School of Business and Economics (SOBE)

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    The impact of microfinancing on women entrepreneurship in Kakamega central district, Kenya
    (2012) Kirwa, Tecla C.; Ngoze, Moses; Embeywa, H. E
    Women play a crucial role in the economic development of their families and communities but certain obstacles such as poverty, unemployment, low household income and societal discriminations mostly in developing countries have hindered their effective performance of that role. As such, most of them embark on entrepreneurial activities to support their families. It is discovered that women entrepreneurship could be an effective strategy for poverty reduction in a country; since women are the worst hit in such situation. However, it is discovered that women entrepreneurs, especially in developing countries, do not have easy access to microfinance factors for their entrepreneurial activity and as such have low business performance than their men counterparts, whereas the rate of their participation in the informal sector of the economy is higher than males, and microfinance factors could have positive effect on enterprise performance. The purpose of the study was to establish the impact of micro financing on women entrepreneurship in Kakamega Central District. Specifically, the study sought to establish the impact of micro-credit on the performance of women entrepreneurs; the study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population will include 937 women entrepreneurs and 10 managers of the 10 MFIs in Kakamega Central District. The sample population was made up of 286 women entrepreneurs and 10 managers. Purposive sampling was used to pick managers who work in the 10 MFIs. Simple random sampling was used to select women entrepreneurs involved in the activities of the 10 MFIs in the district. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as means, frequencies percentages. Findings were presented using tables, frequency percentages, and figures. The findings of the study revealed that microcredit had great impact in empowering women economically, enhancing their communication skills, building their confidence, promoting their recognition in family, increase in decision making powers, increased income and enhanced reduction in poverty. The study recommended that the government should consider incentives (such as giving tax rebates) to microfinance’s and banks serving women entrepreneurs’ needs. Women’s Business Associations in collaboration with other business support providers should more actively advocate and lobby for a review of: Group lending practices, High interest rates, Short loan repayment periods and size of loans.
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    Effects of brand quality, brand prestige on brand purchase intention of mobile phone brands: empirical assessment from Kenya
    (Inovatus services ltd, 2015) Chepchirchir, Josphine; Leting, Mark
    This study aims to empirically examine the relationship between Brand quality, brand prestige and brand purchase intention of mobile phone brands in Kenya. A survey was used to collect data from a sample of 322 respondents. Data were analyzed by employing correlation, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that brand quality and brand prestige are positively associated with consumer brand purchase intention. The generalizability of the findings is limited as the study focuses only on Kenya. Based on the findings, companies involved in branding of mobile phones should focus on improving the usefulness of the brand quality and prestige. The study made a contribution in terms of allowing us to understand the factors that can contribute to the adoption of mobile phone brands
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    Causes and trends of public transport motorcycle accidents in Bungoma county, Kenya
    (2016) Singoro, Brian Wanyama; Wakhungu, Jacob; Obiri, John; Were
    There has been a drastic increase in the use of motorcycles as a means of transport worldwide due to various reasons. In Kenya, the increased use of motorcycles has been seen over the last decade. This increase has brought forth many challenges, including motorcycle accidents on disproportionate scale comparative to the world statistics. Indeed motorcycle accidents constitute a major cause of death and injuries to thousands of people every year. In spite of this, motorcycle accidents remain a neglected problem in Kenya. This study sought to determine the causes and trends of motorcycle accidents in Bungoma County. The study population comprised 400 people from households of motorcycle riders involved in accidents and those not involved. Key informants in the motorcycle transport industry were interviewed. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design to establish the causes, incidences/trends, and vulnerability of motorcycle accidents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of data. The study was anchored on both the crunch model and the wish to die and domino theory. The study found that human error is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. This is imparted on by poor regulatory and enforcement regimes. Structured and comprehensive training of riders on traffic code and regulations will most likely reduce accidents and associated economic losses. Collective action measures such as motorcycle Saccos for voluntary enforcement and pooling of resources, to aid riders in case of injuries and death, should be explored and pursued. The study provides information and insights on disaster risk reduction for policy formulation on motorcycle accident mitigation. From the results, the proposed strategies that can be employed to curb motorcycle accidents in the order of magnitude are: training of motorcycle riders; observing speed limits; improved roads; not driving while under the influence of drugs/ alcohol; not carrying more than one passenger; improved enforcement by police; proper motorcycle maintenance; wearing protective clothes/ helmets/ boots; wearing reflective jacket; and not driving while tired.