Influence of financial services on performance of women owned groceries in Meru Town, Kenya
Abstract
Women workers throughout the world contribute to the economic growth and sustainable
livelihood to their families and communities. Today the economic status of women is accepted as
an indicator for society's stage of development. However, this is constrained by inability of women
to access financial services. This study investigated how availability of financial information
influences performance of women owned groceries in Meru town. The study established how
availability of financial information, banking services and credit services influences performance
of women owned groceries in Meru town. The study is important to managers in their pursuit to
finance micro and small enterprises. This study was based on Social learning theory, Pecking
Order Theory and the theory of Credit Rationing. A descriptive survey design was adopted in this
study. The target population in this study consisted of 4,333 women owned groceries in Meru
Town. A total of 353 participants was the sample. Primary data was collected using questionnaire
constructed by the researcher. Prior to the actual data collection process, a pilot study was
conducted in Nkubu Town. Split half technique using Spearman Brown prophesy formula was
employed to compute the reliability coefficient. A correlation coefficient of at least 0.7 was an
indication that the data collection instrument reliable. Data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS
version 22 as a tool of analysis. A multiple regression model was used to determine the degree to
which each financial services influence performance of women owned groceries. Data was
presented in form of tables and figures. The study strictly adhered to ethical issues guiding research
in terms of voluntary participation, anonymity and confidentiality. The study established that
availability of financial information positively and significantly influence the performance of
women owned groceries in Meru Town. It was also found that availability of saving facilities
positively and significantly influence the performance of women owned groceries in Meru Town.
The study further indicated that access to credit facilities negatively and insignificantly influence
the performance of women owned groceries in Meru Town. The study recommends that women
owned grocery businesses should strive to access financial information to enable their enterprise
to grow. Women owned grocery businesses should also endeavor to access saving facilities from
financial institutions to enhance growth of their enterprises.