Factors influencing women performance in entrepreneurship: A case of Salon businesses within Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

In spite of the apparent benefits of entrepreneurship, there is little empirical data on how far the perceived benefits of women entrepreneurship are realized in Africa (Chigunta, 2005) especially in rural areas where empirical research data is hard to come by. In view of this, a study on this topic was appropriate. Therefore, was important to conduct research involving women entrepreneurs under a collective culture. This study aimed at filling the gap by exploring women entrepreneurial future plans, problems of venturing in business and the motivation for entering entrepreneurial jobs among women in Eldoret. The study was guided by the following research objectives; To establish the extent to which career interest influence performance of women in entrepreneurship ventures within Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, to establish the extent to which access to funding influence performance of women in entrepreneurship ventures within Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, to determine extent to which influence of business planning skills of women on their performance in entrepreneurship ventures within Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya and to determine the influence of work life balance on performance of women in entrepreneurship ventures within Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. In this research, descriptive research design was used. This Study targeted 200 respondents/ women entrepreneurs from the selected salons in Eldoret town. The researcher employed Census sampling technique. A sample size of 132 was selected from the target population. The study employed the use of questionnaires as the main tool of data collection. Data collected was subjected to quantitative analysis to find out the major problematic factors and a test applied to find the statistical significance of the research questions. The study found out that many women entrepreneurs in Uasin- Gishu County were married women. This might have been because of the support that these women get from their husbands in terms of capital and moral support and guidance in business. The study also revealed that women with small households were more involved with business than those with large households. The study found out that majority of women entrepreneurs were those women with a relatively high level of education i.e. those with college and university education were more involved in business. This is partly because of their literacy level is high. The study found out that career interest in women lowered their involvement in business ventures This is probably because of the little time left on their disposal that is used as family time thus hinder their involvement in entrepreneur ventures. It is evident that the involvement of women in Entrepreniual ventures is faced with so many huddles that the majority of women have surpassed to be equivalent in business with the male. The mothering role of women is seen as a hindrance to performance in Entrepreniual ventures due to the work life balance that comes with their role. On the other hand majority of the respondents saw women as having the same capabilities in performing in business if given an equal opportunity with men. It is also seen that the women luck basic managerial skills like self-concept, managerial competence and commitment to business.