Factors Influencing The Implementation Of Table Banking Among Women In Kenya: A Case Of Homabay Town Sub-county

Abstract

Microfinance has received significant global recognition since the year 2005. The 2005 World Summit outcome document recognized the need for access to financial services, in particular for the poor. Since then, many micro-finance initiatives targeting the poor, especially women, have emerged. Table banking is one example of such micro-finance initiative. Its popularity has been growing among governments and development agencies as a tool for achieving socio-economic development. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the implementation of table banking among women in Kenya with focus on Homa-Bay town Sub-County. The study was guided by four objectives: To determine the extent to which socio-economic factors influence implementation of table banking among women in Homa-Bay Town Sub-County, to assess the extent to which cultural factors influence the implementation of table banking among women in Homa-Bay town sub-County, to examine how political factors influence implementation of table banking among women in Homa-Bay town sub-County and to determine how capacity building influences implementation of table banking among women in Homa-Bay town sub-County. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population was 1970 comprised of 1962 women in registered table banking groups in the sub county and 8 staff from the department of social services working with the table banking groups. A sample of 322 respondents was selected from the women. Proportionate and systematic sampling was used to select the respondents from the women practicing table banking and census for the staff. The researcher employed the use of questionnaires and interview schedule to collect data. Validity and reliability of the instruments was determined through a pilot study in Rangwe sub-county. Their reliability was established using split half method. Data from the study was then coded and checked for coding errors and omissions. The data was presented in frequency distribution tables. Frequency and percentages was used to describe responses with regard to the research questions. The researcher analyzed the data and made appropriate discussions after each analysis. The study found out that socio-economic, cultural and political factors as well as capacity building influence implementation of table banking among the women in the sub-county. It shed light on the various aspects of these factors and how they influence the implementation of table banking among women in Kenya. From the findings, a conclusion is drawn that table banking is a complex institution that is uniquely appropriated by people as a result of the socio-economic, cultural and political milieu in which they live. Responsible government agencies and development partners should therefore not assume a universal or blanket design for table baking projects targeting women in Kenya. Since table banking contributes to women empowerment, recommendation is given that women should be encouraged to join table banking groups but with due consideration of the socio-economic, cultural and political factors as related to their specific context and circumstances. Because the factors influencing the implementation of table banking among women seem to be context specific, further recommendation is given that similar studies should be conducted in other sub-counties to determine the specific factors influencing implementation of table banking among women for comparison purposes.