📄 Abstract
This study examines the credit access on the growth of women-owned microenterprises at Kibuye Market, Kisumu County, Kenya, a major economic hub hosting approximately 10,000 traders, of whom 70% are women. Microenterprise growth is assessed through indicators including sales revenue, profit margins, employee numbers, asset acquisition, business expansion, product diversification, financial record-keeping, profit reinvestment, customer base growth, and competitiveness. Employing a cross-sectional descriptive and correlational design, data were collected from 150 women entrepreneurs using structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaires. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive effect of credit access on microenterprise growth (β = 0.598, p = 0.000), with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.862, p = 0.000). While mobile-based credit platforms like M-Shwari and KCB M-Pesa were widely used, stringent microfinance rules, high interest rates, and limited financial literacy significantly hindered access and growth, exacerbating financial struggles for women entrepreneurs. The study recommends tailored financial literacy programs, affordable credit products, and policy reforms to enhance loan accessibility and foster sustainable growth.
🏷️ Keywords
📚 How to Cite:
Joy Ingado Aluvisia, Dr. Yasin Kuso Ghabon , CREDIT ACCESS AND GROWTH OF WOMEN-OWNED MICROENTERPRISES AT KIBUYE MARKET, KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA , Volume 12 , Issue 7, july 2025, EPRA International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Studies (EBMS) , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra23346