Exploring the socio-demographic characteristics and socio-economic benefits of the women enterprise fund for women in Kitui County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose:The study sought to examine the socio-demographic characteristics of women accessing the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) and to evaluate its socio-economic impact on beneficiaries in Kitui Central Sub-County, Kenya. Methodology:The study used a concurrent mixed methods design, collecting data from 64 women in eight WEF-supported self-help groups in Miambani Ward, Kitui Central Sub-County, selected using Nassiuma’s formula, PPS, and simple random sampling. Structured questionnaires captured quantitative data.Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, employing descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Findings showed that the majority of beneficiaries were married women over 30 years old with limited formal employment and secondary education or below. Most engaged in casual labor and had school-going children. The WEF significantly improved beneficiaries’ socio-economic status: 60.8% could meet household needs, 61.1% started small businesses, and 62.4% paidschool fees on time. Additionally, 66.9% reported increased respect from their spouses due to income contributions. Structural challenges were also evident, including loan access restrictions due to group quorum requirements (80.8%), loan defaults from absconding members (82.4%), high interest burdens, and insufficient loan amounts. Conclusion:The Women Enterprise Fund has positively enhanced the socio-economic well-being of rural women in Kitui County, though its impact is limited by structural and operational challenges.Recommendation:The Fund should adopt individual-based lending, strengthen field monitoring, and expand outreach to include more young women for broader and sustainable impact.