Factors influencing the sustainability of income generating among the Kenyan Rural poor: a case of Kikuyu Division, Kiambu County

Abstract

This study investigated the factors that influence the sustainability of income generating activities in the poor rural settings in Kenya. The study was carried out in Kikuyu Division, Kiambu County. A survey method was utilized, adopting both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection, analysis and presentation. A cross-sectional survey targeting those involved and practicing income generating activities was used. Additionally, key informant interviews were held with selected respondents including relevant government ministries, NGOs and other members of the private sector, e.g. banks, involved in supporting/promotion of income generating activities among the rural poor.

Questionnaires were used to collect data from the identified sample during the cross-sectional survey. Upon completion of all questionnaires, verification was done to ensure completeness and consistency. Descriptive statistics such as tables, percentages, frequencies were used to analyze data. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data mainly obtained from key informant interviews was analyzed manually by summarization, categorization and verbatim reporting where necessary.

The key findings included: Poor and impassable rural roads, unavailability and inaccessibility of water, unaffordable energy costs, lack of information among rural poor, that funding for rural IGAs is unavailable, stiff competition among rural IGAs and the indispensability of training to ensure proper financial management and effective competition. Finally, it is suggested that further research should be undertaken with a sample drawn from all districts in the country. This would allow generalizations of the findings across the country and form a basis of influencing allocations of CDF funds in particular and other available rural funding mechanisms.