Factors that influence the growth of women oriented micro enterprises: A case study of beauty care enterprises in Thika Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to access the factors that influence the growth of the small and medium enterprises (SMES). The specific objectives of the study were to identify factors influencing growth oriented enterprises, to identify challenges facing women in the growth oriented enterprises specifically on beauty care and make recommendations on how growth oriented enterprises could be improved. Despite the provision of finances by the government women entrepreneurs in urban areas do not seem to grow and expand their businesses (researcher’s observation). The study sought to determine factors that hinder growth of these enterprises with special interest on beauty care. The study was carried out in Thika Municipality which is an urban area within the Central province. In this research exploratory research design and descriptive survey design were adopted because there is no prior data that has been collected on the factors that lead to lack of growth of the beauty enterprises in the region. The study population constituted 700 beauty cares in Thika Municipality. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling was used to draw the sample of the study .A sample of 70 enterprises was used. Data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Descriptive and inferential statistics strategies were used .Data was interpreted and presented by use of visual aids that is Pie charts, bars graphs and tables. In terms of recommendations, the findings of the study suggested that the government and Non-Governmental programmes to work on special modalities on business incubators where women entrepreneurs will be trained on various business skills and nascent entrepreneurs will be nurtured. Women also require to be assisted to improve the productivity and competitiveness of their businesses. To increase their productivity and competitiveness they need to put some of the business income back into enterprise. This practice will guarantee specialization and hence profitability sustainable vertical growth in the long run. Women multiple roles and early socialization which have has conditioned women entrepreneurs to adopt household-centred business strategy rather than the business-cantered strategies have negatively affected their investment choices and growth strategies. Government and Non-Governmental programmes to sensitize women entrepreneurs to move away from stereotypic business activities are required.