FACTORS AFFECTING ACCESS OF WOMEN ENTERPRISE FUNDS BY WOMEN GROUPS IN NAKURU WEST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Women’s involvement in entrepreneurship is necessary for economic growth of nations. Women in developed countries have access to capital and their acceptance as business owners has improved while in developing countries they face obstacles including lack of access to finance. This study sought to establish factors affecting access of women enterprise in Nakuru West Sub-County, Kenya. The study focused on the effect of credit rating on access to women enterprise fund. A descriptive survey research design was employed. A sample of 79 respondents was selected from a population of 376 using simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used for data collection constructed on a five point Likert Scale. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 in form of both descriptive and inferential statistics presented in tables and discussions thereof. The study established that credit rating significantly affects access to women enterprise fund accounted for up to 22.5% of total variance in access to women enterprise fund. The study concluded that credit rating have a significant effect on access to women enterprise funds. The study recommended that group leaders should encourage members to enhance credit history to raise their access to financing. Keywords: Women Enterprise fund, Women Groups, Credit Rating, Credit History, Financing