The role of microfinance activities on economic empowerment of women in Narok North Sub- County .A case study of Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT)

Abstract

The aim of this research work was to find out the roles of microfinance on women economic and social empowerment. It analyzes how microfinance empowers women in Narok North Sub County. A case study was used because it is the most efficient for this study. It gives an in depth investigation of the case under study. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to find out whether by MFI training influences women's entrepreneur motivation in Narok North Sub-county. to find out whether microfinance credit facilities influences women's source of income in Narok Sub County and to find out the effect of group savings activities on empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Narok Sub County. The descriptive research design was used to give views from respondents regarding the research. The target populations are 450 women in Narok North Sub County who have accessed microfinance services from the KWFT. The research study uses systematic sampling technique since the population under study is large. The data collection instruments used was questionnaires. The results was analysed descriptively and presented in percentages and frequencies. .From the findings it was found out that a great percentage of women ventured into income generating businesses with their source of income being loans from KWFT and they started making savings upon joining KWFT. The study recommends that, the financial services offered by KWFT awareness be created to have more women aware of the services that are within their reach. In addition, there should be a follow up on women who have accessed loans by KWFT to ensure that funds are used in the right way so that there is great impact in terms of moving from lower financial level to higher level.