Evaluation of determinants affecting the growth of small scale retailers in Bomet county, Kenya: a case study of Konoin division
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Date
2014-07-14
Authors
Bii, Cheruiyot Paul
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Abstract
Micro and small scale enterprises have been accepted worldwide as instrument of
economic growth and development. No wonder the government, particularly in
developing countries has made tremendous efforts and establish policies to enhance
the capacity of micro and small scale enterprises. However, despite government
institutional and policies support to enhancing the capacity of small and medium scale
enterprises, they have fallen short of expectations. This, then generate serious
concerns and scepticism on whether SMEs can bring about economic growth and
national development in Kenya. This study therefore, aimed at evaluating the
determinants that affect the growth of small scale retailers in Konoin Division, Bomet
County. This is because; many economic determinants affect the growth of small
scale retailers which have a negative effects on their business. It was guided by the
following objectives; to determine how entrepreneurs' preparedness affect the growth
of their business, to evaluate the effect of marketing skills and knowledge on the
growth of small business retailers, and to examine the effect of government
regulations on the growth of small scale retailers. Which answered the following
research questions; what is the effect of entrepreneurs' preparedness on the growth of
their business? How does marketing skills and knowledge affect the growth of small
scale retailers? How do the government regulations affect the growth of small scale
retailers? A descriptive research design was adopted, employing questionnaires
because it was easy to analyse. The target population was 660 respondents; this was
achieved by using random sampling method. The data was analysed by use of
Statistical Package for Social Science. Validity was achieved by pre-testing,
reliability was ensured by discussing the relevance of the research with the
supervisor. The findings were, most of the small scale retail businesses have
stagnated due to poor marketing knowledge and skills of their business. Moreover,
this is because most of the entrepreneurs have poor knowledge of the business they
operate. Others are not aware of the existing programs that the government have put
in place to assist in running their business. Recommendations are Entrepreneurs are
encouraged to advertise their products and services through media and other social
networks. The government should invest more on infrastructure like roads and
electricity so as to assist these entrepreneurs to easily deliver their goods and services
to the markets on time. The government should also provide advisory services to the
small and medium enterprises. The government should provide friendly
administrative services to these entrepreneurs so as to help them grow. Entrepreneurs
are encouraged to create product awareness through publicity and advertisement.
Most of them has been known by customers as well servicing and therefore has
attracted more customers through their premise repute, they should therefore use the
same method to increase sales and invest in voluntary support to the community as a
way of creating the product and service awareness.
Description
Department of Business Administration, 49p. 2013, HD 2346 .K4C49