Factors influencing women's economic empowerment; Kilgoris Division Transmara West District, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of the study was to establish factors influencing women's access to credit facilities for their economic empowerment in Kilgoris Division, Transrnara west district. The study targeted rural women, and the financial institutions providing credit facilities to the women in the district. The sample size was arrived at through use of systematic and simple random sampling techniques; the study employed questionnaires as research instrument. Data was collected by use of structured and sem i-structured questionnaires, the data collected was analyzed by use of descriptive analysis and the result plotted in percentage and frequency tables.

The study found out that there are a number of factors that influence women access to credit facilities which includes lack of access to information, availability of collateral, the influence of men, women's level of education and their credit worthiness. If women economic empowerment has to be achieved the above factors have to be dealt with. The research findings are meant to increase knowledge on the activities of the financial institutions and help local leaders, NGOs and other parties interested in women empowerment programmes to formulate strategies to ensure that women have an access to cheap credit facilities for their economic empowerment. From the findings of the study, it recommends that women should be given an access to information, credit facilities and they should be educated on the best management and entrepreneur skills to enable them develop viable businesses.

The study also recommends that women empowerment programs should be strengthen in the division in order to promote women economic empowerment. On the level of illiteracy adult education programs should be promoted, there has to be an increase in organizations of workshops, seminars and trainings to enhance awareness and ensure women econorn ic empowerment.