positive relationship between crediting strategy and the growth of SMEs. The findings of this study will help the government of Kenya in formulating and implementing crediting strategies that would make credit accessible and therefore boost growth of SMEs in the country. The study recommends that the government establishes policies that will necessitate accessibility of credit to SMEs in the country.