Risk Management Strategies and Sustainability of Women Entrepreneurship Projects in Kenya: a Case Study of the African Women's Entrepreneurship Program in Nairobi County

Abstract

Globally, women business leaders significantly impact their industries, markets, and communities through the creation of jobs, innovation, and economic growth. While some female entrepreneurs effortlessly achieve their goals, others encounter significant barriers such as limited financial access, resources, cultural responsibilities and lack of technical know-how. This study investigated risk management practices and sustainability of women’s entrepreneurship projects in Nairobi County. Three theories guided the study: the stakeholder’s theory, resource-based view theory and agency theory. This study employed a descriptive survey design to examine the information gathered from the target population's members. A census sample design was further employed, targeting all the 131 women who were active beneficiaries of the African Women Entrepreneurship Program in Nairobi County. Data collection methods encompassed questionnaires, rigorously validated to ensure accuracy and clarity. The Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences was used for both inferential and descriptive data analysis. The regression analysis suggested that adopting risk management strategies positively impacted the sustainability of women’s entrepreneurship projects. The study provided recommendations for policymakers, women entrepreneurship programs and the future of project management practice to develop customized risk management frameworks that address the distinctive challenges encountered by women in business.