An investigation into the challenges that hinder the growth of micro enterprises in Kenya: a case study of metal works in Thika town

Abstract

Micro Enterprises are Important to any country. In developed countries MEs also undertake entrepreneurship innovations and inventions. In Kenya SMEs are the fastest growing sector of the economy and employ about 40%) or the workforce. The main objective of the study was to investigate the challenges that hinder the growth of Micro-enterprises in Kenya. The potential or MEs is in the creation or jobs, poverty eradication and development or an appropriate technology suitable for the country. The growth or the enterprises would ensure Kenya achieved the industrial country status by the year 2020, The literature reviewed indicated that over 90% of businesses do not mature into sustainable businesses or big corporate bodies due to lack of credit and insufficient training, Other variables incorporate in this study arc problems or material procurement, security and lack of meaningful government support. A sample of about 60 MEs in metal fabrication in Thika town were selected and self-administered questionnaires distributed 38 of them responded. It was round that the most important hindrance to growth was lack of credit inability to secure materials cheaply, lack of market insufficient government support, lack of proper training and security in that order. The findings are presented in chapter lour which was analvzed using statistical package for social sciences. Conclusions and recommendations in chapter five have centered on how these problems may he solved.