Do Women Entrepreneurs Play a Role in Reducing Poverty? A Case in Kenya

Abstract

This paper has examined the economic role of women entrepreneurs in poverty reduction in Kenya. A case study was carried out among women entrepreneurs at the Maasai market within Nairobi City’s Central Business District. From the target population of 664, 15% were sampled for this study, through stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by use of questionnaires and interviews, hence analyzed concurrently. The study showed that the economic activities carried out by the respondents were similar in nature and included selling of African artifacts, clothing and ornaments. Most respondents (95%) used readily available raw materials to make their products for sale. Majority of the respondents (83%) agreed that the businesses had made them improve their economic status. The businesses contributed to the promotion of tourism, employment and export trade. The study concludes that women entrepreneurs play a major role in poverty reduction in Kenya.