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The Role of Uwezo Fund on the Economic Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kiambu Couty, Kenya

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  • Eunice Wamuyu Macharia

    (School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Dr. Jane Gakenia Njoroge

    (School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya)

Abstract

Empirical Literature review indicates that financial challenge is the greatest obstacle that most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face. Most of them opt to get subsidized governmental loans e.g Uwezo Fund, Youth enterprises fund and Women enterprises fund to finance their businesses. The researcher attempted to establish the role of Uwezo Fund on the SMEs growth. The significance of SMEs is largely recognized. Finance accessibility and other support services including training helps SMEs to grow. Uwezo Fund was started by the Kenyan government to help in eradication of extreme poverty and hunger and promote business start-ups especially by women, youth and people living with disabilities at constituency level. The researcher utilized Descriptive survey research design. 201 SMEs groups that had benefited from the Uwezo Fund in Juja constituency were the target population of which a sample of 61 respondents was selected which is thirty percent of the whole population. To collect data the researcher distributed Questionnaires to the respondents. Descriptive data analysis assisted by Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized in analysis. Bar graphs, tables and pie charts are forms in which data was presented. Percentages and frequencies were also used in presentation. The study outcome determined the role played by Uwezo fund towards SMEs’ economic growth in terms of creation of jobs and sales and profit generation. The theories that were used in the study to explain why SMEs chose Uwezo fund rather than other forms of financing are Trade off theory and Pecking order theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Eunice Wamuyu Macharia & Dr. Jane Gakenia Njoroge, 2020. "The Role of Uwezo Fund on the Economic Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kiambu Couty, Kenya," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 4(7), pages 527-537, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:4:y:2020:i:7:p:527-537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ciarán mac an Bhaird & Brian Lucey, 2010. "Determinants of capital structure in Irish SMEs," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 35(3), pages 357-375, October.
    2. Colin Mason & Ross Brown, 2013. "Creating good public policy to support high-growth firms," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 40(2), pages 211-225, February.
    3. Christopher T. Street & Ann‐frances Cameron, 2007. "External Relationships and the Small Business: A Review of Small Business Alliance and Network Research," Journal of Small Business Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(2), pages 239-266, April.
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