http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/107038 Mon, 18 May 2026 20:43:35 GMT 2026-05-18T20:43:35Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/168175 Influence of Women Economic Empowerment Practices on Performance of Business Incubator for African Women Entrepreneurs Project in Kenya Munyao, Nancy W In contemporary corporate world, women enterprises are increasingly becoming the significant contributors of economic growth in the industry. Women economic empowerment practices are gaining more prominence among development organizations with the focus on increasing growth and performance of women-owned enterprises. Over the years, women-owned enterprises have faced numerous challenges leading to declining growth and even total failure of others. This study sought to assess the influence of women economic empowerment practices on performance of Business Incubator for African Women Entrepreneurs (BIAWE) project in Kenya. The specific research objectives of this study were to determine the influence of capacity building of women entrepreneurs, credit and savings, start-up tools on performance of Business Incubator for African Women Entrepreneurs project in Kenya. This study was guided by the Feminist Theory and Institutional Theory which were linked to the various study variables. The study adopted descriptive survey design method to select a sample of 30 participants. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 16 participants for in-depth interview and 4 key informants’ interviews while convenient sampling was utilized to select 10 women focus group. The qualitative data will be analyzed by use of content analysis to get useful insights. Thematic analysis assisted in identifying patterns of meaning across a dataset that provided an answer to the research question. The study revealed gender disparity in entrepreneurship in Kenya; with the industry being male-dominated with notably fewer females than males due to cultural bias caused by patriarchal social authority structures and financial exclusion of female gender from socio-economic affairs of the society. BIAWE project played a significant role in women economic empowerment and growth of women-owned businesses in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study found capacity building including targeted training, innovation and effective mentorship programs to have significantly contributed to the performance of BIAWE program. It was noted that financial support services including capital, funding and credit services provided by the organization promoted financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs resulting in enhanced performance of BIAWE project. Furthermore, start-up tools and equipment including hairdressing equipment, sewing machine and handcrafted furniture enhanced the capacity of women entrepreneurs to perform, create employment opportunities and improve the performance of BIAWE projects. Therefore, the study recommends that: training and mentorship programs of entrepreneurs should be aligned with their desires, needs and the passion; moreover, the financial institutions should have all inclusive system of financial services in terms of credit options and savings services in order to increase access to financial services to women and provision of efficient and adequate start-up tools and equipment to women entrepreneurs for enhanced effective organizational performance. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/168175 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/168164 The Effects of Gender Based Violence Among Somali Women in Mbalambala Constituency, Garissa County Naima, Abdi I This study investigated the causes and effects of gender-based violence among female members of the Somali community in Balambala constituency, Garissa County, in North-Eastern Kenya. The study had three specific objectives, namely, to identify and discuss the forms of gender-based violence experienced in Balambala Constituency, Garissa County, to analyze the causes of GBV in Balambala Constituency, Garissa County, and to analyze the effects of gender-based discrimination prevalent among women in Balambala Constituency, Garissa County. The theoretical framework used for this study was the differential coercion and social support theory. The research design employed a phenomenological research design, where 50 adult females were interviewed. A snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents. Data collection entailed the use of in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. These allowed a rich exploration of social dynamics and personal experiences in relation to gender-based violence. The findings revealed a disturbing prevalence of gender-based violence, with participants reporting various forms of violence. These included humiliation, sexual coercion, coercion during pregnancy, use of force or unwanted restrain, and unwanted communications. The experiences of the participants in relation to gender-based violence included complex mix of social, emotional, and psychological challenges. These included social isolation, stigma, and other psychosocial challenges. The effects on the women included physical and emotional injury, economic abuse, and the perpetuation of gender-based violence due to cultural factors that resulted in the marginalization of these women. In lie with the differential coercion and social support theory, this could be explained through the low levels of social support available, which made the participants particularly susceptible to coercion and manipulation. Also, a persistent fear of retaliation, shame and guilt also impeded their willingness or ability to access justice and support services. The study concluded that there was a high prevalence of gender-based violence in the constituency, and this had various adverse physical and psychological impacts on the respondents. The study recommended the need for continued targeted interventions to counter gender-based violence. These included strengthening legal frameworks, intensifying support services, an inclusive approach that involves both genders in prevention efforts, culturally appropriate interventions that resonate with the communities’ norms and values, increased collaborations with local and international stakeholders, and a need to allocate more resources in the fight against gender-based violence. In conclusion, addressing gender-based violence issues required a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that deals with the root causes of the violence. Recommendations for further study included the need to conduct longitudinal studies that examine the long-term impact of gender-based violence. These studies may also examine the cultural implications of gender-based violence based on a study of the norms and practices that result in the perpetuation of gender-based violence in Mbalambala and similar communities. Finally, there could also be an examination that institute comparative studies between Mbalambala and other regions to examine differences in prevalence and also identify best practices and interventions applicable in different cultural contexts. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/168164 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/167585 The Influence of Open-air Market Crèche on Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Women in Informal Employment in Chuka Market, Kenya Njeru, Purity Exclusive breastfeeding is important in facilitating the growth and development of a child. However, exclusive breastfeeding is often not attained in developing countries since mothers have to go back to work. This study, therefore, sought to assess the influence of open-air market crèche on exclusive breastfeeding practices among women in informal employment in Chuka market, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to; evaluate the operational characteristics of the crèche facility in the open-air market; assess the breastfeeding related activities performed by women in the crèche at the open-air market and analyze the perception of women on the quality of crèche services in the open-air market. This cross-sectional descriptive study was anchored on two theories; the gender constructivism theory and the role stress theory. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample 30 mothers who work in the open-air market at Chuka and data collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis framework. The study found that the free and accessible crèche services significantly impacted the breastfeeding practices and work- life balance of the working mothers. The presence of trained attendees, flexible operational hours, and the integration of childcare and educational services were key factors contributing to the crèche's success. However, the study also identified areas for improvement, including the need for extended operational hours, enhanced privacy and comfort in breastfeeding spaces, and the provision of educational resources to support informed breastfeeding practices. The findings underscore the critical role of such facilities in supporting working mothers and their infants, with potential implications for policy and practice in similar contexts. The study recommends that similar crèche facilities be established in other informal markets to promote exclusive breastfeeding practices among women in informal employment. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/167585 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/167132 Negotiated Democracy and Women’s Political Involvement in Wajir County, Kenya Mohamed, Mussa H The main purpose of this study was to establish the effect of negotiated democracy on women’s political involvement in Wajir County, Kenya. Specifically, the study explored the extent to which negotiated democracy locked women out of elective politics in Wajir County; find out how the council of elders affect women’s participation in elective politics through negotiated democracy in Wajir County; determine how women, perceive negotiated democracy as a method of political participation in Wajir County; establish the strategies used by women against negotiated democracy as a method of political participation in Wajir County. This study used the fundamental radical feminist philosophy to highlight the issue of women's underrepresentation in leadership. The current study embraced a qualitative approach where an interview schedule and secondary sources of data were used to gather the data. The study targeted all women who have vied for political positions and those elected to other public forums including school and development committees. The IDIS interviewed 28 women and Key Informants Interviews among the five (5) leaders of the Council of Elders. The secondary sources of data were extracted from internet sources, existing literature, journal articles, and textbooks. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis. The study findings revealed that negotiated democracy provides for limited representation, which hindered women’s ability to participate fully in politics and leadership positions; that the respective council of elders played a critical role specifically in the process of endorsement and supporting leaders for the elective political positions where the endorsement carried weight in the respective community, which heavily influenced the electoral outcome of the selected candidate. It was also revealed that the majority of the women participants conceived that the approach of negotiated democracy demonstrated the highest level of frustration where most of them felt that despite their participation in the electoral process, their influence and matters of decision making power remained limited, and that substantive change was slow to materialize and that their decision making power was curtailed. They perceived that their opinions and perspectives were not given equal weight and they felt sidelined in favor of dominant interests of males or established power structures. The various strategies to be used by women to counter the approach of negotiated democracy include mobilization and collective action among the women vying for political seats, advocacy and lobbying, legal and policy, alliances and coalitions and by embracing media platforms. In conclusion, while negotiated democracy can be a positive approach to establishing stable governance, it is essential to ensure that women are not locked out of elective politics. By addressing the factors that contribute to their exclusion and implementing proactive measures to promote gender equality and representation, negotiated democracies can become more inclusive and reflect the diverse voices of the population they govern. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/167132 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z