Socio-economic Characteristics and the Performance of Women- Owned Enterprises in Mumias Town

Abstract

This study examines how socio-economic characteristics affect the performance of women owned enterprises in Mumias town. This study builds upon the premise that differences in socio- economic characteristics affects performance of women owned enterprises. The study utilizes social change theory. The following were the study objectives; to determine how differences in education levels of women entrepreneurs affect the performance of their businesses; to determine the impact of dependency on the performance of women- owned enterprises; to determine how differences in age affects the performance of women owned enterprises, to determine the impact of marital status on the performance of women- owned enterprises. Interviews were held with eighty female entrepreneurs selected on a random basis. Five key informants provided detailed information on key areas of the study. The study reveals that socio-economic characteristics affect the performance of women-owned enterprises in different ways. This is manifested by differences in income, the number of workers and the initial capital available to start enterprises. The study has established that education; marital status and age were positively related to the enterprises income. However a large number of dependents have negatively affected enterprises income The study recommends the government should invest more in education of women, as it is key to better performance of women-owned enterprises. Secondly the government and nongovernmental organization should provide more capital to poor enterprenuers. Lastly the government (Local Authority) should provide enabling environment to entrepreneurs for the purposes of development.