The impact of female entrepreneurship on economic growth in Kenya

Lock, Rachael and Lawton Smith, Helen (2016) The impact of female entrepreneurship on economic growth in Kenya. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship 8 (1), pp. 90-96. ISSN 1756-6266.

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing female entrepreneurs in Kenya Design / methodology / approach – The study draws on primary research conducted through face-to-face interviews with female entrepreneurs in Kenya in a wide range of sectors, each of whom has their own micro enterprise. It draws on the framework of Brush et al. (2006) and Baughn et al. (2006) to look at the entrepreneurship landscape in Kenya and the barriers and constraints faced by women entrepreneurs as well as the support and opportunities available. Findings- It was found that female entrepreneurs in Kenya face far fewer barriers to starting micro–enterprises now than ever before. It is proving to be a widely successful model which they use to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. There remain, however, a number of barriers to growth within the micro-enterprise sector. On the basis of these, the paper argues that in order for female entrepreneurship to have a greater impact on economic growth within Kenya, the country needs to introduce more effective policies, regulation of the informal sector and further support to women entrepreneurs. For example support could take the form of business training, mentoring and financial support. Originality / value – The paper presents original research on the growing phenomenon of female entrepreneurship in Kenya as a means of alleviating poverty. It considers how this trend relates to the growing availability of micro-finance.

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