Challenges facing income generating women groups in informal settlements: A study of selected women groups in Kibera

Abstract

This study examined the challenges facing income generating women groups in informal settlements in Kenya with a special focus on women groups in Kibera slums. The study stemmed from the need to evaluate the impact of efforts put in place by the government and other stakeholders to improve the socio-economic status of women in Kenya. Thus, this study examined the underlying factors that affect the performance of women groups in Kibera slums. In this, we focused on the income generating activities that women groups in Kibera engage in, rules, regulations and procedures governing the operations of these groups and the socio-economic challenges facing women groups. The study was anchored in Sara Longwe’s women empowerment model as its conceptual framework. Using the model, we explored challenges facing women groups and the strategies that these groups employ to improve their socio-economic status. The study employed structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion in data collection. Data collected was cleaned, coded and entered in the computer. With the aid of SPSS, we subjected the refined data to analysis. Qualitative data was categorized into themes and subthemes for easier interpretation and analysis. The findings indicate that women groups in informal settlements have devised various income generating activities to improve their income, have got strict rules and regulations governing their operations and show a strong commitment to what they do in order to improve their socio-economic challenges. The findings from the study will be very informative to the government, NGOs and other Policy makers on the best strategies to use in empowering women in Kenya.