Gender Relations in Utilisation Micro Finance Resources among Women in Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a

Abstract

This paper explores gender relations in utilisation of microfinance resources. Focusing on women in Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a in Kenya, the paper argues that micro finance resources play an important role in economic development and reduction of poverty globally. They target the poor, a majority of who are women, through provision of credit services. In Kenya, microfinance Domestic Product (GOK, 2010). This shows the sector has an important role to play in economic growth of the country with the capacity to address financial needs of the poor population. However, in spite of the high contri with women utilizing these resources. The reasons for these are varied, among them gender relations between men and women, in a complex household situation in Kenya. These include women’s level of formal education; Gender based violence, poverty levels and lack of decision who have accessed resources. Again, societies in Kenya are and as such means that outcomes in multiple ways. Using case study, this paper set the overall objective as to explore gender relations in utilization of micro finan resources among women in Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County, Kenya.