CRITICAL ENTERPRISE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF WOMEN-OWNED SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES: A CASE OF NAKURU, KWALE, AND KAJIADO COUNTIES, KENYA

Molson Onchomba

About Journal

Aims and Scope

The Academic Journal of Social Sciences and Education (AJSSE) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering intellectual engagement in social sciences and education. Published by the Stanford Research and Publishing Institute, AJSSE provides an essential platform for international scholars, encouraging rigorous, innovative, and interdisciplinary research contributions.

The journal's mission is to enhance interdisciplinary dialogue and become a premier academic publication in the domains of social sciences and education globally. AJSSE welcomes research that addresses contemporary issues and theoretical developments across a wide spectrum of fields.

The journal covers an extensive range of disciplines, including but not limited to:

Social Sciences: Sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, criminology, public administration, demography, development studies, and international relations.

Education: Educational methodologies, policy studies, curriculum development, pedagogy, teacher education, and technology in education.

Interdisciplinary Studies: Corporate governance, industrial relations, cross-cultural studies, media studies, ethics, philosophy, communication, history, and women’s studies.

Creative and Performing Arts: Literature, visual arts, performing arts (music, theater, dance), and religious studies.

AJSSE publishes high-quality contributions in various forms, including original research papers, review articles, conceptual frameworks, case studies, empirical studies, technical notes, and book reviews. The journal occasionally releases special issues to spotlight significant topics within its scope.

Available in both print and online formats, AJSSE is committed to disseminating research that informs and shapes the academic and professional landscapes of social sciences and education.

Published Dec 2, 2025

Download

PDF

Statistic

Vol. 13 No. 4 (2025)

Dr. Molson Samwel Onchomba

Daystar University

Abstract

The study investigated critical factors influencing the growth of women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kwale, Nakuru, and Kajiado counties, Kenya. Anchored on the life cycle theory, the study adopted a descriptive research design. Data were collected from 708 SME managers and owners using structured questionnaires. Regression analysis was employed to examine the effect of key enterprise factors on growth. Results indicated that interest rates (β = 1.433; p < 0.05), inflation levels (β = 1.141; p < 0.05), collateral availability (β = 1.720; p < 0.05), and financial literacy (β = 1.720; p < 0.05) significantly influenced SME growth. The study recommends government intervention to facilitate credit access, including streamlined collateral registration and promotion of affordable credit facilities. Financial institutions should consider revising credit policies, appraisal techniques, and interest rates to support women-owned SMEs.

How to Cite

Onchomba, M. (2025). CRITICAL ENTERPRISE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF WOMEN-OWNED SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES: A CASE OF NAKURU, KWALE, AND KAJIADO COUNTIES, KENYA. Academic Journal of Social Sciences and Education, 13(4), 1–10. Retrieved from http://ajsse.org/index.php/1/article/view/327

About Journal

Aims and Scope

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.sidebar##

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.main##

Abstract

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##

Most read articles by the same author(s)